Written by Alexandra Ziminski
Tokyo fireworks festivals are the perfect excuse to don a yukata and have a picnic get-together. Here’s a round-up of what to see, where, and when — with tips for getting the best experience.
Held mainly in the summer months of July and August, these magnificent displays will knock the socks off anything you’ve seen before — especially if you’re lucky enough to see one of the competitive events attended by national and international pyrotechnic companies. We’ve also included information on other fireworks festivals held throughout the year.
Most popular summer Tokyo fireworks festivals
Hour-long lines to the station and shoulder-to-shoulder viewing are not uncommon at the most popular fireworks displays in Tokyo. Plan ahead to avoid the sweaty masses at these events.
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival: The big one
20,000 fireworksJuly 27, 2024
Asakusa
This celebration is on the bucket-list for many. The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Asakusa is a one-of-a-kind experience — and what comes with all that is intense crowds. Roughly a million people come to see the spectacle from just about any vantage point possible — river boats, rooftops, or just elbow to elbow in the streets.
But don’t let the crowds put you off: the 20,000(!) fireworks — in every shape and color imaginable — make up for it. This particular Tokyo fireworks festival dates back to 1733, so it’s rich with history, tradition, and intense competition between pyrotechnic companies trying to outdo one another.
For tips, check out our Sumidagawa Fireworks survival guide.
Tokyo City Pop (Fuchu) Fireworks
14,000 fireworksJuly 3, 2024
Fuchu
The only downside of this show is that the venue where the fireworks will be set off requires paid tickets. But that shouldn’t stop you — although your view may be slightly obstructed, you can still see the fireworks from the riverbed south of Tokyo Racecourse and some local parks.
Adachi Fireworks Festival
13,000 fireworksJuly 20, 2024
Kita-Senju
The Adachi Fireworks Festival sees around 13,000 rocket-type fireworks blasting off into the night sky. It’ll last for an hour and takes place along the Arakawa River — specifically, near Nishi-Araibashi Park. It has been going strong for more than four decades.
Katsushika Fireworks Festival
15,000 fireworksJuly 23, 2024
Shibamata
Also known as the Katsushika Noryo Hanabi, this event will take place at the Shibamata Baseball Field, about 10 minutes away from Shibamata Station. While it takes place on a weekday night, it should still manage to attract quite a crowd, what with its 15,000 fireworks lighting up the sky. It’s been going for over 50 years.
Edogawa Fireworks Festival
14,000 fireworksAugust 24, 2024
Edogawa
Another one of Tokyo’s older fireworks festivals, the Edogawa Fireworks Festival has been lighting up the skies for over 40 years. It’s a bit of a walk from either Koiwa Station (25 minutes) or Shinozaki Station (15 minutes) to the venue: the Edogawa riverbank. About 14,000 fireworks will go off set to music and grouped according to different themes.
Itabashi Fireworks Festival
13,000 fireworksAugust 3, 2024
Itabashi
The Itabashi Fireworks Festival lasts a bit longer than most Tokyo fireworks events. The main event viewing areas — the south and north banks of the Arakawa River — are around a 20-minute walk from the nearest train stations. The festival promises some extra-special fireworks, so make sure to get your best shot. The event is free, but reserved seating options are available.
Jingugaien Fireworks Festival
10,000 fireworksAugust 10, 2024
Jingugaien
Usually featuring 10,000 fireworks, this event was started as a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the opening of Tokyo’s famous shrine, Meiji Jingu. There are performances from various artists, and tickets are required for seats in Jingu Stadium and Chichibunomiya Rugby Field, but you can still see a bit of the fireworks for free if you’re around the area.
Lesser-known Tokyo fireworks festivals in summer
Smaller festivals offer a chiller, local experience — one that’s especially good for families.
Showa Kinen Park Fireworks Festival
5,000 fireworksJuly 27, 2024
Tachikawa
Taking place at the spacious, beautiful Showa Memorial Park, this event features only 5,000 fireworks but is still a popular one — crowds can reach 400,000. While entrance to the park is free from 6 p.m., entering the park well before then is recommended, if you want to stake out a better spot.
The organizers estimate that crowds will start to gather at 5 p.m., so try to arrive earlier than that — you could even stroll around if you arrive early enough. The park is great for a picnic, so why not enjoy a dinner accompanied by fireworks?
Hachioji Fireworks Festival
3,500 fireworksJuly 27, 2024
Hachioji
This event is a small one, with 3,500 fireworks brightening the skies above Fujimori Park, 15 minutes away from Nishi-Hachioji Station.
Okutama Nōryō Fireworks Festival
Around 1,000August 10, 2024
Okutama
Set beside a picturesque river, this show might not have the most fireworks on this list, but it is one of the most local and welcoming. Okutama is around 1 hour and 45 minutes from Tokyo, on the Chūō Line. See how to spend the day in Okutama.
Koto Fireworks Festival
6,000 fireworksAugust 12, 2024
Minamisuna
Prepare to see about 6,000 fireworks at Sunamachi Mizube Park near the Arakawa River, a 15-minute walk from Minami-Sunamachi Station. Starting as a small fireworks festival, it has grown in size in recent years and is now a bustling event. The venue is limited to 10,000 people, with all-reserved seating.
Ōme City Nōryō Fireworks Festival
4,000 fireworksAugust 3, 2024
Ōme
This festival was started to celebrate the arrival of Toei buses in 1948 and so is a very local fireworks festival. Held at Nagayama Park, a 10-minute walk from JR Ōme Station, the display usually features exactly 4,245 shots — count ’em. All seats are paid.
Akishima Citizen Whale Festival
UndisclosedAugust 24, 2024
Tachikawa
Celebrate the discovery of an ancient whale fossil at this small summer festival in Tachikawa that features fireworks on the first day.
Other fireworks festivals near Tokyo
Fireworks festivals are big all over Japan, not just in Tokyo. Here are some notable explosions that can be visited on a side trip from the capital — at different times of the year.
Pro tip: See our dedicated Yokohama fireworks article for more displays in and around Kanagawa (including the beach).
Lake Kawaguchiko Fireworks Festival
To be confirmedAugust 5, 2024
Kawaguchiko
Kawaguchiko is a top day trip from Tokyo and gets even busier in early August due to the massive fireworks display. Watch the sun set behind Mt. Fuji and see wheels of fire illuminate the mountain once again.
Kamakura Fireworks Festival
2,500 fireworksJuly 17
Kamakura
While not many fireworks are set off at the Kamakura Fireworks Festival, it’s still a tremendously popular display that pulls in the crowds. Set yourself up on Yuigahama Beach after a day exploring the Kamakura area and finish with a bang.
Sakura Citizens Fireworks Festival
20,000 fireworksAugust 3, 2024
Sakura City, Chiba
Chiba makes use of their space compared to Tokyo by putting on this ginormous show involving 20,000 fireworks. The Sakura Citizens Fireworks Festival has the added touch of a Dutch windmill to add something extra to your summer fireworks portfolio. The venue, Sakura Furusato Square in Sakura City, is around an hour and a half from central Tokyo.
Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival
UndisclosedJuly 26, August 5, 8, 18, and 23
Atami
The Izu Peninsula is known for its fireworks, especially in the summer months. However, Atami is the crowning champion — with more than 13 displays from May to March each year. Atami is close to Tokyo, especially on the Shinkansen, and there are also bus tours that stop by the fireworks throughout summer.
Hakone Ashinoko (Lake Ashi) Summer Festival
2,500 fireworks each dayJuly 31–August 5, 2024
Moto-Hakone
This is one of the biggest events of the year in Hakone and includes fireworks spanning a week, along with rituals, stalls, atmospheric lanterns, and a torii gate on fire. Around the same time, Hakone also hosts another popular festival.
Zushi Fireworks Festival
7,000 fireworksMay 30, 2024
Zushi
The seaside town of Zushi kicks off the annual fireworks season with a banging beach party. Just a few stops away from Kamakura, Zushi is a popular summer day trip, so you can expect this one to be busy.
Hamamatsu Flying Dragon Festival
UndisclosedMay 25, 2024
Hamamatsu
This isn’t a typical fireworks display — it comes with a 60-meter flying dragon spitting out fireballs.
| At the door: ¥500 | ||
Other big fireworks festivals throughout the year
Fireworks aren’t just reserved for summer, you know. These are the top out-of-season fireworks in and around Tokyo.
Chofu City Fireworks Festival
10,000 fireworksSeptember 21
Chofu
This event is one of the last fireworks sessions of the summer season. Expect the Tama River to light up with around 10,000 fireworks. There will be large crowds as about 350,000 spectators gather at the riverside near Keio-Tamagawa Station.
Kita Fireworks Festival
10,000 fireworksSeptember 28, 2024
Akabane
For another fun Tokyo fireworks experience, head to the display near Akabane on the Arakawa River. An impressive 10,000 fireworks usually go off each year. There is both paid seating and free seating available, but whichever you choose, it will be busy.
Tamagawa Fireworks Festival
6,000 fireworksOctober 5, 2024
Futakotamagawa
Despite the modest number of fireworks, this is another of the popular ones. While the fireworks took place in August in the past, the event has now been moved permanently to October. It is held around the Futakotamagawa area, just above the Tama River, and the fireworks are set off to music.
The festival gets crowded extremely quickly, so stake out a location as early as possible (or you can pay for a reserved seat if you’ve got the funds). Note that the event will be canceled in case of bad weather, with no postponement date.
Narita Fireworks Festival
To be confirmedNovember 2, 2024
Narita, Chiba Prefecture
Not far from Narita Airport, you’ll find a fireworks display to warm up a brisk November night. Expect award-winning pyrotechnics and both free and paid areas, with a shuttle bus available from three surrounding train stations.
Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition
To be confirmedNovember 2, 2024
Ibaraki Prefecture
This is not an ordinary display, but a competition where the very best pyrotechnicians fight off to display the best fireworks in the business. The event usually lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes, so make sure you settle in for a full night of brilliant color.
Tokyo fireworks festivals FAQs
What is the biggest fireworks festival in Tokyo?
In Tokyo, there are huge festivals like Asakusa’s Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (the biggest) and smaller ones held in quieter suburbs. Depending on your capacity to tolerate crowds, you’ll want to choose carefully. The biggest fireworks festivals will be extremely busy, so be prepared for stand-still crowds and a shoulder-to-shoulder experience.
Can I watch fireworks in Tokyo for free?
Fireworks events in Japan have historically been a free affair, but with an increase in visitors — and therefore costs — many cities have made paid seating available. These seats are usually on the front row of the action, but fireworks, by nature, can usually be seen from many free spots around the venues.
This post was originally published in 2015 and is updated annually. Last update: May 2024, by Alex Ziminski. While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
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