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, most famous 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 in our Kansai Fireworks Guide or Tokyo Fireworks Guide.
Best fireworks festivals in Japan
On our 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 (approx.)August 15, 2026
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: Since 2025, the exact number of fireworks set off has not been made public.
Ōmagari Fireworks Festival
18,000 fireworks (approx.)August 29, 2026
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 25, 2026
Asakusa, Tokyo Prefecture
Japan’s most famous fireworks show — and the largest in Tokyo — can be found in Asakusa on the Sumida River (Sumidagawa). This festival is said to have grown from the Ryōgoku 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)Mid-October, 2026
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 famous floating torii gate, Miyajima is a picturesque spot for underwater fireworks, and so you can expect crowds.
Lake Kawaguchiko Fireworks Festival
10,000 fireworksAugust 5, 2026
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 lights up the lake, including musical fireworks and extra-large star mines.
Fireworks festivals at Izu’s beaches
UndisclosedJuly 20, 26, and August 5, 9, 18, and 24, 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 75th anniversary of the first event.
Pro tip: Consider a day tour to Atami from Tokyo that includes the fireworks and Mt. Omuro or another excursion that stops at either Kamakura or Hakone.
Other fireworks in the region include:
- Izu Yugawara (July 25, 2026)
- Mt. Izu (July 24, August 3, 2026)
- Izu-Taga (August 12, 2026)
- Ajiro (August 16, 2026)
Head to our event page below for more info on the Atami fireworks and other Izu fireworks events.
Other noteworthy fireworks festivals in Japan
The list got long, and we had to break it up — but these fireworks fests are just as worthy of a look.
Ise Shrine National Fireworks Festival
9,600 fireworksJuly 18, 2026
Ise, Mie Prefecture
Along with Ōmagari and Tsuchiura (keep reading), 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.
Tonegawa Fireworks Festival
30,000 fireworksSeptember 19, 2026
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 fireworksNovember 14, 2026
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.
Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition
20,000 fireworksNovember 7, 2026
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, 2026
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.
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 traditionally has 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.
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. Post first published in June 2025. Last updated in May 2026 by Patrick Balfe.
Get the best Japan Cheapo hacks direct to your inbox
-
Things to Do in Shirahama: Beaches, Onsen, and Sunsets
Spend a few days recharging in welcoming Wakayama Prefecture.
-
Bloomin' Brilliant Fireworks Across Japan
Our pick of the best fireworks displays across the rest of country.
-
August 2026: Top Events in Japan
A month of fireworks, fire festivals, traditional dance parades, and more.
-
-
6 Things to Do in Rinku Town — Near Kansai Airport
Sunset views, sumo, and hot springs — just one stop from KIX.
-
5 of Japan's Most "Undertouristed" Prefectures
Beyond the busy routes lie pristine coastlines, castle towns, mountain shrines and more.
-
Ghibli Park in Nagoya — Tickets and Everything Else To Know
Updated with the latest ticketing tips.
-
The Kyoto Nintendo Museum: Everything You Need To Know
Let's-a go! Find out how to get tickets — and what to do when you're there.
-
-
July 2027: Top Summer Events Around Japan
Grand sumo, the Gion Festival, tub-boat races, flying birdmen and much more.
-
Where To Find the Best Lavender Fields in Japan
From Hokkaidō to Mount Fuji and more — go frolic in the flowers.
-
Best Fireworks Festivals in Kansai 2026
Popular hanabi events in and around Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and Shiga.
Recommended hotels located nearby
-
Osaka 7.1 km
-
Amemura, Shinsaibashi 10.3 km
-
Osaka 10.2 km
-
Nakanoshima, Osaka 10.2 km
