Welcome to Japan’s Summer Fireworks Festivals!
Famous Fireworks Festivals in Japan
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo is a famous summer event held on the last Saturday of July every year. Approximately 20,000 fireworks are launched from both sides of the Sumida River, captivating spectators with their grand spectacle. Especially stunning are the fireworks with the Tokyo Skytree as a backdrop.
Tenjin Festival Fireworks in Osaka
The Tenjin Festival Fireworks, held on July 25, are part of the Tenjin Festival, one of Japan’s three major festivals. About 5,000 fireworks are launched over the Okawa River, creating a magnificent display combined with the traditional boat procession.
Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks
Held on August 2 and 3 in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture, the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks showcases around 20,000 fireworks launched from the banks of the Shinano River. The beauty and scale of this display are renowned nationwide, with highlights including the Phoenix fireworks and the giant Sanjakudama fireworks.
Omagari Fireworks
The Omagari Fireworks in Daisen, Akita Prefecture, known as the All-Japan Fireworks Competition, take place on the last Saturday of August. Fireworks artisans from across Japan and abroad compete in skill and creativity, lighting up the night sky with their impressive displays.
Access from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai Airports
Access from Narita Airport
From Narita Airport, accessing the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo is very convenient. Take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, and then transfer to Asakusa or Ryogoku area to easily reach the festival site.
To attend the Tenjin Festival Fireworks in Osaka, take a domestic flight from Narita to Osaka Itami Airport, then transfer to a train to reach Osaka city. For the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks and Omagari Fireworks, use the Shinkansen or domestic flights for convenient travel to the respective locations.
Access from Haneda Airport
From Haneda Airport, reaching Tokyo’s fireworks festival sites is very smooth. The airport has excellent connections to central Tokyo, making it easy to travel by train to Asakusa or Ryogoku for the Sumida River Fireworks Festival. Traveling to Osaka, Niigata, and Akita is also convenient via domestic flights or the Shinkansen.
Access from Kansai International Airport
From Kansai International Airport, accessing the Tenjin Festival Fireworks in Osaka is very convenient. JR and Nankai Electric Railway provide direct connections to Osaka city, making it easy to reach the Okawa River fireworks site. Traveling to Tokyo, Niigata, and Akita is also straightforward via the Shinkansen or domestic flights.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Asakusa (Sumida River Fireworks Festival Area)
Asakusa, the venue for the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, is an area where you can experience Tokyo’s traditional downtown atmosphere. Visit Senso-ji Temple, Kaminarimon Gate, and Nakamise Street to enjoy traditional souvenirs and food. The Tokyo Skytree is also nearby, offering spectacular views from its observation deck.
Tenmabashi & Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street (Tenjin Festival Fireworks Area)
Near the Tenjin Festival Fireworks site in Tenmabashi is the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street. It is the longest shopping street in Japan, stretching 2.6 kilometers and lined with various shops and restaurants. Enjoy shopping and dining while experiencing the local atmosphere.
Nagaoka Station Area (Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Area)
The Shinano River fireworks site is within walking distance of Nagaoka Station. The area around Nagaoka Station offers many shops selling local specialties and souvenirs. Enjoy Niigata’s famous dishes such as Nagaoka ramen and hegi soba.
Omagari Station Area (Omagari Fireworks Area)
The Omagari Fireworks site is within walking distance of Omagari Station. The area around Omagari Station is home to many restaurants and souvenir shops where you can enjoy traditional Akita cuisine and local products.
Recommended Food
Asakusa (Sumida River Fireworks Festival Area)
In Asakusa, traditional Japanese sweets such as Kaminari Okoshi and Ningyo-yaki are recommended. There are also many excellent tempura and sukiyaki restaurants around Senso-ji Temple, making it an ideal place to enjoy Japanese cuisine.
Tenmabashi (Tenjin Festival Fireworks Area)
Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street offers Osaka specialties such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu. Enjoy strolling the shopping street while sampling these local treats.
Nagaoka (Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Area)
In Nagaoka, try Niigata specialties like hegi soba and Nagaoka ramen. Niigata’s famous rice dishes and local sake are also a must-try.
Omagari (Omagari Fireworks Area)
In Omagari, you can enjoy Akita specialties such as kiritanpo hot pot and Inaniwa udon. Local restaurants offer fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the region’s culinary traditions.
Japan’s fireworks festivals are a beautiful summer tradition that attracts many visitors each year. Enjoy the stunning fireworks along with the local attractions and cuisine, creating wonderful travel memories. We hope your journey to Japan’s fireworks festivals will be a delightful and unforgettable experience.