Japan Fireworks Festival Guide 2024 | Get Info on the Dates, Locations and Transport

Trip.com has compiled the most popular fireworks festivals in Japan for your easy reference!

Japan Fireworks Festivals 2024 | The Top 3 | Nagaoka Fireworks Festival | Shinano Riverbed Downstream of Chosei Bridge | August 2-3

The 2023 Nagaoka Fireworks Festival was hailed by many as one of the most spectacular fireworks displays ever in Japan. This year, the event is expected to attract more than 500,000 spectators. Nagaoka Fireworks Festival features a variety of beautiful fireworks displays spanning a distance of more than 700 meters between the Chosei Bridge and the Ote Bridge, including the Niagara that looks like its namesake waterfall and the Phoenix that resembles a flaming bird soaring into the sky. Every fireworks showcase is an unparalleled visual treat!

Japan Fireworks Festivals 2024 | The Top 3 | Omagari Hanabi | Omono Riverside Ryokuchi Athletic Park | August 31

Omagari Hanabi, which is held in the Akita Prefecture, is the largest fireworks festival and national competition in the Tohoku region and widely considered as one of the "Top 3" fireworks festivals in Japan. The Daisen region will be in full celebratory mood come the end of August. Dazzling fireworks will light up the sky to tell different tales with the complement of music. Fireworks technicians will give their all to impress as they vie for the prestigious Prime Minister's Award. The fireworks performance is divided into two segments, daytime and night, the overall duration of which is around 3 hours.

Japan Fireworks Festivals 2024 | The Top 3 | Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition | Ibaraki | November 4

One of the "Top 3" fireworks festivals in Japan, the Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition is held on the first Saturday of November each year, giving spectators the chance to enjoy some of the best fireworks displays even in autumn during the 2-hour show. The Size 10 firework shells, which create large flowers 320 meters in diameter, are an absolute highlight. In addition, the "Star Mines" that are released in tens or even hundreds at one go are a breathtaking sight.

Japan Fireworks Festivals 2024 | Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival | Sumida Park | July 27

The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is happening this summer! The festival is regarded as Tokyo's three biggest fireworks events, together with the Tokyo Bay Fireworks Festival and Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival which are held in August, attracting millions of tourists every year. This year, the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival will be held on July 27. Normally, the performance is divided into two separate venues, with the first being from downstream of Sakura Bridge to upstream of Kototoi Bridge and the second from downstream of Komagata Bridge to upstream of Umaya Bridge. Approximately 20,000 fireworks will be fired into the sky across the two venues, creating a spectacle that is beyond imagination! Whether you are a fireworks fan or just looking for a romantic moment, the festival is not to be missed.

First venue (from downstream of Sakura Bridge to upstream of Kototoi Bridge) starts at 19:00

Second venue (from downstream of Komagata Bridge to upstream of Umaya Bridge) starts at 19:30

Stop at Asakusa Station, Kuramae Station, Ryogoku Station, or Asakusabashi Station (second venue)

Japan Fireworks Festivals 2024 ｜ Osaka • Tenjin Matsuri | Osaka Tenmangu Shrine | July 25

Tenjin Matsuri is an exciting summer festival featuring folk rituals, dance and music that culminates in a mikoshi procession and 1.5 hours of dazzling fireworks display. The festival is one of the most popular events in the Kansai region of Kita-ku, Osaka. During the festival, spectators will have the chance to don the traditional Japanese yukata, take part in fun activities, and watch gorgeous fireworks bloom over the Okawa River.

Japan Fireworks Festivals 2024 | Atami Fireworks Festival | Atami Sun Beach | April 13 to December 8

Atami Fireworks Festival is one of the most popular summer festivals in the city of Atami and a prominent fixture of Japan's fireworks festival circuit. Taking place along the coastline from Atami Sun Beach to Atami Port from April 13 to December 8, there are as many as 5 fireworks performances just in August alone. Atami Fireworks Festival is held in high regard with the industry and spectators for its rich history and excellent music and visual effects. The "Niagara" fireworks light up the entire beach in silver, presenting a one-of-a-kind visual treat for everyone. Besides a beautiful fireworks display, the event is also known for its romantic atmosphere. You will have the chance to enjoy the happy and exciting moments with other people and laugh and chat with them under the amazing fireworks display. What are you waiting for? Don't miss out on this romantic opportunity!

Japan Fireworks Festivals 2024 | Inagawa Fireworks Festival | Inagawa River | August 17

The Inagawa Fireworks Festival is one of the most important and spectacular fireworks events of the summer. On the third Saturday of August every year, thousands of people flock to the Inagawa River in Osaka to catch the colorful fireworks display. This year, the festival will be held on August 17 on the banks of the Inagawa River, which flows through the border of Ikeda in Osaka Prefecture and Kawanishi in Hyogo Prefecture. Around 4,000 fireworks will be launched as part of the performance. The highlight of the event is the large-scale continuous fireworks that will make the night sky light up as bright as day. The venue's open space offers a more comfortable and unobstructed viewing experience. At the same time, the launch site is also closer, giving the nearly 100,000 spectators each year a more immersive experience.

Japan Fireworks Festivals 2024 | Edogawa Fireworks Festival | Edogawa River | August 5

Since its first edition in 1976, the Edogawa Fireworks Festival has attracted a large crowd each year. This year, the festival is finally making a return after a four-year hiatus. The fireworks performance comprises 8 segments, each featuring its own music and choreography and many different kinds of fireworks to create a stunning atmosphere. A total of 14,000 fireworks will light up the sky for a truly amazing spectacle. Mark the date down on your calendar and start booking your tickets to Edogawa. This is an unforgettable experience not to be missed.

Japan Fireworks Festivals 2024 | Kachimai Fireworks Festival | Tokachi River

Kachimai Fireworks Festival, with its long history, has become an integral part of the Obon Festival in mid-August. Widely considered one of Japan's biggest fireworks festivals, the event attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year. This year, the festival is scheduled to take place around August 13. Approximately 20,000 fireworks will be released to the sky during each edition to the tunes of lively music. In addition to the beautiful fireworks, you can also enjoy local snacks at the food stalls along the riverbank. This is a summer event not to be missed. You are sure to have lots of wonderful and unforgettable memories there.

Japan Fireworks Festivals 2024 | Shirahama Fireworks Festival | Shirarahama Beach | August 10

Shirahama Fireworks Festival is waiting for you this summer in Wakayama! This year, the festival will be held on August 10 at Shirarahama Beach, and 35,000 fireworks are expected to be launched into the sky. During the event, spectators will have the opportunity to watch the 1,000-meter-wide fireworks display called "Niagara Falls." It is a sight to marvel at! Besides the fireworks performance on August 10, there are also smaller-scale but equally colorful fireworks shows (around 100 fireworks) every July and August night that create a wonderful ambience. Enjoy delicious food and the gentle sea breeze and party away!

Japan Fireworks Festivals 2024 | Nagano • Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival | Lake Suwa (in front of Lakeside Park) | August 15

Nagano • Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival is expected to attract around 500,000 spectators in 2024! The event has a long history that dates back to 1949. At that time, post-war Japan was still in turmoil, but the citizens were full of hope and eager to step out of the shadow of the war and rebuild their homes. That was the inspiration before this fireworks festival. This year, more than 40,000 fireworks will be fired above the lake, turning the midsummer night sky into a colorful canvas. In addition to the main fireworks festival, an event named "Lake Suwa Summer Night Fireworks" will be held every night from early to late August with a gorgeous fireworks display that lasts around 15 minutes. Spectators can enjoy the beautiful performance from the comfort of their hotel rooms or on the lawn by the lake.

Japan Fireworks Festivals 2024 | Suito Kurawanka Fireworks Festival | Yodogawa Riverside Park | September 15

Suito Kurawanka Fireworks Festival is a relatively new beach fireworks festival with unique fireworks displays, food markets, and concerts. This year, the festival will be held on September 15 at Yodogawa River Park's Hirakata area in Hirakata and Otsuka area in Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture. One unique feature of the event is that the number of fireworks released to the sky is the same as the number of newborns that year. Every firework represents a new life, giving more meaning to the performance. Suito Music Festival will be held concurrently to add more music vibe. Spectators should prepare themselves to party from the afternoon till late at night.

FAQ

What are fireworks festivals?

Fireworks festivals are traditional celebrations in Japan featuring amazing fireworks displays and live performances. Usually held in summer and autumn, they attract a large crowd of spectators and tourists.

Do you need a ticket to go to a fireworks festival?

Most fireworks festivals are free to enter, but some may require a booking or a ticket. For these festivals, ticket prices vary.

Will the fireworks festival be canceled in case of rain?

During wet weather, the fireworks performance may be postponed or canceled. Please check the weather forecast, announcements at the venues, and the latest news on the official websites.

Can you bring food and drink to the fireworks festivals?

Most fireworks festivals prohibit outside food and drinks. Instead, most of them have their own food and drink stalls in case you are hungry or thirsty.

Traffic Precautions

Fireworks festivals draw a huge crowd of local residents and tourists, so it is not advisable to drive to the venue as parking space is limited. Most of the festivals are held at public places, such as parks, riverbanks, and beaches that are accessible by public transport. It is better to take public transport to the fireworks festivals.

Tips

• Secure a viewing spot early

If you want to get the best view, then you have to reserve your spot early. Some fireworks festivals have reserved seats that are available for booking on the official websites. For free viewing areas, go early to reserve a spot. Remember to bring along a picnic blanket with your name to secure your spot!

• Dress local

You may have seen anime or Japanese drama characters watching fireworks in traditional Japanese yukata and clogs. Now is your time. Find suitable yukata and clogs in advance. If you don't feel like buying them, you can rent them from a local store instead.

• Mosquito repellent and stay cool

Most fireworks festivals are held in summer and autumn when there are lots of mosquitos at night. Remember to pack your mosquito repellent! Since you are likely to go early to reserve a viewing spot, bring along cooling tools like a handheld fan. A flashlight may come in handy at night too.

• Check the weather

Check the weather forecast before setting off. Fireworks performances may be delayed or canceled in case of bad weather. Look out for the latest updates on the official websites to avoid a wasted trip.