A Brief Guide to Enjoying Fireworks Festivals in Japan

One of the main attractions for tourists visiting Japan during summer is the hanabi or fireworks festivals. These festivals are very special because you will not only see fireworks launched into the sky, as they normally do, but also enjoy a showcase of uniquely shaped fireworks. In fact, summer fireworks festivals can be more extravagant than those held during New Year’s celebrations.

History of Japanese Fireworks Festivals

According to jrpass.com, hanabi or fireworks first became popular during the Edo period as a symbol and celebration of spiritual grace. Historically, fireworks were used to ward off evil spirits. However, in modern times, fireworks are set off to celebrate special occasions, such as festivals, sports events, and New Year’s celebrations.

What is interesting about Japanese fireworks compared to those in other countries is their diverse shapes. Three of the most famous fireworks in Japan are:

● Yonshakadama Shells. Large fireworks with a diameter of 1.2 meters and weighing hundreds of kilograms, creating spectacular explosions when lit.

● Niagara Sprinklers. Fireworks that light up in a waterfall-like shape, streaming down bridges.

● Starmines. Fireworks that resemble stars in the sky. Sometimes, they are arranged in specific patterns, including anime designs.

Locations of Fireworks Festivals in Japan

If you plan to visit Japan and want to enjoy fireworks festivals, you can come in July, August, and September, right during Japan’s summer season. Some of the festivals you can visit are:

● Sumidagawa River Fireworks Festival

The Sumidagawa River Fireworks Festival is one of the largest fireworks festivals in Japan, held every last Saturday of July. This festival has been around for a long time since 1733, when the 8th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, launched the Ryogoku Kawaki-no-Kiraku fireworks to pray for an end to famine and to ward off evil spirits.

The fireworks festival is recorded as the oldest one in Japan. You can take the Sōbu Line (Rapid) from Tokyo Station to Bakurochō Station and walk 650 m to get to the location. The fare is about ¥150.

● Kamakura Fireworks Festival

The Kamakura Fireworks Festival is a smaller fireworks festival held in mid-July. Despite the size, it features a fascinating show to be noticed, the underwater fireworks. As the name suggests, these fireworks explode underwater, creating beautiful spheres above the sea.

Another unique feature is that the festival is held on the beach, making it even more entertaining. The show generally lasts around 50 minutes and has over 4,000 fireworks. You can take the Enoden Line train from Kamakura Station to Yuigahama Station for ¥200 to get there. From Yuigahama Station, it is only a 550 m walk to Yuigahama Beach.

● Edogawa Fireworks Festival

The Edogawa Fireworks Festival can be viewed from the banks of the Edo River and is held annually on the first Saturday of August. It is a joint fireworks festival organized by two cities, Ichikawa City and Edogawa City, with the Edo River flowing between them.

To enjoy the festival, you need to set up a picnic mat beforehand, similar to reserving a spot to sit and watch the fireworks. This can usually be done in the afternoon the day before the event (rules might change, so check for the latest information).

While attending the festival, you can interact or share food with other visitors. So, be sure to bring various types of food to share. Also, bring plastic bags to store your trash. To get to the location, you can take the Chūō Line train from Tokyo Station to Ochanomizu Station, then transfer to the Chūō-Sōbu Line (Local) train to Koiwa Station. Continue by bus from Koiwa Eki to Shinozaki Park. The fare is about ¥450.

Brief Guide to Enjoying Fireworks Festivals in Japan

If you plan to visit Japan during the summer, missing the fireworks festivals would be a shame. Now, if you intend to attend them, here are some things you should know:

● Book a spot. Although you can enjoy the fireworks from many locations, only a few spots offer the perfect view. Some of these locations require tickets, while others are free. So, make sure you understand the system and book your spot according to the rules well in advance.

● Wear comfortable clothing. Since the fireworks festivals are held during the summer, the temperature will be higher than usual. So, be sure to wear comfortable clothes. If you want to make it special, consider renting a yukata to wear while watching the fireworks.

● Dispose of your trash properly. Japan is very strict about how you dispose of your trash. So, it is a good idea to bring plastic bags to store your trash to avoid making a mess.

In addition to the three points above, it is also important to always maintain good behavior and avoid causing trouble during the event. This way, everyone can enjoy the fireworks display peacefully.

Have you decided which fireworks festival you want to go to? Before traveling to Japan, make sure to purchase your Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia so that you can enjoy the fireworks show with peace of mind.