Fireworks Shows in Japan

The rainy season in Japan usually ends around the first week of Japan, and this is also the start of weekly fireworks shows which are held all over the country. Summer in Japan is hot and humid, so why do thousands of people go out to watch fireworks in the summer heat? People get a chance to get out of the house to eat, drink, and talk with family and/or friends. Not to mention many people wear yukata (summer kimono). Some Japanese people say the sound of fireworks being shot high into the air and seeing the beautiful colors and patterns dazzle in the night sky help them forget about the heat.

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If you are in Japan now or if you have already planned a trip to Tokyo for July or August, here are dates and times for some fireworks shows:

Saturday, July 28:

• (7:00pm-8:30pm) Sumida River Fireworks Show – Best viewing is from riverside along the Sumida River in the Asakusa area. Last year, 950,000 people went to watch the show, so it will be extremely crowded. A few years ago, I watched the show, but arrived at the viewing area a little too late to get a place where we could sit and watch. If you want to sit and watch, I suggest you go there during the early afternoon to save a spot.
• (7:20pm-8:20pm) Showa Kinen Park Fireworks Show in Tachikawa – Always held on the same day as the Sumida River Fireworks Show to spread out the number of people who watch. Last year, 260,000 people when to watch the show. I watched this show a few times, and it is a lot more relaxed because of the fewer amount of people. However, people from Hawaii might still be surprised at the large crowds. Tachikawa is located about 30 minutes west from Shinjuku on the Chuo Line.

Wednesday, August 1

• (7:40pm-8:30pm) Koto Fireworks Show – Access to viewing areas from Minami-Sunamachi Station on the Tozai Line. Last year 300,000 people went to watch this show.

Saturday, August 4

• (7:15pm-8:30pm) Edogawa-ku Fireworks Show – Edogawa-ku located next to Chiba Prefecture. Best access to viewing areas are from Shinozaki Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line. Last year 900,000 people watch the show from the Tokyo side. This show is popular because fireworks are synchronized with background music.
• (7:00pm-8:30pm) Itabashi Fireworks Show – This show can be access from JR Ukimafunado Station, which is on the Saikyo Line, Takashimadaira Station/Nishidai Station/Hasune Station, which are on the Toei Mita Line.

Saturday, August 11

• (7:10pm-8:30pm) Tokyo Fireworks Show~EDOMODE~ – Fireworks will be shot up from Tokyo Bay near the Odaiba Area. So there are many places to view this show. This is the first year to have this show, but I think this show is taking the place of the Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Show that was discontinued in 2015.

Important Note: Fireworks shows can be canceled/postponed due to high winds or rain. So, if you are planning to check out a show, check weather reports or webpages/SNS that provide information.

Some things to prepare if you go to a fireworks show:

1. Food and drinks – I suggest buying the majority of your food and drinks before you arrive at your destination. Vendors will be selling food and drinks, if you want hot food or if you drink all of your drinks.
2. Location of bathrooms – Plan out your day so you can go early to check out where bathrooms are located. Because most people are drinking alcohol and tons of water, lines for the bathroom will be long.
3. Hit up a 100 yen shop – You can get cheap cooler bags, cups, napkins, and everything else you will need.
4. Get a blue tarp/sheet – Unless you have to watch the show standing up, get you and your group a blue tarp/sheet to sit on.
5. Make a plan for after the show – After the show ends, even a little bit before the show ends, thousands of people will try to catch the train at the same time. If you don’t mind staying a little later to avoid the traffic, go get a few extra drinks. If you don’t mind walking a little further to a less crowded station, research for stations you can walk to.

If you want some information regarding fireworks shows in different areas of Japan, feel free to contact us!