The joys of summertime in Tokyo—blazing hot weather, super expensive electricity bills (can’t live without the AC), sporadic thunderstorms, and that sticky feeling you get from the humidity…what’s not to hate? On the bright side, it’s hanabi season so put on your yukata, grab a few cold beers and friends, and enjoy all the festivals that Tokyo has to offer! Have a tight schedule or perhaps it’s your first time attending a hanabi taikai (fireworks display) and you don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Sumida River Fireworks FestivalDate: July 26 (Saturday)Time: 7PM~8:30PMNearest Station: Asakusa Station
Dating back to 1733, The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is one of longest running fireworks display in Tokyo as well the biggest display in summer. As it is perhaps the most popular hanabi taikai, it’s highly recommended that you go way earlier to save a good spot and beat the crowd! You should also probably bring some drinks and snacks as well unless you want to end up queuing for food and possibly miss out on the fireworks.
Tachikawa Fireworks FestivalDate: July 26 (Saturday)Time: 7:20PM~8:30PMNearest Station: Nishi-Tachikawa Station
If big crowded events aren’t your thing, you may want to check out the Tachikawa Fireworks, which is a small affair compared to Sumidagawa. The event takes place in Showa Kinen Koen and admission costs 410 yen per person. You may want to also arrive earlier to snag a good spot. Don’t worry about having to kill time—the park has many beautiful gardens you can explore or you could have a lovely picnic as well…or a rowdy one, depending on who your company is.
Itabashi Fireworks FestivalDate: August 2 (Saturday)Time: 7PM~8:30PMNearest Station(s): Takashimadaira, Nishidai, Hasune Station
Although it’s not the biggest display, the Itabashi Fireworks Festival is taking place the same day as the fireworks display of Toda City, which is right across the Arakawa River. Luckily, we’ll be able to see both shows at the same time which means there will be enough fireworks to keep everyone satisfied. If you want a good view, you can make reservations for reserved seats here.
Kangawa Newspaper FireworksDate: August 5 (Tuesday)Time: 7PM~8:30PMNearest Station: Minatomirai Station
Want to go on a romantic summer date with your beau but find Tokyo too trite? Head over to Minatomirai, which is famous for being a popular date spot for young couples! Girls, if you don’t already own a yukata, try getting one and wearing it this summer. It’s guaranteed to fit the summer theme! Plus, it saves you the trouble of worrying about what to wear! Guys, you can also wear either a yukata or a jinbei. Many Japanese couples like to wear yukata-s during summer festival dates. Spend the day roaming around Minatomirai and other nearby attractions and end the night with a gigantic display of fireworks. Can’t get any more romantic than that, can it?
Tokyo Bay FireworksDate: August 10 (Sunday)Time: 6:50PM~8:10Nearest Station: Telecom Center Station
It’s regarded as the most picturesque fireworks display of Tokyo for a reason—imagine a grand fireworks show with the Rainbow Bridge as the backdrop! If that sounds too good to be true, it probably is as the show is pretty exclusive. The reserved seats in the official viewing area sell out quickly. But don’t fret, you can still see the show from Odaiba or Tokyo Tower.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the hanabi taikai-s going on during summer and you can definitely check out more here.
Tips for an enjoyable Hanabi Taikai1. Check the weather the day before! No one wants to be walking in the rain soaking wet in a yukata.2. Get to the venue earlier if you want to save a good spot!3. ALWAYS bring icy cold drinks to cool off from the heat.
Enjoy the fireworks!