Unmissable Fireworks Festivals in Japan for Summer 2025
As summer sweeps across Japan, the night skies come alive with dazzling displays of color and sound during the country's beloved fireworks festivals, known as
hanabi taikai
. From riverside shows in Tokyo to elaborate festivities in Tohoku, these events draw millions of spectators each year, offering an evening full of tradition, community spirit and breathtaking pyrotechnics. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned festival-goer, experiencing a hanabi festival is a must for anyone looking to soak in the magic of summer in Japan. Here are some of the most popular events happening this summer.
Fireworks Festivals Happening This Summer
Adachi Fireworks Festival 2025
Unlike previous years, the famous Adachi Fireworks Festival will be held in May this year for a more comfortable climate for spectators. 14,000 powerful fireworks are condensed into a one-hour display, and guests can enjoy a dynamic night sky with collaboration of fireworks and lasers. The closest fireworks display is on the Senju side, but it is highly recommended to watch from the Nishiarai side, where there is a wider riverbed.
Date & Time
May 31, 2025・19:20-20:20
Price
Free
Location
Arakawa Nishiarai Bridge Green Space
More Details
The 44th Yokohama Open Port Festival
This year marks the 44th Yokohama Port Opening Festival, a popular event for Yokohamaites to celebrate the opening of the port of Yokohama in 1859 and honor the history of their hometown. Approximately 2,500 fireworks will be shot off at Rinko Park in the grand finale of the three-day festival. The fireworks and drone shows will illuminate the night sky of the Minato Mirai area.
Date & Time
May 31-Jun 02・19:20~
Price
Free
Location
Rinko Park
More Details
Tokyo Racecourse Fireworks 2025
The theme for 2025 is 'J-Pop Best,' and the fireworks will be set off to famous songs in keeping with the 100th anniversary of the Showa era. The fireworks will be synchronized with music on the vast horse racing track, which is approximately 2 kilometers long. All seats are reserved, so you can enjoy the fireworks in comfort without worrying about crowds, and facilities such as restrooms and food booths are available for people of all ages to enjoy the fireworks in comfort. The venue is only a short walk from the nearest station, making it easy to visit from within Tokyo. In order to bring out the world view of the music to the fullest, the fireworks display is carefully calculated in terms of color, shape, height, and even the afterglow when the fireworks fade away. The most notable feature is the dynamic fireworks display, which is shot off at a distance of only 100 meters from the bleachers.
Date & Time
Jul 2, 2025・19:30-20:40
Price
¥5,000 and up
Location
JRA Tokyo Racecourse
More Details
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival 2025
With a 90-minute firework display over Asakusa, the Sumidagwa Fireworks Festival is one of the largest fireworks festival of Japan. The origin of this festival is 'Ryogoku no Kawabiraki,' which started in 1733, and it is the most prestigious fireworks festival in the Kanto area in terms of both tradition and prestige. The festival has dynamic performances by the fireworks makers, which combines the sophisticated skills of the pyrotechnicians with the emotional landscape of Edo's historic atmosphere. The fireworks competition at the first site is not to be missed, and you can enjoy different fireworks at each of the two sites, which gives you a different impression depending on where you watch the fireworks.
Date & Time
Jul 26, 2025・19:00-20:30
Price
Free
Location
Taito Riverside Sports Center
More Details
Omagari Fireworks Festival 2025
Held in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, the Omagari Fireworks Festival has been held since 1910, and runs as a competition of pyrotechnicians from all over Japan. The fireworks craftsmen are required to make their own fireworks and bring them to the competition, where judging will focus on design, color and creativity. The Prime Minister's Prize is also awarded in this prestigious competition.Spectators can enjoy completely different fireworks displays in the daytime and at night. Especially, daytime fireworks are rare in Japan, and are a delicate competition in which beauty is competed not by light but by smoke.
Date & Time
Aug 30, 2025・17:10-21:30
Price
Free
Location
Omono Riverside Ryokuchi Athletic Park
More Details
Nagaoka Fireworks Festival 2025
Held on August 2 and 3, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is a memorial service for those who died in the Nagaoka air raids, a display of gratitude to those who worked so hard for reconstruction and a wish for lasting peace. Bleacher seats are set up on both banks of the Shinano River so that the fireworks can be viewed from both directions. This is a rare fireworks display that takes advantage of the Shinano River by using a lot of the impressive shaku-dama, or 'large-sized balls' for the display.The fireworks display of 'Sho-Sanshaku-Dama' with the width of 650 meters and 'Phoenix for reconstruction' with the width of 2 kilometers are highlights of the spectacle.
Date & Time
Aug 02-03・19:20-21:10
Price
Free
Location
Shinanogawa Kasen Park
More Details
Tenjin Festival 2025
With over 1,000 years of history, the Tenjin Festival at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine in Osaka is one of the three major festivals in Japan. On the first day of the event, there are prayers for safety and prosperity at the shrine, and on the second day, the festivities really kick off with parades and fireworks. With a river procession of 100 boats and a fireworks display, the Tenjin Festival is a celebratory extravaganza.Every year, an original firework named 'Benibai', which opens in the shape of an ume (plum) bowl, is launched in honor of Tenjin-sama, the goddess of mercy. There are also many other unique fireworks to be enjoyed throughout the fireworks spectacle.
Date & Time
Jul 24-25・15:00~
Price
Free
Location
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
More Details
Tips for the Best Fireworks-Viewing Experience
Arrive Early:
Popular spots fill up quickly and bring a large crowd — bring a picnic blanket and stake out a good viewing location well before sunset.
Wear a Yukata:
Embrace the festive spirit by wearing a traditional summer kimono, often sold or rented near event areas.
Bring Snacks and Drinks:
Festival food is everywhere, but lines can be long. Bringing your own refreshments saves time and money, and keeps you hydrated in the summer heat.
Check Transportation Plans:
Trains and buses can be packed after the event, so know your route home and consider walking part of the way.
Respect the Space:
Clean up after yourself and follow local etiquette. Many events provide trash bags or designated bins.
Related Posts
Heat Waves Force Japan's Beloved Summer Festivals To Change Seasons
The Explosive Traditions and Innovations of Japanese Fireworks Displays
5 Japanese Products To Save You From The Summer Heat
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Tokyo Weekender
4 days ago
- Tokyo Weekender
Unmissable Fireworks Festivals in Japan for Summer 2025
As summer sweeps across Japan, the night skies come alive with dazzling displays of color and sound during the country's beloved fireworks festivals, known as hanabi taikai . From riverside shows in Tokyo to elaborate festivities in Tohoku, these events draw millions of spectators each year, offering an evening full of tradition, community spirit and breathtaking pyrotechnics. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned festival-goer, experiencing a hanabi festival is a must for anyone looking to soak in the magic of summer in Japan. Here are some of the most popular events happening this summer. Fireworks Festivals Happening This Summer Adachi Fireworks Festival 2025 Unlike previous years, the famous Adachi Fireworks Festival will be held in May this year for a more comfortable climate for spectators. 14,000 powerful fireworks are condensed into a one-hour display, and guests can enjoy a dynamic night sky with collaboration of fireworks and lasers. The closest fireworks display is on the Senju side, but it is highly recommended to watch from the Nishiarai side, where there is a wider riverbed. Date & Time May 31, 2025・19:20-20:20 Price Free Location Arakawa Nishiarai Bridge Green Space More Details The 44th Yokohama Open Port Festival This year marks the 44th Yokohama Port Opening Festival, a popular event for Yokohamaites to celebrate the opening of the port of Yokohama in 1859 and honor the history of their hometown. Approximately 2,500 fireworks will be shot off at Rinko Park in the grand finale of the three-day festival. The fireworks and drone shows will illuminate the night sky of the Minato Mirai area. Date & Time May 31-Jun 02・19:20~ Price Free Location Rinko Park More Details Tokyo Racecourse Fireworks 2025 The theme for 2025 is 'J-Pop Best,' and the fireworks will be set off to famous songs in keeping with the 100th anniversary of the Showa era. The fireworks will be synchronized with music on the vast horse racing track, which is approximately 2 kilometers long. All seats are reserved, so you can enjoy the fireworks in comfort without worrying about crowds, and facilities such as restrooms and food booths are available for people of all ages to enjoy the fireworks in comfort. The venue is only a short walk from the nearest station, making it easy to visit from within Tokyo. In order to bring out the world view of the music to the fullest, the fireworks display is carefully calculated in terms of color, shape, height, and even the afterglow when the fireworks fade away. The most notable feature is the dynamic fireworks display, which is shot off at a distance of only 100 meters from the bleachers. Date & Time Jul 2, 2025・19:30-20:40 Price ¥5,000 and up Location JRA Tokyo Racecourse More Details Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival 2025 With a 90-minute firework display over Asakusa, the Sumidagwa Fireworks Festival is one of the largest fireworks festival of Japan. The origin of this festival is 'Ryogoku no Kawabiraki,' which started in 1733, and it is the most prestigious fireworks festival in the Kanto area in terms of both tradition and prestige. The festival has dynamic performances by the fireworks makers, which combines the sophisticated skills of the pyrotechnicians with the emotional landscape of Edo's historic atmosphere. The fireworks competition at the first site is not to be missed, and you can enjoy different fireworks at each of the two sites, which gives you a different impression depending on where you watch the fireworks. Date & Time Jul 26, 2025・19:00-20:30 Price Free Location Taito Riverside Sports Center More Details Omagari Fireworks Festival 2025 Held in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, the Omagari Fireworks Festival has been held since 1910, and runs as a competition of pyrotechnicians from all over Japan. The fireworks craftsmen are required to make their own fireworks and bring them to the competition, where judging will focus on design, color and creativity. The Prime Minister's Prize is also awarded in this prestigious can enjoy completely different fireworks displays in the daytime and at night. Especially, daytime fireworks are rare in Japan, and are a delicate competition in which beauty is competed not by light but by smoke. Date & Time Aug 30, 2025・17:10-21:30 Price Free Location Omono Riverside Ryokuchi Athletic Park More Details Nagaoka Fireworks Festival 2025 Held on August 2 and 3, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is a memorial service for those who died in the Nagaoka air raids, a display of gratitude to those who worked so hard for reconstruction and a wish for lasting peace. Bleacher seats are set up on both banks of the Shinano River so that the fireworks can be viewed from both directions. This is a rare fireworks display that takes advantage of the Shinano River by using a lot of the impressive shaku-dama, or 'large-sized balls' for the fireworks display of 'Sho-Sanshaku-Dama' with the width of 650 meters and 'Phoenix for reconstruction' with the width of 2 kilometers are highlights of the spectacle. Date & Time Aug 02-03・19:20-21:10 Price Free Location Shinanogawa Kasen Park More Details Tenjin Festival 2025 With over 1,000 years of history, the Tenjin Festival at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine in Osaka is one of the three major festivals in Japan. On the first day of the event, there are prayers for safety and prosperity at the shrine, and on the second day, the festivities really kick off with parades and fireworks. With a river procession of 100 boats and a fireworks display, the Tenjin Festival is a celebratory year, an original firework named 'Benibai', which opens in the shape of an ume (plum) bowl, is launched in honor of Tenjin-sama, the goddess of mercy. There are also many other unique fireworks to be enjoyed throughout the fireworks spectacle. Date & Time Jul 24-25・15:00~ Price Free Location Kema Sakuranomiya Park More Details Tips for the Best Fireworks-Viewing Experience Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up quickly and bring a large crowd — bring a picnic blanket and stake out a good viewing location well before sunset. Wear a Yukata: Embrace the festive spirit by wearing a traditional summer kimono, often sold or rented near event areas. Bring Snacks and Drinks: Festival food is everywhere, but lines can be long. Bringing your own refreshments saves time and money, and keeps you hydrated in the summer heat. Check Transportation Plans: Trains and buses can be packed after the event, so know your route home and consider walking part of the way. Respect the Space: Clean up after yourself and follow local etiquette. Many events provide trash bags or designated bins. Related Posts Heat Waves Force Japan's Beloved Summer Festivals To Change Seasons The Explosive Traditions and Innovations of Japanese Fireworks Displays 5 Japanese Products To Save You From The Summer Heat
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6 days ago
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Heat Waves Force Japan's Beloved Summer Festivals To Change Seasons
A Japanese summer is synonymous with the image of yukata-clad couples strolling riverside paths and children clutching kakigori shaved ice, beneath a sky of glittering fireworks. But across the country, the rhythmic chants of festival-goers are in danger of fading away, as extreme heat may force several matsuri — beloved traditional festivals — to abandon their seasonal posts. With temperatures in recent years reaching levels that pose serious risks to performers, spectators and staff, several firework displays and Obon events have been rescheduled for spring or autumn. The century-old Adachi Fireworks festival in Tokyo, for instance, initially scheduled for July, has changed its date to May 31 this year, causing various logistical issues. List of Contents: The Great Festival Migration A Matter of Survival What's Really at Stake Related Posts The Great Festival Migration Festival date alterations are taking place around the country with startling speed. The shift from midsummer to spring for the Adachi Fireworks Festival shocked longtime attendees. But for organizers, it seemed like a necessary change after last year's near-catastrophe. Temperatures hit 30 degrees Celsius by 7 a.m. and soared past 35°C by 10 a.m. Security personnel were hospitalized with heat stroke. For staff working throughout the day with no shade, the event was more like an endurance test than a celebration. Then, after all that, sudden thunderstorms, increasingly common in Japan's destabilized climate, forced a last-minute cancellation after months of preparation. In Kitakyushu, the Wasshoi Hyakuman Summer Festival has shifted from August to September. The Saga Castle Town Sakae no Kuni Festival, meanwhile, will be held on May 31 and June 1 rather than its usual August date. soma nomaoi festival A Matter of Survival The dates have been changed not just because of comfort and convenience, but due to safety issues. Fukushima Prefecture's Soma Nomaoi Festival, in which samurai warriors thunder across fields on horseback, made the decision to move from July to May after horses began dying of heat-related illnesses in 2023. The Kujirabune (whale boat) festival in Mie Prefecture's Yokkaichi city is another ancient tradition that will shift its dates. Due to the extreme summer heat in recent years, it has been decided to reposition the festival as part of a September shrine celebration. 'It will be too late once an emergency occurs,' said organizers. The solution required delicate negotiations with cultural preservation authorities and community leaders. What's Really at Stake Some traditional festivals, however, remain immovable. Changing dates would destroy their meaning entirely. Tanabata festivals, for example, must occur on July 7 — the date when star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet once a year. But Tanabata celebrations are losing attendees due to the heat, with a notable decline in nursery school and elderly visitors during peak temperatures. The great festival migration, though, represents much more than just logistical adjustments. It is redefining the cultural meaning of summer for the Japanese public, and eroding seasonal rhythms that have shaped its society for centuries. While Japan's beloved matsuri will likely persist through spirited local support and creative adaptations, its recent crisis is a palpable side effect of a new climatic reality. Related Posts Japan Life Kit: What Are Matsuri and How To Enjoy Them Brace Yourself: Tokyo Hits 30 Degrees for the First Time in 2025 5 Japanese Products To Save You From The Summer Heat
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