Written by Carey Finn
Researched by Alexandra Ziminski
The biggest fireworks festival in Tokyo will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 in 2025. The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is a highlight on the summer events calendar, attracting huge numbers of attendees.
You can expect approximately 20,000 fireworks, launched from two different locations along the Sumida River. According to The Japan News, you can also expect close to 1 million other people to attend.
For more details, see our Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival event page. We also have a helpful guide to surviving the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival — with tips on how to beat the heat, navigate the crowds, and get the best view.
Getting a better viewing spot as a citizen sponsor
If you want to secure a good spot ahead of time, you can become a “citizen sponsor”. By donating ¥7,000 to ¥25,000, you can secure a space in a special viewing area. You can apply online, or by postcard. Funds will be used to help cover the running costs of the event.
The postcard application period runs from April 28 to May 20, 2025, and winners will be selected by a kind of lottery. Online applications will open from noon on May 11, and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Details on how to apply can be found here. Note that there is no English-language support.
Sources:
- Sumida River Fireworks Festival official website
- The Japan News
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
