Soaring high into the sky with a thunderous boom and painting the night with vibrant colors, fireworks (花火 hanabi) are a cherished highlight of the summer in Japan. From July to August, hundreds of fireworks festivals take place throughout the country, offering free spectacles that can be enjoyed on streets, in parks, or at indoor/outdoor venues.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these festivals had to be canceled for the past three years. However, in 2023, they are finally making a comeback! To ensure an exhilarating experience, we have carefully selected five large-scale festivals in Tokyo that showcase over 10,000 fireworks. Are you ready to start counting? Let’s dive in!
Contents
History of Fireworks in Japan
Before we delve into our top picks, let’s take a brief moment to explore the origins of fireworks in Japan. It is believed that gunpowder was introduced to Japan as a weapon during the two Mongolian invasions in the late 12th century and early 14th century, known as the Kamakura period. However, it was during the Edo period (1603-1868), after the country had endured over a century of intense warfare and finally achieved unity under the rule of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the Edo Shōgunate, that fireworks displays gained popularity among shōguns and feudal lords.
The birth of modern fireworks festivals is attributed to the event held along the Sumida River in 1733. Famine and epidemics plagued the land, resulting in a considerable loss of lives. In a solemn gesture of mourning, fireworks were launched to commemorate the deceased. Over time, these festivals began to be held to celebrate the opening of rivers in Edo and gradually expanded throughout the country as integral parts of various rituals and ceremonies.
Today, Japan hosts countless fireworks festivals, primarily during the summer season, where people gather to witness these dazzling displays purely for entertainment purposes. At these festivals, many attendees don yukata (summer kimono), while food stalls line the streets, offering a wide array of treats.
Five Major Fireworks Festivals in Tokyo 2023
So, without further ado, let’s check out five spectacular summer fireworks festivals in Tokyo, each boasting a breathtaking display of over 10,000 fireworks. These events are all scheduled to take place between July and August 2023, so be sure to mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this long-awaited and sensational entertainment!
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Oldest in Japan, Biggest in Tokyo
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival holds the distinction of being the oldest fireworks festival in Japan and is renowned as one of the three largest fireworks festivals in the country. Since its inception as the opening ceremony of the Sumida River in 1733, this riverside spectacle has attracted nearly 950,000 visitors annually.
The festival is held along the picturesque Sumida River, with two main venues situated in the vibrant Asakusa area. Venue 1 stretches between two bridges, namely Sakurabashi and Kototoibashi, while Venue 2 lies further downstream between Komagatabashi and Umayabashi. If you desire an up-close experience of the grand opening featuring over 1,000 fireworks, including stunning star-mines, Venue 1 is the ideal spot. On the other hand, at Venue 2, you can witness an intense spectacle of over 10,000 unique fireworks, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience.
- Date/Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm on July 29th (Sat) 2023
- Number of Fireworks: 20,000
- Location: Asakusa area along the Sumida River
- Access
- Venue 1: 11 minute-walk from Asakusa Station (Google Map)
- Venue 2: 3 minute-walk from Asakusa Station (Google Map)
- Admission: Free
- Official Website: Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Katsushika Fireworks Festival
Spectacular “Restart” with a Record 20,000 Fireworks
The Katsushika Fireworks Festival takes place in Shibamata, a renowned local sightseeing spot famous for being featured in a well-known Japanese movie. This location allows visitors to enjoy both the vibrant downtown atmosphere and the dazzling fireworks display. In the previous festival held in 2019, the event featured six different stages, including one that showcased the scenic beauty of Shibamata, which was designated as the first Important Cultural Landscape in Tokyo. Additionally, attendees witnessed a digital star-mine synchronizing fireworks with music and a grand aerial Niagara that transformed the night sky into a shimmering silver wonder.
While the detailed program for 2023 is yet to be revealed, the festival’s main theme has been announced as “Restart,” accompanied by an impressive total of 20,000 fireworks—a significant increase compared to the usual 13,000. Online reservations for paid reserved seats along the Edogawa River are currently available until the day of the festival. These seats include 1,088 pair seats priced at 9,000 yen, 664 seating arrangements for four people at 14,000 yen, and 356 group seating options (up to six people) at 18,000 yen.
- Date/Time: 7:20pm – 8:30pm on July 25th (Tue) 2023
- Number of Fireworks: 20,000
- Access: 10 minute-walk from Shibamata Station (Google Map)
- Admission: Free
- Official Website: Katsumaru Guide (Katsushika-ward website for tourists)
Adachi Fireworks Festival (Adachi no Hanabi)
An Uninterrupted Hour of Breathtaking Fireworks
The Adachi Fireworks Festival, a tradition spanning over 100 years, holds the distinction of being the earliest large-scale fireworks festival in Tokyo during the summer season. This year, the festival promises an extraordinary display of approximately 15,000 fireworks—an impressive record-breaking number not seen in the past 11 years. These mesmerizing fireworks will illuminate the sky for an entire hour, creating a powerful spectacle. Notable highlights include the traditional double “Niagara” display, a captivating fusion of lasers and fireworks, as well as the golden “Weeping Cherry Blossoms” that grace the grand finale. Attendees can comfortably enjoy the enhanced program while seated along the banks of the Arakawa River. Paid seating options will be available online starting from June 24th, with fees ranging from 3,500 yen for a single seat to 18,000 yen for a set of four seats.
- Date/Time: 7:20pm – 8:20pm on July 22nd (Sat) 2023
- Number of Fireworks: 15,000
- Access: 15 min walk from Shinozaki Station or 25 min walk from Edogawa Station (Google Map)
- Admission: Free
- Official Website: Adachi Fireworks Festival (Adachi no Hanabi)
Edogawa Fireworks Festival
Eight Different Themes Accompanied with Captivating Music
The Edogawa Fireworks Festival, which has been captivating spectators since 1976, presents a staggering display of nearly 14,000 fireworks at a single site. The festival boasts eight different themes, including a dazzling opening featuring 1,000 shots in a mere five seconds and a colossal fireworks creation in the shape of Mount Fuji synchronized with music. In 2023, the festival will embrace the concept of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), actively promoted by the Edogawa Ward. The event will feature SDGs color wheels alongside related events and activities, culminating in a breathtaking finale with seven-colored lights and a shower of dazzling golden fireworks, symbolizing the dawn of a new era.
The festival will be live-streamed for the first time, aiming to attract a wider audience than ever before.
- Date/Time: 7:15pm – on August 5th (Sat) 2023
- Number of Fireworks: 14,000
- Access: 15 min walk from Shinozaki Station or 25 min walk from Edogawa Station (Google Map)
- Admission: Free
- Official Website: Edogawa Fireworks Festival
Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival 2023
A Night of Entertainment with Live Performances in the Heart of Urban Tokyo
The Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival takes place in the vibrant Shibuya area, offering spectators the opportunity to enjoy a magnificent fireworks display from paid venues such as Meiji Jingu Stadium, Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium (Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground), and Jingu Nanshiki Kyujo (Meiji Jingu Gaien Rubber Baseball Field). While the detailed schedule and program for 2023 are yet to be announced, the festival successfully returned in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year’s event featured a breathtaking launch of 12,000 fireworks, including captivating star-mines that painted the night sky with vibrant colors. What makes the festival even more exciting are the live performances by popular Japanese artists, which kick off in the evening at Meiji Jingu Stadium and Jingu Nanshiki Kyujo, respectively. These performances are also broadcast live at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium. In 2022, ticket options ranged from 4,000 yen for standing or free seating space at Chichibu Rugby Stadium and Nanshiki Kyujo to 9,000 yen for SS Arena seats at Jingu Stadium.
- Date/Time: TBA
*In 2022
- Fireworks: 7:30pm – 8:30pm on August 21st (postponed from originally scheduled 20th)
- Opening Act: 5:00pm at Meiji Jingu Stadium / 3:45pm at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium
- Number of Fireworks: TBA *In 2022: 12,000
- Access:
- Meiji Jingu Stadium: 14 min walk from Shinanomachi/Sendagaya/Aoyama-Icchome Station (Google Map)
- Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium: 4 min walk from Gaienmae Station (Google Maps)
- Jingu Nanshiki Kyujo: 9 min walk from Shinanomachi/Aoyama-Icchome Station (Google Maps)
- Admission: Free
- Official Website: Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival (2022)
See also: The Five Most Popular Japanese Summer Festivals You Must Go To
Summary
We have selected the top five fireworks festivals held in Tokyo. Most of these festivals are scheduled for 2023, marking their return after a four-year hiatus. Join in the excitement of both the organizers and the audience as they come together to witness the splendid fireworks lighting up the summer night sky!
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