Sumida River Fireworks Festival: The Complete Guide
Guide to Tokyo's Largest Fireworks Festival
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is probably Tokyo’s most anticipated summer event, judging by the insane crowds that it draws every year. It’s easy to see why: hanabi (as fireworks are called in Japanese) events are a staple of the Japanese summer, and in this case, it’s a dazzling display of pyrotechnics over the iconic Sumida River that has captivated both locals and visitors for centuries. A breathtaking show that can be seen from miles away
Fun fact: The Sumida River Fireworks Festival was originally started in 1733 as a way to lift the spirits of the people suffering from famine and disease. Today, it continues to bring joy and wonder to millions, making it a must-see event for anyone visiting Tokyo in the summer.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to enjoy the festival to the fullest.
See also: Best Fireworks in Tokyo 2024 Summer & Best Fireworks in Japan 2024 Summer
What is the Sumida River Fireworks Festival?
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival (隅田川花火大会), known in Japanese as Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai, is a major fireworks display held annually in Tokyo. We’re talking about over 20,000 fireworks launched over the span of 90 minutes, a stunning visual experience that lights up the summer night sky. Its history dating back to the Edo period makes it one of Japan’s oldest fireworks festivals.
The festival is renowned for its competitive nature. Two rival pyrotechnic groups vie to outdo each other with their most elaborate and creative fireworks designs, a tradition that has been maintained since the early 19th century. This friendly competition results in a breathtaking array of fireworks, ranging from traditional chrysanthemums and peonies to more modern and intricate shapes like hearts and characters.
Beyond the fireworks themselves, the festival is a cultural celebration. One of the highlights of going to see the fireworks is the chance to dress in a yukata, a traditional summer kimono, adding to the festive atmosphere. Food stalls line the streets, filled with delicious street foods such as yakitori, takoyaki, and kakigori, timeless summer staples. If you are in Tokyo in summer, this is one of the things that you cannot miss.
When is Sumida River Fireworks Festival held?
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is traditionally held on the last Saturday of July. The event typically starts in the evening around 7-7:30 PM and finishes around 8:30-9 PM. But it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, as the area gets extremely crowded with spectators.
Where is Sumida River Fireworks Festival held?
The festival takes place along the Sumida River, with the main viewing areas located between Asakusa and Ryogoku areas. There are two main launch sites: one near Sakurabashi Bridge and the other near Umaya Bridge, so both sides of the river around these sections and Sumida Park will provide excellent vantage points for enjoying the fireworks display. You can see a
Getting to Sumida River Fireworks Festival
The fireworks area is near several stations:
Asakusa Station: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Tobu Skytree Line.
Honjo-azumabashi Station: Toei Asakusa Line.
Kuramae Station: Toei Asakusa Line and Toei Oedo Line.
Ryogoku Station: JR Sobu Line and Toei Oedo Line.
Crowds are expected to be quite large so it’s best to stick with public transportation instead of driving. Roads in the area will be blocked from 3 pm onwards.
If you want to experience what it’s like to be in a crowd of one million happy people, this is a good chance. It’s indescribable!