Hanabi festival (Japanese firework festival) is a major event that symbolizes Japanese summer! You definitely can’t miss them! Many fireworks displays are held in Tokyo from July to August. You’re sure to create wonderful memories no matter who you go with – family, friends, or your significant other. If you live in Japan, it would be such a waste to miss this! This article introduces 5 recommended firework festivals in Tokyo.
What Exactly Is Hanabi Festival?
In a nutshell, it’s a traditional event where you can experience Japanese summer with powerful fireworks that light up the night sky! Its history dates back to the Edo period. It is said to have originated from the Suijin-sai (Water God Festival) held at Sumidagawa in 1733. Initially, it was held to ward off evil spirits causing famine, but later it became an established event for Edo’s river opening and is now a summer tradition. Nowadays, people see firework festivals as a moment from golden days of youth in Japanese. There are many Japanese songs about hanabi festivals, which clearly shows how iconic this event is.
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
Where & When
Location: Sumidagawa
Date: 7/26 (Sat)
Time: 19:00-
Official link
How to get there
- Access: 5 min walk from Kuramae station, 15 min walk from Asakusa station
Information about this hanabi
If you want to go to the most famous fireworks festival in Tokyo, this is the choice! If you go to the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, which boasts the longest history in Tokyo, you are sure to make wonderful summer memories! The sight of 20,000 fireworks being launched from two locations is truly spectacular. The location in Asakusa is also attractive. You can enjoy it along with tourist spots like Tokyo Skytree and Senso-ji Temple, and it’s an area with advanced English guidance, so you can relax even if you’re not proficient in Japanese. If you want to immerse yourself in the extraordinary by wearing a yukata, this is highly recommended.
Minato Mirai Smart Festival
Where & When
Location: Minatomirai
Date: 8/4 (Mon)
Time: 17:30-20:00
Official link
How to get there
- Access: 7 min walk from Minato-Mirai sta, 14 min walk from Sakuragi-cho station
Information about this hanabi
The appeal of this fireworks festival is undoubtedly the collaboration between Minatomirai’s night view and the fireworks. You’ll be enchanted by the combination of the urban landscape and the fireworks. There are also musical performances, which are very enjoyable. Nearby, there is the Yokohama Chinatown and the famous Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, so you could plan to do sightseeing during the day and watch the fireworks in the evening. If you want to watch fireworks while feeling the sea breeze of a port town, don’t miss the Minatomirai Smart Festival.
Tachikawa Matsuri Showa Kinen Park Hanabi Festival
Where & When
Location: Tachikawa
Date: 7/26 (Sat)
Time: 19:15-20:15
Official link
How to get there
- Access: 10 min walk from Tachikawa station
Information about this hanabi
This fireworks festival is recommended for people who are sick of crowds. The venue is Tachikawa Showa Kinen Park, where normally an admission fee is required, but it’s free on this day! Since it’s a very spacious park, you can spread a picnic sheet on the lawn and leisurely watch the fireworks. There are also paid seats available from 15,000 yen, so splurging is an option. Access by public transport is also good, so please go and visit!
Katsushika Noryo Hanabi Festival
Where & When
Location: Katsushika
Date: 7/22 (Tue)
Time: 19:20-20:20
Official link
How to get there
- Access: 10 min walk from Katsushika station, 20 min walk from Kanamachi station
Information about this hanabi
The main feature of this firework festival is the proximity of the launch site and the viewing seats! You can feel the sound and light of the fireworks up close, offering an outstanding sense of realism! On the other hand, babies might get a little surprised. Also, the Katsushika location is one of its wonderful points. Being in Shibamata, a downtown area of Tokyo, you can see a traditional and authentic Japanese landscape. Significant crowds are expected, so early arrival is recommended. If you want to experience an Authentic Japanese Hanabi festival and streetscape, please go and visit this fireworks festival!
Edogawa Ward Hanabi Festival
Where & When
Location: Edogawa
Date: 8/2 (Sat)
Time: 19:15-20:20
Official link
How to get there
- Access: 15 min walk from Shinozaki station, 25 min walk from Koiwa station & Edogawa station
Information about this hanabi
This fireworks festival launches an astonishing 1,000 fireworks in the first 5 seconds! Surprise! Those who love grand spectacles should gather here! This year, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, it will power up its annual Mount Fuji-shaped fireworks and attempt a Guinness World Record for their launch height. If you miss it this year, there’s no telling when you’ll be able to see it next! Please visit this fireworks festival celebrating its anniversary year!
Other hanabi
Is it difficult for you to make it to one of these hanabi? No problem! Here is a list of some others that may be a little nearer or easier to get to:
Fuchu Tokyo Racecourse Firework, 7/2 – Official link
Hachioji Firework Festival, 7/26 – Official link
Ome City Noryo Firework Festival, 8/2 – Official link
Itabashi Firework Festival, 8/2 – Official link
Okutama Noryo Firework Festival, 8/9 – Official link
Jinjugaien Firework Festival, 8/16 – Official link
What You Should Prepare
Basic Items
- Drinks: It’s hot, so be careful about heatstroke!
- Towel/Handkerchief: You’ll sweat a lot, so it’s necessary
- Mobile battery: Your smartphone battery drains faster than you’d think in the heat!
- Insect repellent spray: There are many bugs at fireworks festivals held in parks!
- Cash (small change): Stalls are almost always cash-only. Even if you don’t usually carry cash, bring it for the fireworks festival!
Good to Have Items
- Sweat-wiping sheets: Those with a cooling effect are best!
- Handy fan: You’ll be in the heat for a long time, so it’s good to have one!
- Sunscreen: You’ll get sunburnt more than you think.
- Sun Umbrellas might be unnecessary in a crowded place as they can be a hindrance!
Clothing Advice
- Yukata: Excellent for photos! It’s surprisingly hot, so be careful about heatstroke.
- Casual clothes: The easiest to move in! Many people go to fireworks festivals in casual clothes, so don’t worry.
- Comfortable shoes: You walk a lot at fireworks festivals, and your feet get tired. Heels might be tough.
Confirming Address
- Check train schedules: Make sure you have an idea of the transportation because who wants to get lost in a crammed station.
- Charge your IC card: The congestion at stations on fireworks festival days is unimaginable. If you don’t charge in advance, you’ll be stuck.
How to Get Your Best Photo with Hanabi
- Night mode ON
- Flash OFF
- Person + fireworks silhouette
- Theater mode makes fireworks stand out!
If you’re spending time in Japan, these are the fireworks festivals you absolutely must see. Watching massive bursts of color on a hot summer night with someone special will surely leave a lasting impression—one that stays with you for a lifetime.
You don’t need language to feel the beauty of fireworks. Whether you’re confident in your Japanese or not, everyone can enjoy the magic equally.
So this summer, take a step outside and experience the wonder of fireworks for yourself!
