10 Most Famous Fireworks Festivals in Japan 2025

Japan has a long tradition of celebration and continues to have vibrant festivals. The fireworks festival (hanabi taikai) is one of Japan's most spectacular events, a cultural icon usually bustling during the summer nights with street food, games, and more festive celebrations that light up the sky. For your best Japan tour with the fantastic matsuri atmosphere, we now recommend the top 10 fireworks festivals in Japan for your reference.

Schedule of the Most Famous Fireworks Festivals

Note: Tickets for most of the fireworks festivals usually go on sale in May, so it's best to plan and book your trip to Japan as early as possible. While exact dates for some festivals have yet to be confirmed, we've provided the 2025 schedule for your reference. We will update the information as official announcements are released.

Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival

• Date: July 26th, 2025 (the last Saturday of July), 19:00 - 20:30
• Location: Sumida River, Tokyo

As one of the most spectacular hanabi displays in Japan, the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival can be a brilliant part of your trip to Tokyo in July and a special way to experience the culture of the Edo period.

The ancient Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai continued for about 300 years and still follows the traditional competition. During the 90-minute display, about 20,000 magnificent fireworks created by experienced, trained artisans will illuminate the night skies along the Sumida River.

The spot will be filled with crowds by then, so there is a need to reach it as early as possible. After the display, you can stroll around the Asakusa streets and Sensoji Temple, trying delicious street food. The illuminated Tokyo Skytree, one of Japan's most iconic landmarks, is a spectacular sight to behold along the Sumida River.

Tokyo Skytree

Edogawa Fireworks Festival

• Date: August 2nd, 2025 (the first Saturday of August), 19:15 - 20:20
• Location: Kamishinozaki, Edogawa, Tokyo

The Edogawa Fireworks Festival is another fascinating event in Tokyo. Held on the banks of the Edogawa River, there are about 14,000 amazing hanabi in total, each with its own beautiful design that will dazzle your eyes.

The opening sequence begins with 1,000 continuous fireworks in 5 seconds, followed by the unique and large hanabi blossom in the shape of Mt. Fuji, golden weeping willow, colorful rainbow, and more to surprise your imagination.

The celebration features eight different themes, each of which is accompanied by unique background music. You can have a view of the Tokyo skyline against the backdrop of incredibly dazzling light. The fireworks display along the Edogawa River is a great opportunity to take a great picture for your screensaver.

Golden Weeping Willow Fireworks

Yodogawa Fireworks Festival

• Date: August 2nd, 2025 (the first Saturday of August), 19:30 - 20:30
• Location: Juso Hogashi, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka

Also known as Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks, this hanabi taikai is now one of the biggest events in Osaka, a grand summer occasion lived up to expectations among visitors from all over the world.

The exhibition is performed on the banks of the Yodo River. Prepare to be amazed by a dazzling array of hanabi crafted by skilled artisans, lighting up the night sky in a breathtaking display. The city skyline beneath the fireworks creates a stunning visual contrast, making it a favorite for photographers.

Allowing for crowded visitors, it's best to arrive well before 6 pm, and the front-row seats are available for a better spectacular perspective. Adding to the festive atmosphere are locals dressed in vibrant yukatas and a variety of street vendors offering treats like grilled sausages, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.

Kamakura Fireworks Festival

• Date: Mid-July 2025 (yet to be determined)
• Location: Yuigahama, Kamakura, Kanagawa

While fireworks launched from the ground are captivating, those displayed over the ocean can be even more breathtaking. The Kamakura Fireworks Festival stands out with its picturesque seaside backdrop and relaxed atmosphere.

Held on Yuigahama Beach in mid-July, this hanabi taikai is one of Japan's most exciting ocean-side events. The show lasts nearly an hour, featuring 4,000 hanabi in various designs and sizes. A highlight of the event is the "underwater fireworks," which bloom like vibrant flowers just beneath the water's surface.

During the day, you can explore Kamakura's historic sites, including its renowned temples and shrines, or enjoy the refreshing summer breeze at the beach before the evening's spectacular Hanabi display.

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Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival

• Date: August 15th, 2025, Start from 19:00
• Location: Kohan-dori, Suwa City, Nagano

Held during the Obon Festival, the Lake Suwa Hanabi Taikai is a popular fireworks show featuring an impressive display of 40,000 hanabi. First held in 1949 to inspire recovery and hope after a period of great loss, it has since become one of the most celebrated summer events in Japan.

Two standout features of the show are "Niagara Falls" and the "Kiss of Fire." Niagara Falls is a breathtaking 2-kilometer-long cascade of fireworks launched simultaneously, while the Kiss of Fire showcases mesmerizing underwater hanabi that bloom just above the water's surface.

As the fireworks burst in the sky, the lake's surface reflects the dazzling colors, creating the illusion of giant, vibrant flowers blooming on the water, transporting you to a scene from the anime Your Name.

Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition

• Date: November 1st, 2025 (the first Saturday of November) 18:00 - 20:30
• Location: Ariakecho, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki

As the name suggests, the Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival is a competition where master pyrotechnicians from across Japan gather to showcase their craftsmanship. This event is a spectacular fusion of traditional hanabi displays, modern technology, and artistic designs - a true feast for the eyes.

Following the competition, the entertainment fireworks display is equally captivating and worth staying for. To fully appreciate the intricate details and advanced techniques, it's recommended to pre-book front-row seats. Alternatively, you can join the locals and claim a spot early with your picnic mats.

Adding to the festive atmosphere are numerous food stalls along the Sakura River, offering a variety of street foods like takoyaki, apple candy, and taiyaki. Enjoying these treats while marveling at the breathtaking fireworks makes for an unforgettable experience that delights both your eyes and taste buds.

Fireworks Competition

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

• Date: August 1st to 3rd, 2025
• Location: Okamuramachi, Nagaoka City, Niigata

As one of Japan's top three hanabi taikai, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is a must-see summer event featuring breathtaking displays, floating lanterns, and rich cultural experiences.

Held during the first three days of August, the festival offers a variety of attractions for spectators. Fireworks in the shapes of waterfalls, chrysanthemums, and volcanoes light up the night sky in vivid colors, while their thunderous booms resonate deeply. The highlight is undoubtedly the grand finale - a mesmerizing display of over 20,000 phoenix-shaped fireworks stretching across 2 kilometers, filling the sky with vibrant hues.

In addition to the dazzling hanabi along the banks of the Shinano River, the celebrations include traditional shrine float parades, traditional dance performances, and a serene riverside light-up with floating paper lanterns, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Kumano Fireworks Festival

• Date: August 17th, 2025, 19:10 - 21:30
• Location: Atawa, Mihama, Minamimuro, Mie

Dating back to around 1723, the Kumano Fireworks Festival has become a highly anticipated summer event for both the local community and international visitors.

The centerpiece of the festival is the enchanting fireworks display over the Kumano-nada seaside. The show features over 10,000 "Onigajo" self-exploding fireworks, creating a spectacle of light and sound.

One of the highlights is the pyrotechnic display launched from two ships, illuminating the night sky with dazzling designs and vibrant colors, accompanied by thrilling booms. The dreamlike seascape serves as the perfect backdrop for the brightly colored hanabi, offering a truly captivating experience. You can enjoy this two-hour masterpiece from Shichirigahama Beach, immersing yourself in its beauty and grandeur.

Seaside Fireworks Display

Omagari Fireworks Festival

• Date: August 30th, 2025
• Location: Shimotateno, Daisen City, Akita

Omagari Hanabi is celebrated as one of the best fireworks displays in Japan. Held along the Omono River, it is also a national competition showcasing the finest craftsmanship as hanabi are choreographed to music.

The Omagari Fireworks Festival is well-known for its daytime show and evening hanabi display. From day to night, many groups of top-notch teams were invited to participate in the event, launching thousands of rockets into the sky. Don't forget to take notes and cast your vote for your favorite display.

The nighttime fireworks are the festival's crowning glory. The skies above Daisen ignite with a mesmerizing array of colors and patterns, synchronized to music and dramatic staging. This stunning visual and auditory experience is sure to leave you in awe.

Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival

Date: Late August, 2025 (yet to be determined)

Location: Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima

The Miyajima Fireworks Festival is held off the coast of Miyajima annually in late August. The special site gives the display an unimaginable charm for Hanabi lovers. You can enjoy a wonderful view of nearly 5,000 spectacular fireworks reflecting off the water, while the torii gate stands amid the backdrop of the explosions.

The display usually lasts for one full hour. You can watch the show in the seaside areas, but they will be crowded. It's better to book a nearby hotel in advance to get a different sight or shoot a panoramic light show from the mainland of Hatsukaichi or Hiroshima. Additionally, Miyajima is an iconic cultural destination for the ancient structures and tranquility that form another of its charms.

Unfortunately, the 50-year-old fireworks festival has been announced to stop after 2022. We will continue to follow the local information and update you if it reopens.

Miyajima Shrine at Night

Enjoy Top Japanese Fireworks Festivals With Odynovo

The Japanese fireworks festival is not only about hanabi, but also about food, music, and traditional culture. If you are planning a trip to Japan in the summer, or would like to add the blooming night flowers to your journey, please get in touch with Odynovo at [email protected] for the best itinerary according to your preferences.