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Summer

Hanabi - Japanese Fireworks

After a period of dormancy due to the pandemic, Japan's fireworks festivals are welcoming in-person attendance, offering a chance to once again enjoy these timeless traditions in various local communities.

Hanabi - Japanese Fireworks
Photo by Vin Jack on Unsplash

Another popular Japanese summer festivity is fireworks or hanabi. Japan's most famous fireworks festivals include the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo, the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival in Osaka, and the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival in Niigata. However, fireworks can be enjoyed in various local communities across Japan.

The Covid pandemic dramatically reduced firework festivities over the last three years with scaled-down showings and limited in-person participation. With the easing of restrictions, many festivals this year welcome people back to enjoy the firework shows. (Note: I have noticed that many events require advanced seat reservations to accommodate the anticipated large volume of people.)

Some notable fireworks events:

  • Sendai Tanabata Fireworks | Miyagi
  • Shinmei Fireworks | Yamanashi
  • Atami Seaside Fireworks | Shizuoka
  • Kumano Fireworks | Mie
  • Takasaki Fireworks | Gunma

Sendai Tanabata Fireworks | Miyagi

Enjoy the fireworks as a finale to the Sendai Tanabata Festival.

This year's theme is "Movement - a step toward the future." The hope is that citizens will develop stronger connections with the region through personal interactions. As they step toward the future with Sendai in mind, their thoughts will create a large community circle. This circle will offer an opportunity to initiate a "Movement" toward a better future for the entire region.

  • Date: August 5, 2023 (Saturday)
  • Time: 19:30 - 20:30
  • Main Location: Sendai City Nishi Park
  • Getting there: 20 min walk from JR Sendai Station
  • Website: http://www.tanabata-hanabi.jp/54th/

Shinmei Fireworks | Yamanashi

Experience the grandest firework show in the Yamanashi prefecture! This cultural tradition dates back to Japan's Heian period (794-1185) and continues to be celebrated today. Marvel at over 20,000 colorful fireworks that light up the sky. Among the highlights is a rare firework that ascends 500 meters and expands to a diameter of 500 meters. This spectacular sight can only be witnessed at a few festivals in Japan.

Atami Seaside Fireworks | Shizuoka

Since 1952, Atami has been hosting firework displays, and the upcoming summer of 2023 will mark its 72nd year. These displays are held more than 10 times throughout the year. Atami Bay, where the festival takes place, is surrounded by mountains on three sides and has a unique topography that amplifies the sound of the fireworks over the sea. This creates an acoustic effect similar to a large stadium, which is highly praised by fireworks craftsmen as the perfect venue for fireworks.

Kumano Fireworks | Mie

With a rich history stretching back over 300 years, the Kumano Fireworks are believed to have originated with the simple fireworks set off during the Bon Festival's first spirit offering. The sparks from these fireworks were used to burn lanterns. To this day, the festival includes both the launching of fireworks and the burning of lanterns for memorial services.

The finale of the Kumano Grand Fireworks Festival, "Onigajo Grand Fireworks Display," uses a rocky area and cave called Onigajo, which is a national natural monument of scenic beauty. The fireworks are placed directly on the rocks of Onigajo and explode directly into the air. The sound and light reverberate across the entire venue.

Takasaki Fireworks | Gunma

One of the largest festivals in the northern Kanto region. It is famous for launching 15,000 fireworks at an incredible speed. While most events take two hours to launch this many fireworks, the Takasaki Fireworks Festival does it in just 50 minutes. This festival is held at the same time as the Takasaki Float Festival, now in its 49th year, and is a unique combination of floats, portable shrines, and fireworks.

  • Date: August 26, 2023
  • Time: 19:30 - 20:20
  • Main Location: Karasu River near Wada Bridge
  • Getting there: 25 min walk from JR Takasaki Station
  • Website: https://www.takasaki-matsuri.jp/

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