I was never big on fireworks growing up, but when I managed to enter Japan in late 2020 just hours before it (again) closed its borders, I felt celebratory. It was New Year’s Eve, so I wagered that I might have the opportunity to see hanabi.
But I had no such luck, unfortunately—and not just because of the country’s covid-era restrictions. Tokyo, as it turns out, has never had a notable fireworks display to welcome the New Year.
In the years since, I’ve learned not only that fireworks tend to be more of a summer affair, but have through my own experience compiled an enticing list of where to watch fireworks in Japan. No matter where in the country you plan to be, I hope one of them will be near you.
Why Fireworks at Such a Big Deal in Japan
The ubiquity of Japan summer fireworks is self-evident, but their importance takes a bit more digging to understand. They first started becoming popular during the Edo period (so, starting in the 17th century) when the colorful explosions seemed to take on a spiritual significance. Although modern science has shown that the mechanism by which hanabi work is slightly less supernatural, the custom has remained.
Interestingly, in recent years, the popularity of fireworks in Japan has waned ever so slightly. First, local leaders canceled many festivals during the covid-19 pandemic, in some cases for all three summers restrictions were in place around the second country. Second, due to environmental and noise concerns, some festivals have disappeared from the calendar indefinitely.
5 tips for watching fireworks in Japan
Come in summer
Although there are certain winter fireworks in Japan (there’s a short display near Mt. Fuji in February, and one in Saitama prefecture northwest of Tokyo in December), the majority of Japan’s fireworks festivals occur in late July or early August. If you come outside this period, you’re highly unlikely to see any.
(Ideally to a matsuri)
If you want to watch fireworks in Japan and not simply…well, watch fireworks in Japan, you should have another objective in mind. The good news is that fireworks go off in conjunction with certain matsuri, or festivals. I’m thinking particularly about Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri, though there are other examples.
Watch from on high
Japan loves a good viewpoint, and although I can accept the fact that being closer to the fireworks might be exhilarating, the best views are always going to be from a certain altitude. For example, when I watched the fireworks over Lake Biwa, I ascended one of the many viewpoints near the top of Mt. Hiei.
Bring a tripod and a real camera
While photography doesn’t have to top your list of reasons for wanting to see fireworks in Japan, I think you’ll want a memento. Most phones, to be sure, can take adequate-to-excellent videos, but if you want postcard-perfect photos, you really need to bring a camera (and a tripod, to hold it steady during long-exposure shots).
Expect massive crowds
Whether at ground level near where the fireworks launch from, or at the viewpoints I mentioned earlier, fireworks draw huge crowds in Japan. There’s really no escaping them, no matter how cleverly you think you’ve found a “secluded” spot. I suggest making peace with this before the first one booms.
My Favorite Fireworks Festivals in Japan
As you can imagine, there are more fireworks festivals in Japan than you’d have time to see, even if that’s all you did on your trip. Here are some of my favorites:
- If you want to enjoy an amazing fireworks show without leaving Tokyo, make sure to be in town the last Saturday of July for the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival.
- Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is held between August 2-3 every years, in the city of Nagaoka in Niigata prefecture.
- The Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival takes place somewhere around August 8, and is easily accessible from Kyoto and Osaka.
- In late August, meanwhile, the Omagari Fireworks Festival lights up the skies over the city of the same name in Akita prefecture.
When you’re done watching fireworks in Japan, make sure to incorporate some of the country’s summer matsuri into your itinerary.
Other FAQ About Fireworks in Japan
Where is the best place to see fireworks in Japan?
So far, the most impressive fireworks show I’ve seen in Japan has been the Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival, in Shiga prefecture not far from Kyoto. However, my advice is to see fireworks wherever and as often as you can while visiting Japan in summer. Every one is unique!
Where to watch fireworks in Japan in 2025?
If you’re going to be in Japan in late July 2025, you can attend the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival without even leaving Tokyo. In early August, meanwhile, fireworks will light up skies over Nagaoka, Niigata and Shiga prefecture’s Otsu City, respectively. These only scratch the surface.
Where can I watch Tokyo fireworks?
The bad news? Unlike many other big cities in the world, Tokyo does not welcome the New Year with fireworks. The good news? If you happen to be here on the last Saturday of July, you can walk down to the Sumida River to enjoy the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival.
The Bottom Line
The good news, when it comes to where to watch fireworks in Japan, is that you’re never far from a hanabi display. Well, at least not if you visit Japan in summer, which is when they’re most common. The better news? If you follow my advice here, you’ll have a chance to see some truly incredible fireworks, although even the smaller shows Japan puts on tend to be spectacular. This is especially true given that they tend to occur in conjunction with matsuri, or festivals. Want personalized help putting your summer sojourn to Japan together? Hire me to plan it for you!
