In the United States, fireworks are almost exclusively reserved for 4th of July celebrations, New Year’s Eve and the end of baseball games. But in Tokyo and all over Japan, fireworks displays have taken on what could only be considered a true art form.

Throughout the summer, beautiful fireworks festivals are held across the city and crowds of people dressed in yukatas and geta sandals flocks to see the gorgeous lights in the sky.


Here is a list of the top fireworks festivals you should see if you’re going to be in Tokyo this summer!

Katsushika Noryo Hanabi

Date: July 26, 2016
Time: 7:20 - 8:30pm
Closest Station: Shibamata Station on the Keisei Kanamachi Line

This year is the 50th Katsushika Noryo Hanabi festival held along the Edogawa River. Approximately 15,000 fireworks are planned to be shot off this year close to the Katsushika Shibamata baseball field. Their website states that the event is non-smoking and advises visitors to bring a small trash bag for your food wrappings.

Katsushika Fireworks Festival in the 50th in 2016 Katsushika City official site

Sumida River Fireworks Festival

Date: July 30, 2016
Time: 7:05 - 8:30pm
Closest Station: Asakusa Station on the Toei Asakusa Line


The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is one of the oldest in Tokyo, dating back to the early 1700s. At that time, fireworks were launched to honor the dead. Nowadays, around one million visitors can see approximately 20,000 beautiful and intricate displays over the river.


The Sumida River Fireworks Festival

Edogawa Fireworks Festival

Date: August 6, 2016
Time: 7:15 - 8:30pm
Closest Station: Koiwa Station on the JR Sobu Local Line

If you’re looking for something a little more unique than the traditional sparklers look no further than this event. This festival has 8 distinct themes which are set to music intricately choreographed to the launching of the fireworks. It’s definitely a must-see!

Edogawa Fireworks Festival

Itabashi Hanabi

Date: August 6, 2016
Time: 7:00 - 8:30pm
Closest Station: Nishidai Station on the Toei Mita Line


This is another big scale fireworks festival in Tokyo. Around 12,000 fireworks are shot off and requires a lot of police protection in order to manage the massive crowds. Reserved seating and general seating are available.

Itabashi Hanabi

Meiji-jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival

Date: Saturday, August 20, 2016
Time: 7:30 - 8:30pm
Closest Station: Gaienmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line


This festival is a little bit pricier than the other ones in the city but is well worth it because of the often famous acts that perform concerts live before the fireworks show begins. However if you’re not in for a hefty price tag there are plenty of places on the street where the fireworks can still be seen.


2016 Meiji-jingu Gaien Fireworks




And there are many more! If you’re not into really big crowds check out this list here to see the all the fireworks festivals going on almost every weekend between July and August. Summer fireworks are a big part of Japanese culture, so we hope you can go out and enjoy them while you’re in Tokyo!