Fireworks (Hanabi “花火”) are regarded as a summer tradition in Japan, as the history of Japanese fireworks dates back in 1733. Fireworks are a very special thing and one of the the most exciting events of the year for Japanese people.
During summer, numbers of large-scale fireworks festivals (Hanabi Taikai “花火大会”) are held across the country mostly in July and August. Visitors can view spectacular fireworks that have been prepared for months by pyrotechnicians.
By visiting fireworks festivals, you can also see how people celebrate the summer and feel the authentic summer vibes in Japan. For the tradition, people commonly dress up in Yukata (casual Kimono for summer) and enjoy strolling around the venues in a festive atmosphere with a range of traditional food and snacks sold at stalls as well as festival games.
If you are planning to visit Japan in summer, fireworks are definitely a must-see! As I mentioned above, there are many fireworks festivals taking place during summer, so in this article, I would like to introduce some of the best fireworks in Japan in 2024 summer. Let’s check them out!
-Important Notice-
The listed fireworks festivals may be cancelled or postponed in case of stormy weather. Please check the latest updates on the official websites before planning a visit.
-Hokkaido and Tohoku Area-
Makomanai Fireworks Festival
Makomanai Fireworks Festival (真駒内花火大会) is a largest-scale fireworks event in Hokkaido, launching approx 22,000 fireworks displayed in the night sky along with music, lighting and flames. It takes place at Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium in Sapporo City.
Date: 6 July 2024
Hours: 19:50~20:50
Location: Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Number of Fireworks: approx. 22,000
Nakafurano Lavender Festival & Fireworks
Nakafurano Lavender Festival & Fireworks (なかふらのラベンダーまつり & 花火大会) is held at Hokuseiyama Lavender Field, one of the most popular lavender fields in Hokkaido. It’s a small-scale fireworks, yet viewers can enjoy the fireworks from a very close distance from the top of the surrounding hills.
Date: 20 July 2024
Location: Hokuseiyama Lavender Park, Nakafurano, Hokkaido
Number of Fireworks: approx. 1,300
Aomori Fireworks Festival
Aomori Fireworks Festival (青森花火大会) is held on the last day of Aomori Nebuta Festival, the famous Japanese summer festival that features massive Nebuta floats and takes place in Aomori City for 5 days every year from 2 to 7 August. The waterfront fireworks illuminate the ocean and the night sky, making it a perfect finale of the festival.
Date: 7 August 2024
Hours: 19:15~20:45
Location: Aomori Port, Aomori City, Aomori
Number of Fireworks: approx. 10,000
Omagari Fireworks Festival
Omagari Fireworks Festival (大曲の花火) is held annually in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. It’s counted as one of Japan’s three major fireworks. It’s a national fireworks competition where top fireworks experts from across Japan compete their skills. Viewers can enjoy spectacular and creative fireworks with advanced techniques. The event also displays daytime fireworks from 17:10 to 18:00.
Date: 31 August 2024
Hours: 17:10~18:00(day fireworks)/18:50~21:30(night fireworks)
Location: Omono River bank, Omagari, Daisen City, Akita
Number of Fireworks: approx. 18,000
Akagawa Fireworks Festival
Akagawa Fireworks Festival (赤川花火記念大会) is one of top fireworks festivals in Japan, which is held in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture annually. Approximately 12,000 fireworks are dynamically launched within a range of 700m, taking advantage of the vast Akagawa River. Only selected pyrotechnician participate the event and showcase their masterpieces of fireworks.
Date: 17 August 2024
Hours: 19:00~
Location: Akagawa River bank, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata
Number of Fireworks: approx. 12,000
Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival
Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival (仙台七夕花火祭) is held on the night before Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (a.k.a Sendai Star Festival), one of the biggest traditional summer festivals in Japan. The fireworks are launched from the city center in Nishi Park, Sendai, which is pretty rare in Japan.
Date: 5 August 2024
Hours: 19:15~20:30
Location: Nishi Park, Sendai City, Miyagi
Number of Fireworks: approx. 16,000
Soma Fireworks Festival
Soma Fireworks Festival (相馬花火大会) is a fireworks show that features approx 11,000 fireworks and is synchronized with music. All seats are paid viewing system, so you can enjoy the fireworks up close without finding a spot in the crowd. In addition, there is a premium table where you can enjoy watching the spectacular fireworks show with a special dinner course.
Date: 13 July 2024
Hours: 19:30~20:30
Location: Matsukawaura New Port, Soma City, Miyagi
Number of Fireworks: approx. 11,000
-Tokyo and Kanto Area-
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Sumida River Fireworks Festival (隅田川花火大会) is Tokyo’s largest and oldest firework event with the long history since Edo Period. It’s held on the last Saturday of July and features approx 20,000 fireworks launched in the night sky of Tokyo for 90 mins. The event attracts around 1 million views every year.
Date: 27 July 2024
Hours: 19:00~20:30
Location: Sumida River bank, Tokyo
Number of Fireworks: approx. 20,000
Numbers of large-scale fireworks festivals are held in Tokyo during summer. You can check more of Tokyo’s upcoming fireworks from the link below!
Best Fireworks in Tokyo Summer
Makuhari Beach Fireworks Festival
Makuhari Beach Fireworks Festival (幕張ビーチ花火フェスタ) a.k.a. Chiba Shimin Fireworks Festival is the largest fireworks event in Chiba Prefecture. The seaside event displays approx 20,000 fireworks in various shapes and colours, launched over Makuhari Beach.
Date: 3 August 2024
Hours: 19:15~20:15
Location: Makuhari Seaside Park, Chiba Prefecture
Number of Fireworks: approx. 20,000
Sakura Hanabi Festa
Sakura Hanani Festa (佐倉花火フェスタ) will be held at Sakura Furusato Square around the shore of Lake Inba-numa in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture. The event features approx 20,000 fireworks including “Big Premium Star Mine” launching 8,000 fireworks in 10 mins along with music. There are some paid seats available where you can watch fireworks without crowds and a hand-held fireworks show right in front.
Date: 3 August 2024
Hours: 19:20~20:30
Location: Sakura Furusato Square, Sakura Park, Chiba Prefecture
Number of Fireworks: approx. 20,000