A Guide to 4 Best Fireworks Festivals in Japan This Summer

Japan is renowned for its vibrant summer festivals, and one of the most dazzling highlights is the breathtaking fireworks displays. From bustling cities to serene countryside towns, there are numerous fireworks festivals that light up the skies and captivate visitors from around the world. In this guide, we present the five best fireworks festivals in Japan this summer, where you can witness an explosion of colours, patterns, and sheer brilliance.

1) Nagaoka Firework Festival (Nagaoka)

The breathtaking Nagaoka Firework Festival in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, honors the city’s tenacity and post-World War II rebuilding. This celebration, which takes place in early August, is the biggest fireworks display in Japan, with over 20,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky. This event is a must-see for fireworks enthusiasts due to the fascinating choreography, coordinated music, and elaborate designs.

Getting to Nagaoka Firework Festival:

Accessible by both public transport and car.

By train, take Joetsu Shinkansen to Nagaoka Station. Festival venue can be reached by 20 mins on foot from the station.

By car, exit the Kanetsu Expressway at Nagaoka interchange. Parking is limited and a fee is usually chargeable. Heavy traffic is also expected after the show.

Place to stay in Nagaoka:

With a stay at TOYOKO INN Tsubame-Sanjo Ekimae in Tsubame, you’ll be a 2-minute walk from Tsubame Sanjyochijyo Sangyosinko Center and 10 minutes by foot from Kitaro. This hotel is 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from Tsubame Industrial Materials Museum and 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Honjoji Temple.

2) Omagari National Fireworks Competition (Akita)

Regarded as the pinnacle of fireworks craftsmanship, the Omagari National Fireworks Competition in Akita Prefecture is a fierce battle among Japan’s most skilled pyrotechnicians. Held annually in late August, this competition brings together the nation’s best fireworks creators who showcase their artistry and innovation. The vibrant explosions, intricate designs, and perfectly synchronized displays make this event a true feast for the eyes.

Getting to Omagari Firework Festival:

Take to Omagari Station which is accessible via the Akita Shinkansen, Ou Main Line, and Tazawako Line, followed by a walk / bus / taxi ride.

Signs to the venue are clearly displayed from Omagari Station. It will take 30 minutes on foot from the station. If you wish to travel by car, please take note of the limited number of parking spaces.

Place to stay in Akita:

With a stay at Richmond Hotel Akita Ekimae in Akita, you’ll be within a 5-minute walk of Atorian and Area Nakaichi. This hotel is 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Shenshu Park and 0.3 mi (0.6 km) from Akita Museum of Art.

3) Sumidagawa Firework Festival (Tokyo)

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo is an iconic event that draws millions of spectators every year. Held in late July, this grand spectacle features over 20,000 fireworks bursting over the Sumida River, creating a mesmerizing panorama against the backdrop of Tokyo’s cityscape. With both traditional and contemporary displays, this festival offers an unforgettable experience for locals and tourists alike.

Getting to Sumidagawa Firework Festival:

Fireworks can be viewed from multiple location in Asakusa. As this is an urban fireworks display, please adhere to traffic regulations around the venues.

Place to stay in Tokyo:

With a stay at Tokyu Stay Yotsuya, you’ll be centrally located in Tokyo, within a 10-minute drive of Tokyo Imperial Palace and Tokyo Dome. This hotel is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Nippon Budokan.

4) Kumano Fireworks Festival (Kumano)

The Kumano Fireworks Festival, a hidden jewel that displays the beauty of fireworks in a serene setting, is nestled away in the picturesque town of Kumano. This celebration, which takes place in the middle of August, offers a distinctive experience as fireworks light up the night sky against Kumano’s gorgeous mountains and peaceful waterways. This event is incredibly captivating because of the cozy setting and harmonious blending of fireworks and nature.

Getting to Kumano Firework Festival:

The beach where the event takes place can be accessed by train plus a short walk.

Go to Kumanoshi Station on the JR Kisei Main Line, then go south over the Ido River to the beach. Keep in mind that some roads are closed for the show. If you’re driving, you may get caught in traffic. Finding parking spaces could also be challenging.

Buses and trains from larger cities like Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka can take between 4-5 hours.

Place to stay in Kumano:

With a stay at Hotel NAMI in Kumano, you’ll be just steps from Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range and Yoshino-Kumano National Park. This hotel is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Onigajo and 1.3 mi (2.2 km) from Matsumoto Pass.

The article was originally published on 12 June 2023. Last updated on 24 June 2024 by Discoverist Team.