Written by JC Team
An incredible estimated 40,000 fireworks go up in smoke in a couple of hours at the Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival. Lake Suwa is a rectangular-shaped lake to the south of Matsumoto City in the southwest corner of Nagano Prefecture.
What happens?
The amount of shots makes Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival one of — if not the — biggest fireworks festivals in Japan. Most of the seating at Suwa Lakeside Park, the main viewing area, will be paid, but this will also be where the food court is. Many head up to Tateishi Park, which overlooks the lake on a hill, for a free view. It takes place on August 15 every year.
Tickets 2025
Tickets for the Lake Suwa Fireworks will be available by online application (lottery system) from June 23. Prices begin at ¥4,000.
Pro tip: This tour, departing from Shinjuku, combines the Lake Suwa fireworks with all-you-can-eat grape-picking. Meals are included too, and it all costs ¥44,500.
How to get there
Lake Suwa is easy to access from Tokyo. Take the Limited Express from Shinjuku Station and alight at Kamisuwa Station (around two hours, roughly ¥6,000 one-way). Then, it’s around a 10-minute walk to Suwa Lakeside Park.
The main viewing area is in Suwa City on the south side of the lake. Regular trains from Matsumoto to Kamisuwa Station take about 35 minutes.
As with all large-scale evening events, you should make sure of your transport home. If you’re going by train, make sure you buy your tickets in advance or charge your Suica card so you won’t have to join a long queue in the station when you leave.
Tateishi Park is a 30 to 40-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station. Cars won’t be allowed to pass through.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
