Firework shell sizes and exploded height
“Seating” (tama no suwari)
All firework shells launch at a different height, depending on their number. Ideally, they burst at the moment they reach their highest point. Fireworks that achieve this are said to be ”well-seated”.
Originally used to ward off evil spirits, fireworks (â‘âŒ, Hanabi) have a long history in Japan and are an integral part of Japanese summers. Hundreds of firework shows are held every year across the country, mainly during the summer holidays in July and August, with some of them drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators. On the other hand, fireworks are not typically used to celebrate New Year.
Japanese firework shells range in size from smaller ones to record-breaking Yonshakudama shells which are 1.2 meter in diameter and weigh several hundred kilograms. The most common are starmines, which are spherical shells that have a variety of burst patterns. Other unique fireworks include Niagara sparklers that are set under bridges and resemble the famous falls, and formed shells that burst into familiar shapes such as hearts and smiley faces.
A secondary attraction of Japanese fireworks is the relaxed festival atmosphere that comes with them, people dressed in yukata and streets lined by food and game stalls. The firework shows themselves typically start some time after sunset and last one to two hours. Many of the longer shows are broken up into multiple shorter segments, interrupted by the announcement of titles and sponsors. They often end with a grand finale consisting of hundreds of shells launched simultaneously.
Popular firework shows tend to be very crowded which leads to a few concerns for visitors:
The competition for good viewing spots can be quite strong, and people often show up and reserve the best spots hours in advance, especially in cities where tall buildings limit the number of spots with unobstructed views of the fireworks. Many shows offer paid seating, but tickets are usually not available on the day and are often difficult to get from outside of Japan or without Japanese language skills.
Accommodation and transportation can also pose critical concerns in case of some of the most popular displays. While large cities like Tokyo and Osaka tend to have enough hotel rooms to accommodate festival crowds, smaller cities usually get booked out months ahead of popular fireworks together with nearby cities. The lack of hotel rooms can pose a particularly serious challenge if there are no more late-night train or bus connections back into a larger city after the end of the show.
Furthermore, crowded buses and trains can pose an inconvenience especially after the end of the show. Because of traffic congestion, it is often faster and more comfortable to walk from the venue back to the nearest station instead of using shuttle buses. Note also that additional trains are often employed before and after major firework shows, but that they tend to be very crowded.
Travel agents are both a reason of and a potential solution to some of the above mentioned issues. They offer various tour packages for popular firework events that include transportation, accommodation and reserved seating, thereby blocking a large amount of local hotel rooms from individual travelers. While these packages can be a one-in-all solution to the transportation, accommodation and seating issues, they also tend to be difficult to purchase from outside of Japan and without Japanese language skills.
Below is a list of some of the most famous firework shows in Japan:
Last Saturday of July from 19:00 to 20:30 (July 27, 2024) Sumida River Fireworks Along the Sumida River around Asakusa Station
Tokyo's Sumida River Fireworks, which are recognized as one of the oldest and most famous firework displays in Japan, are launched from barges anchored along the Sumida River between Ryogoku and Asakusa. The colorful explosions are best seen from the parks along the river... that is, if you can get a seat. Otherwise the fireworks are difficult to see except in flashes and glimpses between the tall buildings of the district or when walking across bridges over the river (it is not allowed to stop and view the show from bridges, though).
Almost more appealing, however, is the great summer festival atmosphere that accompanies the fireworks. Tens of thousands of people, many dressed in yukata, stroll the streets of Asakusa, especially around Sensoji Temple, whose streets are lined with food vendors and game stalls. In addition, lots of restaurants around this old entertainment district provide outdoor seating where you can enjoy some good food and drink while catching what you can see of the fireworks.
Fourth Saturday in August from 17:10 (August 31, 2024) Omagari National Fireworks Competition Along the Marukogawa River, a 15 minute walk from Omagari Station, Akita Prefecture
Often considered the top firework show in Japan, the Omagari National Fireworks Competition is a special event to which only the best pyrotechnic teams are invited. Thousands of shells are launched throughout the event as teams compete in both day and night categories. Paid seating is available, as is shinkansen access from both Tokyo and Akita; however there are no connections back to Tokyo after the end of the show and hotels are very difficult to book in Omagari and its surrounding cities. Tour packages may make seeing the show easier.
First Saturday in November from 17:30 to 20:00 (November 2, 2024) Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition Along the Sakuragawa River, a 30 minute walk from Tsuchiura Station, Ibaraki Prefecture
Held in November, the Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition is one of the top three firework shows in Japan. As it is also one of the last major shows of the year, the pyrotechnic companies use the competition as a venue to show off their latest and best designs to the brokers in attendance who are shopping around for next summer's shows.
The fireworks can be seen from all around the city, but are best from the free or paid viewing spots along the river. The city advises arriving by mid afternoon to secure a seat, and be sure to bring a tarp to sit on as some of the viewing spots are in freshly cut fields. Paid shuttle buses (240 yen) connect the official spots to Tsuchiura Station, from where the JR Joban Line provides connections back to Tokyo until after the end of the show.
August 2 and August 3 from 19:20 to 21:10 (August 2-3, 2024) Nagaoka Fireworks Along the Shinano River, a 20 minute walk from Nagaoka Station, Niigata Prefecture
The Nagaoka Fireworks are held over two nights in August along the banks of the Shinano River. Both nights feature almost two straight hours of fireworks including some of the largest shells in Japan such as 90 cm diameter Sanjakudama shells, and the festival's signature Phoenix Shell, which has come to be a symbol of recovery after the 2004 Niigata Earthquake. The show's finale spans nearly two kilometers of the riverbank, making it one of the widest firework displays in the world.
There is lots of free seating along the riverbank facing the show, but be sure to arrive early enough to secure seats. Paid seating is also available, and tickets should be purchased in advance. The venue is a 20 minute walk from Nagaoka Station from where there are shinkansen connections to Tokyo and Niigata City, but note that it is difficult to catch the last train back to Tokyo after the end of the show. Consider staying in Nagaoka or Niigata, in which case a travel package including train, hotel and seating may be worth investigating.
The Nagaoka Fireworks are the most spectacular of three outstanding firework shows in Niigata Prefecture. The other two are held in coastal Kashiwazaki and in mountainous Katakai.
July 25 from 19:30 to 21:00 (July 25, 2024) Osaka Tenjin Fireworks Along the Ogawa River around Osakajo Kitazume, Osaka Tenmangu, Tenmabashi and Sakuranomiya Stations
Osaka's Tenjin Festival is ranked among Japan's Three Great Festivals, together with Kyoto's Gion and Tokyo's Kanda Festivals. 4000 fireworks are launched on the festival's second night (July 25) while a procession of flaming ships bearing portable shrines and people dressed in period costume travels along the Ogawa River. The fireworks, boat procession and illuminated bridges are best seen from the Minami Tenma and Kema Sakuranomiya Parks along the river.
December 3 from 19:30 to 22:00 (December 3, 2024) Chichibu Night Festival Fireworks Around Seibu Chichibu and Chichibu Stations
The Chichibu Night Festival is one of the rare occasions to see Japanese fireworks in winter. Fireworks are launched both nights of the festival, although the second night's show is bigger and longer. Paid seating is available, and while the shows can be seen from around the town, the view is often blocked by buildings. Seibu Railway provides transportation to and from Tokyo, and has late enough connections that staying over is not necessary.
Every day from late April to October from 20:45 to 21:05 (April 28 to October 31, 2024) Lake Toyako Fireworks Toyako Onsen, Hokkaido
Although nowhere as spectacular as the other shows on this list, the 20 minute long firework performances on Hokkaido's Lake Toyako are worth mentioning because they are held every single night from late April to October (except in bad weather). The fireworks are launched from a ship that slowly makes its way eastward in front of the large resort hotels along the shore. The show can be viewed from the hotel rooms facing the lake or from the lakeside park.
Color changing chrysanthemum with four cores by Sugano Fireworks (Fukushima)
This multilayered firework comes with two, three, four, or even five rings arranged inside its shell. The hoshi in each layer transform into two or three colors, resulting in a gorgeous bloom that produces between six and twelve colors in a brief two seconds before fading forever into the night sky. Japanese artistic fireworks--the envy of the world—don’t get much better than this.
Fireworks photograph:Kiminari Onozato
Fireworks are more than a spectacular light show in Japan. The art of Hanabi dates back centuries and today, firework festivals are a major attraction. Table of contens:
Intro A Brief History of Japanese Fireworks What are Japanese Fireworks? Top 10 Fireworks Festivals in Japan Bonus Tips IntroFireworks are big in Japan, and have a long, colourful history going back to the Edo Period. Today, they have become synonymous with both summer festivals and New Year celebrations. In fact, they are so popular they have inspired festivals of their own, as well as spectacular competitions between Japanese fireworks experts, each trying to create a bigger and better display than the last. When you visit Japan, why not celebrate the trip of a lifetime with a visit to a fireworks festival? We’ll run through 10 of the best from across Japan below, and tell you how to get there with your Japan Rail Pass. In Japan, fireworks are more than just a light show, they’re an art form known as ‘hanabi’ which literally translates as ‘flower fire’. They are not just for creating dazzling displays, but as we will go on to explain, they have a deeper significance relating to Japan’s heartfelt appreciation for ephemeral beauty. A Brief History of Japanese FireworksAs mentioned, the word ‘hanabi’ in Japanese means ‘flower fire’ - a very apt and beautiful description for fireworks, which hints at their cultural significance in Japan. Hanabi first became popular during the Edo period as a symbol and celebration of spiritual beauty. They have also been historically used to ward off evil spirits, and in the modern era have become synonymous celebrations, from summer festivals and major sporting & music events, through to bringing in the New Year.
A Brief History of Japanese Fireworks
However, their use was not always celebratory. One of their most famous historical uses was to honour the tragic deaths of those lost to famine and cholera in 1733. The use of fireworks here was not entirely sombre though, as it was also intended as a celebration of life - a role fireworks have continued to perform throughout history. One of modern-day Japan’s most famous fireworks festivals - the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival - actually dates back to this event.
Following this event, and during the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate, when Japan was at peace, the craftsmanship that had gone into gunpowder was turned towards more peaceful purposes such as fireworks, which from this period on became more closely linked with celebrating the beauty and wonder of life through ‘flower fire’ displays. Today, fireworks are so popular in Japan that rival pyrotechnic groups compete to out-do each other at festivals and competitions. This appreciation has also led to present day Japan’s great love of fireworks as spectacular displays capable of bringing the community - and at times, the whole nation -together.
What are Japanese Fireworks?
How firework shells are structured
Fireworks are made of tiny lumps of powder called hoshi (“stars”) that scatter light in all directions. The hoshi are lined up side-by-side along the inside of concentric bowls made of paper. These are called the tamagawa, or shell casings. Finally, a bursting charge called the wariyaku is placed inside the firework to break apart the hoshi, along with a fuse. Launching explosive (a lifting charge) is attached to the completed firework shell, which is then loaded into a launching tube. When the lifting charge is lit, it simultaneously lights the fuse, which shoots the shell into the air. When the fuse lights the wariyaku, the countless hoshi fly in all directions, causing a huge flower of fire to bloom in the night sky.
Japan’s world-renowned artistic fireworks
The famed shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu was the first person to ever witness a firework in Japan. Ever since then, the Mikawa area of Aichi Prefecture has been a thriving fireworks region. Today, many other regions across Japan—most notably Akita, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Niigata, Yamanashi, Nagano, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Fukuoka, Oita, and Kagoshima—are backed by a long and rich history of firework-making traditions. Meanwhile, the origins of Japanese artistic fireworks for the common people are said to date back to the Ryogoku Kawabiraki Fireworks of 1733. The year before, famine and disease had spread throughout the country, and many people died. Tokugawa Yoshimune decided to hold a festival as a memorial to the souls of the departed and to pray for the eradication of disease. It was dedicated to the water gods and scheduled for the first day of the boating season, known as kawabiraki no hi. Eventually, a fireworks festival came to be held every year on kawabiraki no hi, a tradition that led to the modern-day Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival. The first fireworks expert to make a name for himself at the festival was Yahei Kagiya. Later, a fireworks expert called Ichibei Tamaya would branch off from the Kagiya family and make his mark in Edo. To this day, the Japanese call out “Tamaya!” and “Kagiya!” when they watch a fireworks show.
What are Japanese Fireworks?
Fireworks are available all over the world, but Japan has become famous for its expertise, craftsmanship, and spectacular displays. There are also several types of fireworks that have become closely linked to Japan. These include:
Huge world-record holding fireworks which measure 1.2 metres and weigh hundreds of kilograms. As you might expect, the resulting explosion is a sight to see!
These fireworks take their name from the famous US waterfall and are essentially sparklers that cascade downwards from a bridge.
These mines burst into beautiful patterns in the sky, from traditional stars to more contemporary shapes like smiley faces, hearts and even Anime characters.
Top 10 Fireworks Festivals in JapanJapan loves festivals just as much as it loves fireworks. Festivals known as matsuri take place all over Japan for a wide range of reasons, from religious celebrations at shrines to honouring the dead, fertility, star crossed lovers - the list goes on and on. One of the common factors between all of these diverse festivals is that they are often fun, colourful, and bring together family, friends, and visitors. Japanese festivals have a carnival atmosphere, with food, music, games, and more, and represent a great way to experience the real Japan. Attendees even wear special clothing known as a ‘Yukata’ which is a casual summer kimono and ‘geta’ sandals. And of course, when it comes from getting from A to B in Japan, and from one festival location to another, there’s no better or more cost-effective way than the JR Pass. Of all Japan’s festivals, those involving fireworks might just be the most spectacular. Here is our list of recommendations: 1.) Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, Tokyo
Top 10 Fireworks Festivals in Japan
Arguably the oldest and most historic display in Japan, Tokyo’s Sumida River Fireworks Festival dates back to the 1700s (as we mentioned above). The festival usually takes place on the last Saturday in July each year along the river. You can reach the area via Asakusa Station. The festival is also close to Tokyo’s famous Sensoji Temple. Read our guide to Visiting Asakusa for more about the area. Speaking of shrines and temples, don’t miss the fireworks at Osaka Tenjin Festival either - another great destination.2.) Lake Suwa Festival
There’s something beautiful about seeing fireworks reflecting in the still water of a beautiful lake or river - perhaps that is why there are so many festivals based at these locations? The Lake Suwa Festival in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, launches the highest number of fireworks of any festival in Japan - 40,000 - and was originally founded in 1949 to lift the spirits of the Japanese people after the end of the Second World War. Today, it attracts half a million visitors each year. Another top recommendation for fireworks over water are those over Miyajima Island around Itsukushima Shrine - Japan’s famous floating torii gate and one of the most iconic spots in Japan. Fireworks take place at Miyajima in mid-August each year. Find out more about the floating torii gate in our Ultimate Torii Gate Tour of Japan. 3.) Biwako Fireworks Festival, Shiga Prefecture
Biwako is the largest lake in Japan and makes a beautiful backdrop to a huge fireworks display. Although Biwako is in Shiga Prefecture, it’s only half an hour from Kyoto, one of Japan’s most famous cities and a cultural hotspot. Kyoto is also easily accessible via other cities across Japan, such as Tokyo and Osaka, using your JRailPass and the Shinkansen bullet train. For more on Kyoto read our guide to Exploring the Higashiyama district.4.) Kumano Fireworks Festival
This unique ‘fireworks on the sea’ festival sees pyrotechnics launched from a boat creating a spectacular sight over the sea and coast at Shichirimihama, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture. It is another festival with a long and proud history dating back 300 years. 5.) Toyota Oiden Festival
As well as dazzling fireworks, Toyota Oiden Festival is known for its lavish costumes, dancing, and music. It is held on the last Sunday of July each year in Aichi Prefecture.6.) Omagari National Fireworks Competition
One of Japan’s biggest and most spectacular fireworks festivals, Omagari National Fireworks Competition sees up to 800,000 visitors flock to Omagari district in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. Famous for its storytelling and visual themes, this high-level display is often said to crown the No.1 fireworks expert in Japan. The competition and festival is one of only two events in Japan to receive a Prime Minister’s Award. 7.) Akagawa Fireworks Festival
Based at Akagawa riverside in Yamagata prefecture, this festival features more than 12,000 fireworks and attracts some of Japan’s most skilled pyrotechnic experts8.) Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
This is one of three famous fireworks shows held in Niigata Prefecture and 2021 will see its 75th anniversary. Together the three shows are known as the Fireworks Festivals of Echigo. They are the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, Gion Kashiwazaki Festival, and Katakai Festival. The region loves fireworks so much, it even has winter displays too - the Echigo-Tsumari Snow Fireworks and the Tokamachi Snow Festival. Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is arguably the biggest of all and takes place over two nights in August. It features the largest fireworks shells in Japan - Sanjakudama shells - and has a signature firework called the Phoenix Shell - a symbol of rebirth and recovery introduced after the 2004 Niigata earthquake. Read our guide to Visiting Niigata Prefecture with the JR Pass for more on this area9.) Kachimai Fireworks Festival
The word ‘kachimai’ roughly translates to ‘every win’ and everyone does win when it comes to this amazing fireworks festival along the Tokachi river in Hokkaido - Japan’s northernmost island. The festival takes place near Furano and the Tokachi mountains. Furano is famous for its skiing in winter and also for its beautiful lavender in the summer. Read more in our guide to Furano - Japan’s Lavender Town. Meanwhile, for more on Hokkaido read our Five-Day Hokkaido Rail Itinerary. Hokkaido can be reached directly by rail from Tokyo, with a one-way trip taking roughly four hours using the Hokkaido Shinkansen. The trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Once in Hokkaido, there are a number of ways to reach Furano. If travelling from Tokyo, you can transfer at Sapporo (Hokkaido’s capital), Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, or Takikawa. 10.) Atami Maritime Fireworks
This festival in Atami Bay was also founded to raise morale after a typhoon and fire in 1949/1950 and has been going strong ever since. Atami Bay is surrounded by mountains, and it is said that the fireworks echo twice as loud because of the natural insulation.
Japan has a long tradition of celebration and continues to have vibrant festivals. The fireworks festival (hanabi taikai) is one of Japan's most spectacular events, a cultural icon usually bustling during the summer nights with street food, games, and more festive celebrations that light up the sky. For your best Japan tour with the fantastic matsuri atmosphere, we now recommend the top 10 fireworks festivals in Japan for your reference.
Note: Tickets for most of the fireworks festivals usually go on sale in May, so it's best to plan and book your trip to Japan as early as possible. While exact dates for some festivals have yet to be confirmed, we've provided the 2025 schedule for your reference. We will update the information as official announcements are released.
As one of the most spectacular hanabi displays in Japan, the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival can be a brilliant part of your trip to Tokyo in July and a special way to experience the culture of the Edo period.
The ancient Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai continued for about 300 years and still follows the traditional competition. During the 90-minute display, about 20,000 magnificent fireworks created by experienced, trained artisans will illuminate the night skies along the Sumida River.
The spot will be filled with crowds by then, so there is a need to reach it as early as possible. After the display, you can stroll around the Asakusa streets and Sensoji Temple, trying delicious street food. The illuminated Tokyo Skytree, one of Japan's most iconic landmarks, is a spectacular sight to behold along the Sumida River.
The Edogawa Fireworks Festival is another fascinating event in Tokyo. Held on the banks of the Edogawa River, there are about 14,000 amazing hanabi in total, each with its own beautiful design that will dazzle your eyes.
The opening sequence begins with 1,000 continuous fireworks in 5 seconds, followed by the unique and large hanabi blossom in the shape of Mt. Fuji, golden weeping willow, colorful rainbow, and more to surprise your imagination.
The celebration features eight different themes, each of which is accompanied by unique background music. You can have a view of the Tokyo skyline against the backdrop of incredibly dazzling light. The fireworks display along the Edogawa River is a great opportunity to take a great picture for your screensaver.
Golden Weeping Willow Fireworks
Also known as Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks, this hanabi taikai is now one of the biggest events in Osaka, a grand summer occasion lived up to expectations among visitors from all over the world.
The exhibition is performed on the banks of the Yodo River. Prepare to be amazed by a dazzling array of hanabi crafted by skilled artisans, lighting up the night sky in a breathtaking display. The city skyline beneath the fireworks creates a stunning visual contrast, making it a favorite for photographers.
Allowing for crowded visitors, it's best to arrive well before 6 pm, and the front-row seats are available for a better spectacular perspective. Adding to the festive atmosphere are locals dressed in vibrant yukatas and a variety of street vendors offering treats like grilled sausages, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.
While fireworks launched from the ground are captivating, those displayed over the ocean can be even more breathtaking. The Kamakura Fireworks Festival stands out with its picturesque seaside backdrop and relaxed atmosphere.
Held on Yuigahama Beach in mid-July, this hanabi taikai is one of Japan's most exciting ocean-side events. The show lasts nearly an hour, featuring 4,000 hanabi in various designs and sizes. A highlight of the event is the "underwater fireworks," which bloom like vibrant flowers just beneath the water's surface.
During the day, you can explore Kamakura's historic sites, including its renowned temples and shrines, or enjoy the refreshing summer breeze at the beach before the evening's spectacular Hanabi display.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Held during the Obon Festival, the Lake Suwa Hanabi Taikai is a popular fireworks show featuring an impressive display of 40,000 hanabi. First held in 1949 to inspire recovery and hope after a period of great loss, it has since become one of the most celebrated summer events in Japan.
Two standout features of the show are "Niagara Falls" and the "Kiss of Fire." Niagara Falls is a breathtaking 2-kilometer-long cascade of fireworks launched simultaneously, while the Kiss of Fire showcases mesmerizing underwater hanabi that bloom just above the water's surface.
As the fireworks burst in the sky, the lake's surface reflects the dazzling colors, creating the illusion of giant, vibrant flowers blooming on the water, transporting you to a scene from the anime Your Name.
As the name suggests, the Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival is a competition where master pyrotechnicians from across Japan gather to showcase their craftsmanship. This event is a spectacular fusion of traditional hanabi displays, modern technology, and artistic designs - a true feast for the eyes.
Following the competition, the entertainment fireworks display is equally captivating and worth staying for. To fully appreciate the intricate details and advanced techniques, it's recommended to pre-book front-row seats. Alternatively, you can join the locals and claim a spot early with your picnic mats.
Adding to the festive atmosphere are numerous food stalls along the Sakura River, offering a variety of street foods like takoyaki, apple candy, and taiyaki. Enjoying these treats while marveling at the breathtaking fireworks makes for an unforgettable experience that delights both your eyes and taste buds.
Fireworks Competition
As one of Japan's top three hanabi taikai, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is a must-see summer event featuring breathtaking displays, floating lanterns, and rich cultural experiences.
Held during the first three days of August, the festival offers a variety of attractions for spectators. Fireworks in the shapes of waterfalls, chrysanthemums, and volcanoes light up the night sky in vivid colors, while their thunderous booms resonate deeply. The highlight is undoubtedly the grand finale - a mesmerizing display of over 20,000 phoenix-shaped fireworks stretching across 2 kilometers, filling the sky with vibrant hues.
In addition to the dazzling hanabi along the banks of the Shinano River, the celebrations include traditional shrine float parades, traditional dance performances, and a serene riverside light-up with floating paper lanterns, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Dating back to around 1723, the Kumano Fireworks Festival has become a highly anticipated summer event for both the local community and international visitors.
The centerpiece of the festival is the enchanting fireworks display over the Kumano-nada seaside. The show features over 10,000 "Onigajo" self-exploding fireworks, creating a spectacle of light and sound.
One of the highlights is the pyrotechnic display launched from two ships, illuminating the night sky with dazzling designs and vibrant colors, accompanied by thrilling booms. The dreamlike seascape serves as the perfect backdrop for the brightly colored hanabi, offering a truly captivating experience. You can enjoy this two-hour masterpiece from Shichirigahama Beach, immersing yourself in its beauty and grandeur.
Seaside Fireworks Display
Omagari Hanabi is celebrated as one of the best fireworks displays in Japan. Held along the Omono River, it is also a national competition showcasing the finest craftsmanship as hanabi are choreographed to music.
The Omagari Fireworks Festival is well-known for its daytime show and evening hanabi display. From day to night, many groups of top-notch teams were invited to participate in the event, launching thousands of rockets into the sky. Don't forget to take notes and cast your vote for your favorite display.
The nighttime fireworks are the festival's crowning glory. The skies above Daisen ignite with a mesmerizing array of colors and patterns, synchronized to music and dramatic staging. This stunning visual and auditory experience is sure to leave you in awe.
Date: Late August, 2025 (yet to be determined)
Location: Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
The Miyajima Fireworks Festival is held off the coast of Miyajima annually in late August. The special site gives the display an unimaginable charm for Hanabi lovers. You can enjoy a wonderful view of nearly 5,000 spectacular fireworks reflecting off the water, while the torii gate stands amid the backdrop of the explosions.
The display usually lasts for one full hour. You can watch the show in the seaside areas, but they will be crowded. It's better to book a nearby hotel in advance to get a different sight or shoot a panoramic light show from the mainland of Hatsukaichi or Hiroshima. Additionally, Miyajima is an iconic cultural destination for the ancient structures and tranquility that form another of its charms.
Unfortunately, the 50-year-old fireworks festival has been announced to stop after 2022. We will continue to follow the local information and update you if it reopens.
Miyajima Shrine at Night
Five-color dahlia with rising stem of small flowers by Hosoya Enterprises (Tokyo)
As this firework is launched, small flowers burst in rapid succession the higher it climbs. When it reaches its highest point, a brilliant five-colored burst explodes into the night sky like a dahlia.
