Written by Carey Finn
Researched by Alexandra Ziminski
The biggest fireworks festival in Tokyo will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 25 in 2026. The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is a huge highlight on the summer events calendar, attracting massive numbers of attendees.
You can expect approximately 20,000 fireworks, launched from two different locations along the Sumida River. Based on previous years, you can also expect close to 1 million other people to attend.
The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival runs from 7 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. on July 25, 2026.
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 apply to become a “citizen sponsor”. By donating an amount of between ¥8,000 and ¥25,000, you can secure a space in a special viewing area. This will be a simple chair or tarp, depending on what you get. The funds will be used to help cover the running costs of the event.
Applications can be made online from JST 12 p.m. on May 10, 2026, 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
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published on April 10, 2025, and last updated on April 8, 2026 by Carey Finn.
