8 summer fireworks festivals to catch in Japan this year
These fireworks festivals are why you should go to Japan in summer!
Previously, we told you why you should travel to Japan in summer, and one of the main reasons is Japan’s magnificent fireworks festivals, which are usually held during summer.
If you’ve been to one before, you’ll know how dazzling and incredible Japan’s fireworks are. The sheer quantity and size of the fireworks lighting up the dark sky will leave you in awe.
Depending on the individual festivals, some fireworks shows can last up to two hours! These are usually broken up into segments with the announcements of sponsors, dedications and messages.
Here are eight summer fireworks festivals happening this year in Japan. Most of these fireworks festivals are ticketed, and some come with guaranteed seats. This means you don’t have to bring your own chair or picnic mat, nor stand throughout the show. So, if you want a good and comfortable view of the fireworks, be sure to book your tickets early.
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1. Atami Fireworks Festival
First started in 1952, this is the only festival in this list that is held not only in summer, but throughout the entire year. Some 5,000 fireworks are expected to be set off.
Where: Atami Bay, Shizuoka
When: 28 July and 5, 8, 18, 22, 25 August
Time: 8:20pm to 8:45pm
Kamakura & Atami Fireworks Cruise 1-day Tour at S$140.92 (was S$176.15)
Atami Fireworks Festival & Mt. Omuro 1-day Tour at S$84.55
Atami Marine Fireworks Festival, Fuji Safari Park, Gotemba Outlet at S$93.95
Atami Fireworks Festival & Mt. Izu Omuro One-day Tour from Tokyo at S$83.55
2. Kashiwazaki Fireworks Festival
One of Echigo, Niigata’s three major fireworks festivals, this festival represents the fireworks by the sea. Kashiwazaki Fireworks Festival is traditionally held on 26 July every year. About 15,000 fireworks are expected to be launched.
Where: Kashiwazaki Beach, Niigata
When: 26 July
Time: 7:30pm to 9:10pm
Kashiwazaki Fireworks Festival 2-day Tour from S$253.65
3. Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
One of Echigo, Niigata’s three major fireworks festivals, this festival represents the fireworks by the river. Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is traditionally held on 2 and 3 August every year. Around 20,000 fireworks will be launched over the two days.
Where: Shinano River, Nagaoka, Niigata
When: 2, 3 August
Time: 7:20pm to 9:10pm
Nagaoka Matsuri Big Fireworks Festival 2D1N Tour at S$468.79
4. Katakai Fireworks Festival
One of Echigo, Niigata’s three major fireworks festivals, this festival represents the fireworks in the mountains. Katakai Fireworks Festival is traditionally held on 9 and 10 September every year. Approximately 15,000 fireworks will be launched during the two-day festival.
Where: Katakai, Niigata
When: 9, 10 September
Time: 7:30pm to 10:20pm
Katakai Fireworks Festival 2-day Tour at S$244.26
5. Huis Ten Bosch Kyushu Ichi Fireworks Festival
Touted as Kyushu’s biggest fireworks festival, this year marks the 10th time they are holding this festival. Some 22,000 fireworks are expected to be set off.
Where: Huis Ten Bosch, Nagasaki
When: 7 October
Time: 6:45pm to 8:30pm
Huis Ten Bosch Kyushu Big Fireworks Festival at S$142.80
Kyushu Ichi Fireworks Festival 2023 Day Tour from Fukuoka at S$142.89
6. Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival
Around 10,000 fireworks will light up the surface of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan.
Where: Lake Biwa, Shiga
When: 8 August
Time: 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival “Biwako Hall Lakeshore Zone” at S$42.28
7. Shirahama Fireworks Festival
The biggest display will be held on 10 August, with about 3,500 fireworks lighting up the sky. The other dates will feature smaller displays with about 800 fireworks expected to be set off.
Where: Shirahama Beach, Wakayama
When: 16, 23, 30 July and 10, 20, 27 August
Time: 8:10pm to 8:25pm (until 8:40pm for 10 August)
Wakayama Shirahama Fireworks Festival 1-day Tour at S$64.18
8. Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
This is the most popular fireworks festival in Tokyo that attracts massive crowds. Approximately 20,000 fireworks will be launched.
Where: Sumida River, Tokyo
When: 29 July
Time: 7pm to 8:30pm
Sumida River Fireworks Festival Viewing Cruise from S$375.78
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