In Japan, summer is synonymous with fireworks festivals. From July through August—and in some places, even into September—fireworks light up the night skies all across the country. These stunning displays are more than just entertainment; they’re a cherished summer tradition deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
But fireworks in Japan aren't limited to the summer months. In winter, festivals like the “Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks” in Yamanashi Prefecture offer a unique experience: colorful fireworks against a backdrop of snow-covered landscapes.
At large festivals, thousands to tens of thousands of fireworks are launched, attracting crowds of up to hundreds of thousands of spectators. Popular events often lead to packed trains, heavy traffic, and long waits to secure a good viewing spot—yet people still gather year after year to witness these fleeting spectacles.
What sets Japanese fireworks apart is their breathtaking colors and intricate designs. Beyond the classic round bursts, you’ll find heart shapes, smiley faces, and even cartoon character fireworks—each crafted by skilled artisans.
The Spirit Behind Fireworks in Japan
For Japanese people, fireworks are not just an attraction. They represent something deeper: the beauty of fleeting moments. Much like cherry blossoms, fireworks bloom brilliantly for just an instant before vanishing into the night. This sense of impermanence, or wabi-sabi, resonates deeply within Japanese culture.
Japan’s fireworks tradition dates back to 1733, during the Edo period. The first large-scale fireworks display was held during the Sumida River Water Festival in Tokyo. This event was originally organized to comfort those suffering from famine and disease, and to pray for protection from epidemics. The fireworks served as both a memorial for the dead and a form of prayer to nature itself.
Over time, fireworks artisans—known as Tamaya and Kagiya—competed to create increasingly elaborate displays. Fireworks became a summer pastime embraced by the masses, aided by Japan’s hot, humid summers that made enjoying fireworks while cooling off in the evening breeze a popular form of leisure.
Even today, the spirit of prayer and remembrance lives on in modern fireworks festivals. Many events are dedicated to commemorating disaster victims or supporting recovery efforts, such as after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Each burst of color carries messages of hope, gratitude, and healing.
Some festivals are also formal competitions where fireworks creators showcase their skills. The Omagari Fireworks Festival in Akita Prefecture, for example, is one of Japan’s most prestigious fireworks competitions.
Japan’s Three Major Fireworks Festivals
Japan’s top three fireworks festivals, known as the "Three Great Fireworks Festivals," each have their own history and traditions. Here are the most iconic events:
🎆 Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (Niigata Prefecture)
Held every August along the banks of the Shinano River, this festival is known for its massive scale and emotional displays dedicated to recovery and remembrance. The iconic "Phoenix Fireworks" symbolize hope and rebirth.
2025 Event Dates: August 2–3
Held every early August along the banks of the Shinano River.
[Official Website] https://nagaokamatsuri.com/
🎆 Omagari Fireworks Festival (Akita Prefecture)
Officially named the "National Fireworks Competition." It’s considered the pinnacle of Japan’s fireworks artistry. Divided into daytime and nighttime events, the competition showcases innovative and artistic fireworks.
2025 Event Date: August 30
Usually held on the last Saturday of August at Omonogawa Riverbed Sports Park.
[Official Website] https://www.oomagari-hanabi.com/
🎆 Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition (Ibaraki Prefecture)
Held every fall, this event is renowned as Japan’s premier autumn fireworks festival. Artisans compete in various categories, from star mines to creative fireworks. The grand finale of continuous star mines is a breathtaking highlight.
2025 Event Date: November 1
Held every early November at Tuchiura city.
[Official Website] https://www-tsuchiura--hanabi-jp.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Other Popular Fireworks Festivals
🎆 Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (Tokyo)
One of Japan’s oldest fireworks events, held along the Sumida River. The festival’s proximity to the Tokyo Skytree and its city-center location make it one of Japan’s most crowded and iconic fireworks shows.
2025 Event Date: July 26
Held every year on the last Saturday of July along the Sumida River.
[Official Website] https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/#
🎆 Biwako Fireworks Festival (Shiga Prefecture)
Set over Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, this festival creates stunning reflections as fireworks burst over the water. It’s one of the most popular events in the Kansai region.
2025 Event Date: August 8
Usually held around August 8 in the waters off Otsu Port.
[Official Website] https://www.biwako-visitors.jp/hanabi/
🎆 Kanmon Strait Fireworks Festival (Fukuoka & Yamaguchi Prefectures)
One of the largest fireworks events in western Japan. Around 15,000 fireworks are launched simultaneously from both sides of the Kanmon Strait, between Kitakyushu and Shimonoseki. A dynamic display over the sea, sometimes accompanied by drone shows.
2025 Event Date: August 13
Held every year on August 13, “the day of Mukaebi” in the Obon season, jointly hosted on both sides of the Kanmon Strait—Moji in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, and Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi.
[Official Website] https://www.kanmon-hanabi.love/
The Fun (and Challenges) of Fireworks Festivals
Beyond the fireworks themselves, Japanese festivals offer plenty of other experiences. Street stalls sell classic festival foods like shaved ice, yakisoba, and grilled squid. Many people wear yukata (summer kimono) to complete the summer festival atmosphere.
In riverside or seaside festivals, you can even enjoy fireworks from traditional yakatabune boats for a luxurious experience.
However, be prepared: popular festivals attract massive crowds. Public transport and roads become packed, and getting a good viewing spot may require hours of waiting in advance. But for many, these challenges are all part of the summer fireworks experience.
Handheld Fireworks: Japan’s Casual Summer Tradition
Japan’s fireworks culture isn’t limited to massive displays. Another beloved tradition is handheld fireworks. From sparklers to small fountains, these miniature fireworks are enjoyed by children and adults alike during summer evenings.
In many areas, there are specific rules about where fireworks can be used, so be sure to check local regulations.
Handheld fireworks are widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores during summer, making them a staple of Japanese summer nights.
Fireworks as a Reflection of Japanese Aesthetics
Fireworks in Japan are more than visual entertainment. They reflect the Japanese sense of beauty, fleetingness, and reverence for nature and life itself.
When those fleeting flowers bloom in the night sky, people are moved, comforted, and sometimes offer silent prayers.
That’s the true magic of Japan’s fireworks festivals🎆
