Japanese Firework Festival in 2023: A Visual Extravaganza of Lights and Colors!

It’s hard to keep track of the whole event as festivals take place all over the city. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to the Japanese firework festival in 2023. Our guide covers everything you need to know for a great experience during the fireworks season in Tokyo. So put on your yukata, find a good spot, and get ready to embrace the magic of the Tokyo summer sky!

Where and when does the Japanese fireworks celebration take place?

Here is a summary of the schedule, launch location (location), number of launches, and access to the fireworks festivals scheduled to be held throughout Japan in 2023.

This year, large-scale fireworks festivals are back in various places!

Please enjoy the fireworks festival after a long absence.

1. April

1.1. Spring Break Special Fireworks from Huis Ten Bosch in [Nagasaki Prefecture]

• Time of holding: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 20:30–20:45
• Location: Harbor Town Maritime
• Number of fireworks: 2000 times
• Access: Only a short drive from Oto IC and JR Huis Ten Bosch Station.
• Paid fee

1.2. [Kagoshima Prefecture] Sakurajima and Artistic Fireworks 2023

• Time of holding: Saturday, April 8, 2023, 19:00 – 20:00
• Location: 1 Chuominato Shinmachi, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Number of fireworks: 14,000 times
• Access: 25-minute walk from JR Usuku Station and Wakita Streetcar Stop
• Paid fee

1.3. [Shizuoka Prefecture] Atami Sea Fireworks Festival (Spring)

• Holding time: Saturday, April 15, 2023, 20:20 – 20:40
• Location: Atami Bay
• Number of fireworks: 3000 times
• Access: 20-minute walk from JR Atami Station
• Paid fee

1.4. [Okinawa Prefecture] Ryukyu Sea Flame Festival (20th)

• Time of holding: Saturday, April 15, 2023, 19:00 – 20:00
• Location: Ginowan Seaside Park (Ginowan Tropical Beach)
• Number of fireworks: 10,000 times
• Access: 14km from Naha Airport, 10km from Naha City, 56km from Nago City

From Naha Bus Terminal, get off at the Okinawa Convention Center-mae bus stop

• Paid fee

1.5. [Yamanashi Prefecture] The Superb Fireworks “Mt. Fuji” 2023

• Time of holding: Saturday, April 22, 2023, 18:30 – 19:30
• Location: Fujiten Resort special venue
• Number of fireworks: undisclosed
• Access: About 13 km from Kawaguchiko IC and Fujiyoshida IC
• Paid fee

1.6. [Tochigi Prefecture] Annual event eve fireworks display (69th)

• Time of holding: Saturday, April 22, 2023, 19:00 – 20:00
• Location: Near Tanuma in the middle
• Number of fireworks: 4000 times
• Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Yoshimizu Station on the Tobu Sano Line

About 3 minutes from Sano Tanuma IC, about 15 minutes from Sano Fujioka IC

• Paid fee

1.7. [Fukuoka Prefecture] Fukuoka Higashi Ward Fireworks Festival (28th)

• Time of holding: April 22, 2023 (Sat) 19:30-20:30
• Location: Kashiihama North Park
• Number of fireworks: 7700 times
• Access: 20-minute walk from JR Kashii Station, a 20-minute walk from Nishitetsu Kaizuka Line Kashiimumae Station/Nishitetsu Kashii Station
• Price: Paid spectator seats, free spectator seats available

1.8. [Akita Prefecture] Omagari Fireworks -Spring Chapter-

• Time of holding: Saturday, April 29, 2023, 19:00 – 21:00
• Location: “Omagari Fireworks” Park (By Omagari Omono River, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture)
• Number of fireworks: 8000 times
• Access: 30-minute walk from JR Omagari Station
• Paid fee

1.9. [Iwate Prefecture] Sanriku Fireworks Festival 2023

• Time of holding: Sunday, April 30, 2023, 19:00 – 20:30
• Location: Takata Matsubara Sports Park, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture
• Number of fireworks: 15,000 times
• Access: 5-minute walk from JR Kiseki no Ipponmatsu Station
• Paid fee

2. May

2.1. [Shizuoka Prefecture] Atami Sea Fireworks Festival (Spring)

• Time of holding: Saturday, May 13, 2023, 20:20 – 20:40
• Location: Atami Bay
• Number of fireworks: 3000 times
• Access: 20-minute walk from JR Atami Station
• Fee: Free

2.2. [Shizuoka Prefecture] Atami Sea Fireworks Festival (Spring)

• Time of holding: Sunday, May 21, 2023, 20:20 – 20:40
• Location: Atami Bay
• Number of fireworks: 3000 times
• Access: 20-minute walk from JR Atami Station
• Fee: Free

2.3. [Kanagawa Prefecture] Zushi Coast Fireworks Festival

• Time of holding: Friday, May 26, 2023, 19:15 – 20:00
• Location: Zushi Coast, Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Number of fireworks: 7000 times
• Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Zushi Station, 10 minutes walk from Keikyu Zushi Station
• Price: undecided

3. June

3.1. [Ishikawa Prefecture] Wajima City Fireworks Festival

• Time of holding: Saturday, June 3, 2023, 20:00 – 20:30
• Location: Marine Town, Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture
• Number of fireworks: 20,000 times or more
• Access: From JR Kanazawa Station, get off at Wajima Limited Express Bus “Wajima Marine Town”
• Fee: Free

3.2. [Shizuoka Prefecture] Atami Sea Fireworks Festival (Spring)

• Time of holding: Sunday, June 4, 2023, 20:20 – 20:40
• Location: Atami Bay
• Number of fireworks: 3000 times
• Access: 20-minute walk from JR Atami Station
• Fee: Free

4. July

4.1 [Shizuoka Prefecture] Abe River Fireworks Festival

• Time of holding: Saturday, July 22, 2023, 19:30 – 20:30
• Location: Abekawa Park, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
• Number of fireworks: 15,000 times
• Access: 35 minutes walk from JR Shizuoka Station

10 minutes by car from Shizuoka IC

• Fee: Free

4.2. [Akita Prefecture] Port Festival Noshiro Fireworks (19th)

• Time of holding: July 22, 2023 (Sat) 19:30 – 21:00
• Location: Kawabata-cho, Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture, Noshiro Port Shimohama Wharf
• Number of fireworks: 15,000 times
• Access: 30-minute walk from JR Noshiro Station
• Price: undecided

4.3. [Shizuoka Prefecture] Atami Marine Fireworks Festival (Summer)

• Time of holding: Friday, July 28, 2023, 20:20 – 20:45
• Location: Atami Bay
• Number of fireworks: 3000 times
• Access: 20-minute walk from JR Atami Station
• Fee: Free

4.4. [Aichi Prefecture] Toyota Oiden Festival Fireworks Festival (55th)

• Time of holding: July 30, 2023 (Sun) 19:10 – 21:00
• Location: Shirahama Park on the banks of the Yahagi River
• Number of fireworks: 13,000 times
• Access: 10-minute walk from Meitetsu Toyotashi Station, 10-minute walk from Aichi Loop Railway Shin-Toyota Station
• Paid fee

5. August

5.1. [Osaka Prefecture] Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival (35th)

• Time of holding: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 19:30 – 20:30
• Location: Yodogawa Riverbed from Shin-Midosuji Yodogawa Railway Bridge to Route 2 downstream
• Number of fireworks: undisclosed
• Access: 15-minute walk from JR Tsukamoto Station/Hankyu Line Juso Station
• Price: Paid spectator seats, free spectator seats available

5.2. [Shizuoka Prefecture] Atami Marine Fireworks Festival (Summer)

• Time of holding: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 20:20 – 20:45
• Location: Atami Bay
• Number of fireworks: 3,000 times
• Access: 20-minute walk from JR Atami Station
• Fee: Free

5.3. [Shimane Prefecture] 2023 Matsue Suigosai Lake Fireworks Festival

• Time of holding: Saturday, August 5, 2023, 20:00 – 21:00

Sunday, August 6, 2023, 20:00 – 21:00

• Location: Lake Shinji, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture
• Number of fireworks: 10,000 times
• Access: 15-minute walk from JR Matsue Station
• Price: Paid spectator seats, free spectator seats available

5.4. [Tokushima Prefecture] Naruto City Noryo Fireworks Festival

• Time of holding: Monday, August 7, 2023, 20:00 – 20:50
• Location: Fuyo River Water Park, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture
• Number of fireworks: 5000 times
• Access: 10 minute walk from JR Naruto Station
• Price: undecided

5.5. [Shizuoka Prefecture] Atami Marine Fireworks Festival (Summer)

• Time of holding: Tuesday, August 8, 2023, 20:20 – 20:45
• Location: Atami Bay
• Number of fireworks: 3000 times
• Access: 20-minute walk from JR Atami Station
• Fee: Free

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How to enjoy the fireworks display?

At the “Fireworks Festival”, which is a summer tradition, you can not only watch fireworks but also feel the atmosphere of Japanese festivals.

If you implement the three ways to enjoy the fireworks, you should be able to enjoy the fireworks display by 120%.

1. Watch fireworks in a Yukata

If you want to feel the festival’s atmosphere, you must attend the yukata.

In the Edo period, when fireworks festivals originated, it was popular to wear yukata to festivals and cherry blossom viewing.

There are many shops where you can rent yukata around the fireworks display venue, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t have a yukata.

2. Enjoy gourmet food and games at food stalls

At fireworks festivals, food stalls are often set up near the venue, where you can enjoy gourmet food such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and shaved ice, as well as games such as goldfish scooping and shooting games.

Arriving a little before the time the fireworks are set off and enjoying food and games at the food stalls is one of the real pleasures of the fireworks display.

4. Shout out when the beautiful fireworks go off

Since the Edo period, spectators have yelled “Tamaya!” and “Kagiya!”, originally, fireworks on the Sumida River were set off by a pyrotechnician named ‘Tamaya’ upstream and a pyrotechnician ‘Kagiya’ downstream.

Initially, the name of the pyrotechnician who launched the spectacular fireworks should be yelled out, but in modern times, all fireworks are shouting “Tamaya!” and “Kagiya!”.

Don’t be shy, let’s challenge yourself to shout.

Best places to enjoy firework festivals in Japan

1. The 45th Adachi Fireworks Festival

The Adachi Fireworks Festival is a display of fireworks that ushers in the Tokyo fireworks season. A large variety of fireworks will be let off in the dark night sky at the event at the end of July.

However, it was only visible for a brief while. From the area’s high hills and the banks of the neighboring Arakawa River, as well as from the display of fireworks and spectacular star mines, the spectacle is truly breathtaking.

Fireworks information:

• Tournament Name: 45th Adachi Fireworks
• Number of launches: about 15,000
• Launch time: 60 minutes
• Annual turnout: about 670,000
• Date: Saturday, July 22nd, 2023
• Holding time: 19:20-20:20
• In case of stormy weather: Will be held in case of normal rain. Canceled in case of stormy weather
• Refer to the official website for the criteria
• Paid seats: Yes
• For details, see Adachi Kanko Net from early June.

Spot information:

• Venue: Arakawa riverbed (between Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Tetsubashi and Nishiaraibashi)
• Access to the venue: [By train] 15-minute walk from JR/Tokyo Metro/Tobu Railway/Tsukuba Express Kitasenju Station or Tobu Railway Kosuge Station/Gotanno Station/Umejima Station. A 25-minute walk from Tobu Railway Nishiarai Station or Nippori-Toneri Liner Adachi-Odai Station
• There will be traffic restrictions around the venue on the day
• Parking: ×
• Inquiries: 03-3880-0039 Inquiry call Adachi (8:00-20:00)
• Official site: Click here for the official site and other related sites

2. Sumida River Fireworks Festival

The earliest fireworks display in history is referred to as the Sumida River Fireworks Festival. It is also Tokyo’s most well-known landmark. The event, which has been going on since 1733, draws a huge crowd every year and is even televised on television.

“Fireworks at Rygoku” will make Edo’s summer celebration vibrant. The 98th print in Hiroshige’s well-known series showcases his distinctive style. Along the Sumida River is where the celebration is place. From Sakurabashi Bridge upstream to Kototoibashi Bridge downstream and from Komagata Bridge upstream to Umayabashi Bridge downstream, respectively, are two major locations.

Location 1 is renowned for the heated competition between its two competing guilds of pyrotechnics specialists, who display their extraordinary talents in a vibrant and captivating spectacle. Each fireworks show is breathtakingly well-made and precise, and the friendly competition between the clans heightens the event’s thrill.

Venue 2 is renowned for its stunning show of more than 20,000 fireworks, which lights up the night sky and creates a mystical ambiance.

Fireworks information:

• Tournament Name: The 46th Sumida River Fireworks Festival
• Number of launches: about 20,000 (total of Venue 1 and Venue 2)
• Launch time: 90 minutes
• Annual turnout: about 950,000 people (2012 performance, total of Venue 1 and Venue 2)
• Date: Saturday, July 29, 2023
• Holding time: 19:00-20:30
• Venue 1: 19:00-
• Second venue: 19:30-
• In case of stormy weather: The event will be held in light rain (canceled in stormy weather)
• Paid Seats: None

Spot information:

• Venue: Downstream of Sakurabashi Bridge – upstream of Kototoibashi Bridge (first venue), downstream of Komagatabashi Bridge – upstream of Umayabashi Bridge (second venue)
• Venue Access: [Train] 15-minute walk from Tobu Railway/Tokyo Metro/Toei Asakusa Station (first venue), a 5-minute walk from Tobu Railway/Tokyo Metro/Toei Asakusa Station or Toei Kuramae Station (second venue) MAP
• Parking: ×
• Inquiries: 03-5246-1111 Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival Executive Committee Secretariat
• Official site: Click here for the official site and other related sites

3. Edogawa Fireworks Festival 2023 – August Events in Tokyo

Every year on the first Saturday of August, this special festival will be held. It is divided into two fireworks shows and is held on both sides of the Edo River.

On one side of the river is the city of Ichikawa, Chiba, and on the other is Edogawa-ku, Tokyo. This makes the show even more fun as both sides of the city enjoy the moment together.

This festival is also an interesting experience when visitors can watch fireworks with locals. Participants can contribute food or drinks to enjoy together. This friendliness will help you feel at home even though you’ve only just met them.

• Venue Access: From the South Exit of JR Ichikawa Station or JR Motoyawata Station, it will take you around 15 to 30 minutes to walk there.
• Event time: will be announced later
• Venue: Edogawa Riverbed (in front of Shinozaki Park) Shinozaki Station
• Admission: Free

What you need to prepare to go there

1. Basic belongings

Introducing items that can be useful in any situation!

Picnic sheet

Necessities to enjoy fireworks comfortably. Prepare the size according to the number of people. It is convenient to use for taking places. However, depending on the fireworks festival, there are venues that cannot be used, so be careful.

Plastic bag

It is very convenient to prepare multiple sheets. You can use it as a garbage bag after eating and drinking, and it will protect your luggage from the rain when it suddenly rains.

Towel

Even though the fireworks display is held at night, you will be sweating in the crowd. If you have a towel, you can wet it and wrap it around your neck to prevent heatstroke, and you can use it for other purposes besides wiping sweat.

Winter clothes

If you stay in a place exposed to the wind for a long time, your body may unexpectedly get cold. To avoid catching a cold in the middle of summer, unless you are confident in your health, prepare something you can wear on top.

Raincoat

Summer fireworks festivals often experience showers and sudden thunderstorms. Simple vinyl ones are available at 100-yen shops, so you can easily prepare them. When it gets a little cold, it can also be used as a substitute for winter clothes.

2. A handy item to have

I tend to forget it, but I’m glad I brought it! What will be your belongings?

Folding chair

Although it is foldable, it is inconvenient to carry around, so when you go out by car. However, it may be better to refrain from using it in places where it is too crowded. Perfect for watching fireworks from a less crowded place.

Wet wipes

Convenient for eating and drinking. It can also be used for wiping sweat and removing light stains from leisure sheets.

Hat

Fireworks start at night, so it may not be necessary, but it’s a must-have item for those who are going to take action from noon on the day of the event. Be careful of heat stroke during the day.

Flashlight

It seems that the venue is usually bright, but the hands and feet are darker than expected. It is also useful when looking for something, such as when you have dropped something.

Mobile battery

In places where many people use their phones, the charge tends to run out faster than usual. If you get separated from the group and your cell phone runs out of battery, you’re out! Bring a mobile battery for outdoor use where there is no power outlet.

FAQs

1. What month are the fireworks in Japan?

There are many fireworks displays in this nation. Every year, hundreds of fireworks displays take place all around the nation. It primarily occurs in July and August, which are the summer vacation months. There have been some events that drew tens of thousands of viewers.

2. What are the necessary items when going to watch fireworks?

In addition to the items we mentioned above, you can bring the following items. This is a must-have when using a fireworks display on a date!

2.1. Band-aid

Wearing clogs and zori while wearing a yukata tends to cause blisters. When she drags her leg, gently hand her the band-aid.

2.2. Insect repellent spray

Fireworks festivals are often held near water, so be especially careful of mosquitoes. In particular, mosquitoes often target people who are drinking alcohol. If you’re a drinker, feel free to bring your own and spray everyone in the group.

2.3. Sunscreen

It’s easy to forget that the fireworks are set off at night, but it’s also a must-have item because meeting up and finding a spot are often done when the sun is still up.

3. Will the tour be canceled if it rains?

No, it won’t. In case of stormy weather (typhoons, strong winds, rising water, etc.), the fireworks may be canceled if danger is expected due to the launch of fireworks.

The decision to cancel is made early in the morning on the day of the event by the conference committee of each fireworks display. Therefore, in case of cancellation, the person in charge may inform you on the morning of the day or at the meeting place at the time of departure.

Please let us know your cell phone number so that we can contact you. If no contact is made, the event will be held. Also, in the unlikely event that the fireworks launch decision is not finalized at the time of departure, there will be no refund if it is canceled after departure.

4. How many breaks do you take on the round-trip bus?

We head to the venue while taking a break about once every two hours. There is no restroom on the bus, so please use it during breaks.

*Please note that it may not be possible to take a break once every two hours depending on the traffic conditions (congestion or traffic congestion) on the day.

5. How far is it from the parking lot to the venue?

Depending on the venue, it varies from 5 minutes to 60 minutes. Please check the product page of each fireworks display for the location and distance of the parking lot.

6. What kind of things can you buy locally? Should I bring my lunch?

There are stalls and stalls at the venue. You can also purchase food and drinks there. As for souvenirs, there are cases where novelty items are sold for each competition.

7. How do I get from the local parking lot to the venue?

We have a local attendant who will guide you from the parking lot to the reserved seat venue. For customers without spectator seats, we may give you a map and disband.

8. What is Hanabi Festival?

In Japan, fireworks are more than simply an amazing light display. The tradition of Hanabi extends back many centuries, and fireworks celebrations are still quite popular today.

9. What is the Japanese Four Seasons Festival?

The town of Obara hosts the Four Seasons Cherry Blossom Festival every year, which typically lasts from mid-November to early December. There are around 10,000 of the renowned shikizakura trees in this region of Japan, and they bloom both in spring and in October.

Conclusion

When short fireworks in Japan, you can feel the power this land brings. “Fireworks” in Japanese is “Hanabi”. It is a combination of the words flower (hana) and fire (hi). Japan is a country that values fireworks. We think the Japanese Fireworks Festival in 2023 will be well worth attending, it will give you a great 2023 year.