Top 10 Summer Fireworks Festivals in Japan You Shouldn’t Miss in 2025

1. The Magic of Fireworks that Illuminate the Summer Night Sky 🌟

When we think of summer, fireworks festivals come to mind! Beloved as a quintessential part of Japanese summer traditions, fireworks festivals paint the night sky with a riot of colors, etching vivid memories in our hearts. 💭✨

From the numerous fireworks festivals held across Japan, we’re introducing 10 carefully selected popular spots with excellent accessibility. Additionally, for those who think “I don’t like crowds…” or “I want to enjoy the view in peace…”, we’re also sharing plenty of lesser-known viewing spots that only locals know about! 📸

Why not immerse yourself in the breathtaking world of beautiful fireworks with someone special this summer of 2025? 🎐

2. How to Choose the Perfect Fireworks Festival for You 🔍

If you’re having trouble deciding which fireworks festival to attend, check the following points! You’re sure to find the best fireworks experience that matches your preferred way of enjoying them. 👀

✅ Check the Viewing Environment

• Paid seating availability: If you want to sit and enjoy comfortably, check if paid seating is available in advance. Early reservations are recommended! 💺
• Accessibility: Is it within walking distance from the station? Are there shuttle buses? Don’t forget to check return transportation options too! 🚃🚌
• Toilet and food stall availability: Especially important if you’re bringing small children or planning to stay for a long time! 🚻🍡

✅ Check the Fireworks Themselves

• Number and scale of launches: This varies greatly from several thousand to tens of thousands of fireworks depending on the festival. For a more powerful experience, choose larger-scale events! 💥
• Special performances: Some festivals feature collaborations with music, story-based displays, and other unique highlights. 🎵
• Launch duration: From short 20-minute shows to over 2-hour extravaganzas, the length varies widely. ⏱️

✅ Essential Checks for Photography Enthusiasts

• Photography spots: Look for festivals where you can capture both fireworks and night scenery or nature in one frame 📱
• Instagram-worthy spots: Fireworks reflecting on water surfaces or displays held in distinctive locations offer something special! ✨

3. Top 10 Popular Fireworks Spots for Summer 2025 [By Region] 🗾

🏙️ Kanto Region

① Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Tokyo)

Date: July 27, 2025 (Sat) tentative
Number of fireworks: Approx. 20,000
Features: One of Japan’s representative fireworks festivals where you can enjoy displays against the backdrop of Tokyo’s urban nightscape. The simultaneous fireworks launched from the first and second venues are spectacular! 🌃

🔍 Recommended viewing points:

• Popular spots: Around Sensoji Temple, TOKYO SKYTREE Observation Deck
• Hidden spots: High-rise apartments near Shin-Okachimachi Station, near Kototoi Bridge

🏨 Nearby hotel information: Asakusa View Hotel’s rooms with fireworks views are popular! Early reservations are essential. ➡️ Check hotels around Asakusa

💡 Tips to avoid crowds: Wait about 30 minutes after the end of the display before leaving to avoid station congestion. It’s also recommended to check multiple return routes in advance. 🚶‍♀️

🏞️ Hokuriku/Koshinetsu Region

② Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Display (Niigata)

Date: August 2 (Sat) & 3 (Sun), 2025 tentative
Number of fireworks: Approx. 20,000
Features: One of Japan’s three major fireworks displays. The “Phoenix,” a symbol of reconstruction, is a massive set piece spanning 2km in length! 🔥

🔍 Recommended viewing points:

• Popular spots: Around Nagaoka City Athletic Stadium, Riverbank downstream from Chosei Bridge
• Hidden spots: Shinano River Green Park, view from Hasunagata Park side

🏨 Nearby hotel information: Hotels around Nagaoka Station typically become fully booked, so reservations 3 months in advance are recommended. ➡️ Find hotels in Nagaoka City

💡 Tips to avoid crowds: Of the two days, the first day tends to be relatively less crowded. Also consider purchasing official paid seating. 🎫

🌉 Kansai Region

③ Osaka Yodogawa Fireworks Festival (Osaka)

Date: August 9, 2025 (Sat) tentative
Number of fireworks: Approx. 10,000
Features: One of the largest fireworks festivals in the Kansai region, enjoyed amid a landscape where urban and natural environments merge. You can fully appreciate the fireworks from viewing areas stretching along the riverside. 🌆

🔍 Recommended viewing points:

• Popular spots: Around Juso Bridge, along Shin-Midosuji
• Hidden spots: Yodogawa River Park Nishinakajima area, near the Shinkansen elevated tracks

🏨 Nearby hotel information: Hotels around Shin-Osaka Station offer good access. Some hotels offer special plans on fireworks days. ➡️ Check accommodation near Shin-Osaka

💡 Tips to avoid crowds: Arrive at the venue 2 hours before it starts, and using taxis rather than public transportation is smoother for the return journey. 🚕

🌊 Chugoku/Shikoku Region

④ Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival (Hiroshima)

Date: August 14, 2025 (Thu) tentative
Number of fireworks: Approx. 5,000
Features: Fireworks launched from the water create a fantastical scene as they reflect on the water’s surface, with the World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine’s great torii gate as a backdrop. 🏮

🔍 Recommended viewing points:

• Popular spots: Around Miyajima Pier, the beach in front of Itsukushima Shrine
• Hidden spots: Miyajima-guchi on the opposite shore, viewing from aboard the ferry

🏨 Nearby hotel information: Ryokans on Miyajima Island are so popular that reservations begin a year in advance. Hotels in Miyajima-guchi on the opposite shore are also recommended. ➡️ Book accommodation around Miyajima

💡 Tips to avoid crowds: Since ferries to Miyajima get extremely crowded, either arrive early or consider viewing from the opposite shore. ⛴️

🌋 Kyushu/Okinawa Region

⑤ Kumamoto Fire Country Festival Fireworks Display (Kumamoto)

Date: August 3, 2025 (Sun) tentative
Number of fireworks: Approx. 15,000
Features: A fireworks festival boasting one of the largest scales in Kyushu. The fireworks spreading against the backdrop of Kumamoto Castle are a beloved summer tradition in Kumamoto. 🏯

🔍 Recommended viewing points:

• Popular spots: Kumamoto Castle Ninomaru Plaza, Shirakawa Riverbed
• Hidden spots: Around Kogai Bridge, Tsuboi River Green Park

🏨 Nearby hotel information: Hotels in central Kumamoto City allow you to view fireworks within walking distance. ➡️ Kumamoto City hotel information

💡 Tips to avoid crowds: Public transportation is best. Coming by car will result in major traffic jams on surrounding roads. 🚶‍♂️

💫 More fireworks festivals in other regions will be introduced below!

⑥ Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival (Nagano) ⑦ Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition (Ibaraki) ⑧ Omagari Fireworks (Akita) ⑨ Kobe Port Marine Fireworks Festival (Hyogo) ⑩ Kagoshima City Ishin Furusato Fireworks Festival (Kagoshima)

4. Checklist of Items to Bring for 100% Enjoyment of Fireworks Festivals 📋

To avoid thinking “I wish I’d brought that…” on the day of the fireworks festival, check these essential items! ✅

🔰 Basic Items to Bring

• Leisure sheet: Essential if sitting directly on the ground! Waterproof type recommended 🧵
• Insect repellent spray/liquid: Essential for riverbanks where mosquitoes are abundant 🦟
• Drinks: Hydration is crucial in summer heat 💧
• Portable toilet: Solves toilet problems during crowded times 🚽
• Mobile battery pack: To prevent smartphone battery drain 🔋
• Hat & sunscreen: Especially important if securing a spot from daytime 👒
• Towel & fan: For heat countermeasures 🧴
• Garbage bags: Take your trash home with you ♻️

📸 Tips for Successful Fireworks Photography

• Tripod: Essential for blur-free photos 🎥
• Smartphone settings: Utilize “night mode” or “long exposure mode” in your camera app
• Remote shutter: Prevents hand shake 📱
• Battery saving: Keep screen off when not shooting

👪 Preparations for Those Bringing Children

• Earplugs: For children who dislike loud noises 👂
• Warm clothes: It can get surprisingly cold at night 🧣
• Favorite toys: To help pass waiting time 🧸
• Regular medication: In case of unexpected illness 💊

💏 Items for Couples

• Blanket: For cuddling while watching fireworks 🧶
• Portable speaker: Enjoy fireworks with music (be considerate of others) 🎵
• Surprise gift: Fireworks festivals are perfect for special moments 🎁

5. Recommended Fireworks Festival × Accommodation Plans 🏨

🌙 Comparison of Accommodation Type Benefits

Benefits of staying on the same day:

• Can rest comfortably after fireworks end
• Avoid return crowds
• Can enjoy sightseeing the next day

Benefits of staying the night before:

• Can secure a good spot without worrying about travel time on the day
• Can get ready before heading to the venue
• Can enjoy local cuisine from the day before

Benefits of a day trip:

• Save on accommodation costs
• Greater schedule flexibility
• Can minimize luggage

🏯 Special Feature: Hotels with Fireworks Views

For those seeking a special experience, hotels where you can view fireworks from your room are recommended! Though they may be more expensive than usual rates, they’re well worth it. 😍

Recommended hotel types:

• High-floor rooms: Can view the entire fireworks display even from a distance
• Rooms with open-air baths: Luxury of watching fireworks while soaking in hot springs
• Rooms with terraces/balconies: Enjoy fireworks in an open space

➡️ Find Fireworks Festival × Accommodation Plans

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓

Q: What happens in case of rain? A: Responses differ by event. Some may proceed during light rain, but most are canceled or postponed during severe weather. Check the official SNS accounts or websites of each festival on the day for confirmation about whether they will be held. ☔

Q: Is it okay to bring small children? A: Of course! However, please note the following:

• Prepare earplugs for children who dislike loud noises
• Strollers may be difficult to use in crowds
• Check early exit routes in advance
• Give children a note with contact information in case they get lost 👶

Q: Can I use a drone for filming? A: At most fireworks festivals, drone flights are prohibited for safety reasons. Flying without permission may result in penalties, so absolutely refrain from doing so. 🚫

Q: Are there photography-prohibited areas? A: While photography is generally free in public areas, when using a tripod, be considerate of those around you. Also, some paid seating areas may have photography restrictions, so check in advance. 📷

Q: Any tips for avoiding crowds on the day of the fireworks festival? A: Keep these points in mind:

• Use public transportation
• Arrive at the venue 2-3 hours before start time
• Research multiple entrances/exits and routes in advance
• Instead of leaving immediately after the end, wait about 30 minutes before moving 🚶‍♀️

7. Summary – How to Make the Most of Fireworks Festivals 🌈

The summer tradition of “fireworks festivals” is one of the best experiences Japanese culture has to offer. The emotional moments when colorful lights paint the night sky will become unforgettable memories. ✨

Using the fireworks festival information and viewing tips introduced here, why not plan a special fireworks experience this summer! Early hotel reservations are recommended for popular festivals. Also, don’t forget to regularly check the official websites of each festival for the latest information! 📱