Written by Alexandra Ziminski
Researched by Patrick Balfe
Bang. Boom. Flash. Sizzle. Throw in a summer kimono and what do you get? A fireworks festival in Japan.
Below are some of the biggest and most beautiful fireworks displays in the country — we’re talking thousands upon thousands of shots. There’s also something for those who like their shows with a local edge. Whichever you choose, just know, Japan does it big and — in our humble opinion — better than anywhere else.
Did we miss your favorite? It might be over in our Tokyo fireworks guide.
Biggest and most popular fireworks festivals in Japan
We’ve selected just a handful of what the local pyrotechnic bros won’t shut up about. On this list are festivals with the most fireworks shot into the air, as well as popular ones based on their unique location or ease of access.
Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival
40,000 fireworks (est.)August 15, 2025
Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture
Of all the research we’ve done on firework festivals in Japan, we’ve not found one that beats out Suwa City when it comes to sheer numbers. 40,000 is pretty incredible after all. Hear the endless booms bounce off the surrounding Nagano mountains and see star mines blasting from the water (whether you’re in a paid or free-viewing spot).
Note: From 2025, the exact number of fireworks set off will not be made public.
Ōmagari Fireworks Festival
18,000 fireworks (est.)August 30, 2025
Ōmagari, Akita Prefecture
The Ōmagari Fireworks Festival is not just a show, but a fierce national competition. Teams from across Japan gather to see who’s popping off. It is both considered one of the top three competitive fireworks displays in Japan, and one of the top three overall. It also has a display in spring and autumn.
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
20,000 fireworksJuly 26, 2025
Asakusa, Tokyo Prefecture
The largest fireworks show in Tokyo can be found in Asakusa on the Sumida River (Sumidagawa). This festival is said to have grown from the Ryogoku River Opening Festival, which started way back in 1733. It can be difficult figuring out where to go to see the show and how best to avoid the crowds — luckily for you, we’ve already got a tried-and-tested action plan.
Miyajima (Itsukushima) Underwater Fireworks Festival
Undisclosed (40-minute show)October 18, 2025
Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Prefecture
While this show won’t shock with its length, it is still an incredibly popular display due to its location — Miyajima Island. Known for its floating torii gate, Miyajima is a picturesque spot for underwater fireworks, and so you can expect crowds.
Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition
20,000 fireworksNovember 1, 2025
Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture
Around 70 companies come together in a pyrotechnics competition that lasts for a whopping 2 hours and 30 minutes. It sure earns its place amongst the commonly referred to “top three”. The Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition is only a 45-minute to 70-minute train journey from Tokyo, making it even more popular.
Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
20,000 fireworks (est. 10,000 each day)August 2 and 3, 2025
Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture
You have two days to choose from at the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival. The schedule is programmed to be almost exactly the same on each day, so no one is better than the other. Note that the venue has no free seating, so you’ll have to pay to get the prime spots.
Ise Shrine National Fireworks Festival
9,600 fireworksJuly 19, 2025
Ise, Mie Prefecture
Along with Ōmagari and Tsuchiura, the Ise Shrine National Fireworks Festival is considered one of the best fireworks tournaments in the country, and while it doesn’t have the same firepower as the other two, it is the only instance in Japan where the fireworks are dedicated to a shrine. There are plenty of paid and free viewing areas.
Other popular Japan fireworks festivals in spring and summer
Here are some more options for you ft. Mount Fuji and ocean vistas.
Lake Kawaguchiko Fireworks Festival
10,000 fireworksAugust 5, 2025
Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi Prefecture
In case a summer fireworks festival isn’t enough Japanese culture for you, why not throw in a view of Mt. Fuji for good measure? There’s a handful of similar festivals that take place around the Fuji Five Lakes area throughout the year — see the winter festival and the Mt. Fuji Opening Fireworks. This event, however, is the area’s oldest and biggest. An impressive array of pyrotechnics light up the lake, including musical fireworks and extra-large star mines.
Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 Fireworks
Undisclosed (5–10-minute shows, 20–30 minutes on July 23)June 28, July 21, July 23, August 23, September 27, and October 8, 2025
Osaka Expo 2025, Konohana City, Osaka Prefecture
Too many Osaka Expo events happening this year? Well, throw another spanner in the … (fire) works. The monthly event shines a light (so to speak) on fireworks displays as part of Japanese culture.
Showcasing everything from traditional memorial, prayer, and mourning displays to regional and competitive ones, the country’s best pyrotechnicians come together to show their stuff. Most events will run from 5 to 10 minutes along the Yumeshima south side seawall inside the Expo Park, but a special event on July 23 will run for 20 to 30 minutes.
Fireworks festivals at Izu’s beaches
UndisclosedJuly 25, August 5, 8, 18, 25, and more
Atami Sun Beach, Shizuoka
A favorite not just of viewers but even pyrotechnicians themselves, the Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival takes place 10 times per year. Situated amidst three mountain ranges, the Atami shows are known for both the “Niagara in the Sky” closing blast, as well as the immersive acoustics that the event’s location produces. Originally held in 1952 to commemorate the lives lost in the area’s typhoons and fires of 1949 and 1950, this summer will mark the 74th anniversary of the first event.
Other fireworks in the region include:
- Izu Yugawara (July 26)
- Mt. Izu (July 27)
- Izu-Taga (August 12)
- Ajiro (August 16)
Head to our event page below for more info on the Atami fireworks and other Izu fireworks events.
Other popular Japan fireworks festivals in autumn and winter
Featuring competitive boomies, a touch of European refinement, and five days in Kōbe.
Tonegawa Fireworks Festival
30,000 fireworksSeptember 13, 2025
Sakai Riverside Park, Ibaraki
The Tonegawa Fireworks Festival is one for the enthusiasts. The event brings together four of the top pyrotechnicians from around the country, showcasing their individual approaches to tradition, skill, innovation, and showmanship.
With around 30,000 blasts over two hours, as well as music and assorted food and drinks stalls, the event is a popular one. As such, tickets are required to enter the main event area, ranging in price from ¥5,000 to ¥80,000 for the real aficionados. If you’re more of a casual observer, the display is viewable from several vantage points in the area.
Huis Ten Bosch Kyūshū Ichi Fireworks Festival
22,000 fireworksMid-November, 2025
Huis Ten Bosch Theme Park, Nagasaki
If visiting a Dutch village-themed amusement park in Japan with an elaborate winter fireworks festival was on your bingo card, you’re in luck. Nagasaki’s Huis Ten Bosch touts their Kyūshū Ichi Fireworks Festival as the biggest and best on the island and they might not be wrong.
At over two hours long and featuring 22,000 fireworks choreographed to music, it’s pretty hard to beat, but park entry will set you back around ¥4,200 to ¥7,900. If you’re not in town for the main event in November, the park holds smaller fireworks displays every night from 8:10 p.m. to 8:20 p.m.
Kōbe Port Fireworks Festival
10,000 fireworksOctober 20–24, 2025
Meriken Park, Kobe
The city of Kōbe is getting into the festive spirit over five nights this October. Around 10,000 fireworks will launch over the Kōbe port for 15 minutes each night, adding an extra touch of razzle dazzle to what’s already considered one of Kansai’s best night views.
The port area is around a 10- to 15-minute walk from JR Motomachi and JR Kōbe stations, but you can also catch views from other vantage points in the area, such as near Port Terminal Station on the Port Liner.
Japan fireworks festivals FAQs
What is the biggest fireworks display in Japan?
Define “biggest”. If we are talking about the number of fireworks, then the Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival has traditionally 40,000 (although this is harder to confirm as they’ve stopped releasing the exact number). If we are talking about the number of visitors, then the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo takes the cake.
When are fireworks festivals in Japan?
In the West, winter (especially New Year’s Eve) is the time for fireworks, while in Japan, that time is summer. Recently, however, many festivals have started moving their dates to fall or spring to avoid the increasing risks of extreme summer heat. Those changing dates in 2025 include the 73rd Oyama Fireworks (moved to September 23), Kukinoumi Fireworks Festival (moved to October 25), and the Shiki City Fireworks Festival in Saitama (moved to November 22).
Are there any fireworks festivals on New Year’s Eve in Japan?
Japan is not known for its winter and New Year’s Eve fireworks, but small displays do exist. Yokosuka near Tokyo usually has a special countdown, as well as Yokohama. Both include ships whistling and fireworks. Hakone also does a traditional display at New Year.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
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