DEEPTOKYO
magazine
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DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
Tokyo's summer fireworks festivals are a cherished tradition that has evolved from their Edo-period origins as memorial ceremonies and prayers for protection from disease into modern spectacles where traditional craftsmanship meets cutting-edge technology. These festivals offer a uniquely Japanese experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of summer—from the rustle of yukata (lightweight summer kimono) to the bustling energy of street food stalls, all while magnificent fireworks bloom across the night sky. Here's your guide to the most popular fireworks festivals held throughout Tokyo.
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When it comes to Tokyo's summer events, the dazzling fireworks festivals that paint the night sky are absolutely unmissable. Their history dates back to the Edo period, with the "Ryogoku Kawabiraki (River Opening in Ryogoku)" ceremony, which began in 1733, serving as the origin of today's Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival. Since then, Tokyo's fireworks have been beloved as both a memorial tradition for the departed and a means of protection against disease, as well as summer entertainment that brings joy to people's lives. Today, numerous distinctive fireworks festivals are held throughout Tokyo, captivating countless visitors each year.
The fireworks created by master artisans are precisely calculated in terms of color, sound, and form, creating magnificent blooms in the night sky. Beyond traditional round fireworks, audiences are delighted by unique displays featuring heart shapes and smiley faces, as well as programmed fireworks perfectly synchronized with music, showcasing how traditional artistry has evolved into entertainment that blends heritage with cutting-edge technology.
The festival grounds are filled with scenes quintessentially Japanese summer—people strolling in yukata (Japanese summer robes) and bustling food stalls lining the streets. Viewing styles range from spreading blankets on riverbanks to enjoying the show from yakatabune (houseboats) or paid seating areas. Tokyo's fireworks festivals exemplify "nighttime artistry," where traditional practices blend with modern technology. This summer, why not gaze up at Tokyo's night sky and experience the beauty and refinement of Japan?
The Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival illuminates summer nights with approximately 15,000 fireworks. It originated in the late 1940s when local volunteers centered around the Shibamata neighborhood association came together to launch fireworks. Initially, local residents set off store-bought fireworks, but as crowds grew on the riverbank, it evolved into a full-scale festival featuring professional pyrotechnicians. The launch site has remained consistent from the past to the present: Katsushika Shibamata Baseball Stadium, located on the Edogawa Riverbank.
Because the viewing area is remarkably close to the launch site, the thunderous sounds reverberate through your entire body, creating an intensely immersive fireworks experience. The venue is located in Katsushika Shibamata, Tokyo's first nationally designated Important Cultural Landscape. The area retains its Showa-era retro streetscape and is dotted with locations featured in the "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" (It's Tough Being a Man) film series, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing before the fireworks begin.
Fireworks festivals staged at baseball stadiums offer unique intimacy. Last year's event attracted approximately 770,000 visitors, making it one of Tokyo's largest fireworks festivals.
59th Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival
● Date: July 22, 2025
● Time: 7:20 PM - 8:20 PM
● Venue: Katsushika Shibamata Baseball Stadium (Edogawa Riverbank)
https://www.city.katsushika.lg.jp/tourism/1000064/1000065/1031830.html
The Itabashi Fireworks Festival began in 1950 to commemorate boundary changes between Tokyo's Itabashi Ward and Saitama's Toda Town, launching the following year as the "Toda Bridge Fireworks Festival." As audiences grew, it developed into a full-scale festival featuring professional pyrotechnicians. Now in its 65th year in 2025, it's one of Tokyo's largest fireworks festivals. The program features spectacular highlights, including competitive displays by 10 of Japan's top pyrotechnicians showcasing new creations, as well as a 300-meter "Niagara Falls" waterfall effect.
Additionally, the Toda Bridge Fireworks Festival is held simultaneously on the opposite bank, creating a gorgeous collaborative display across both sides of the river—a unique feature of this festival. Among the total of 15,000 fireworks launched, including those from Toda City, the highlight is the "shaku-go-sun-dama" (15-inch shells) fireworks. These impressive displays can be seen within the 23 wards of Tokyo only at the Itabashi Fireworks Festival. These shells measure approximately 45cm (17.7 inches actually) in diameter and create brilliant displays spanning over 400 meters when they burst, delivering an overwhelming spectacle with their thunderous sound. The continuous fireworks sequences staged across the expansive riverbank are another highlight.
While most Tokyo fireworks festivals launch shells ranging from 4-inch to 8-inch sizes, the Itabashi Fireworks Festival launches impressive fifty-four 10-inch shells.
66th Itabashi Fireworks Festival
● Date: August 2, 2025
● Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
● Venue: Banks of the Arakawa river, Itabashi City
https://itabashihanabi.jp/guide.html
The Edogawa Ward Fireworks Festival has been a beloved community tradition since 1976, representing one of Tokyo's signature summer events. Held annually in early August on the Edogawa riverbank, it's a joint production between Tokyo's Edogawa Ward and Chiba's Ichikawa City. The festival launches approximately 14,000 fireworks in total. It's characterized by richly layered fireworks displays, with each program featuring fireworks launched to BGM that match the intended theme.
The pyrotechnic displays are created by the renowned "Kagiya (Sōke Hanabi Kagiya)," a venerable fireworks company with over 360 years of tradition. This esteemed house has been the exclusive pyrotechnician for this distinguished festival since its inception, maintaining an unbroken 50-year legacy of excellence. The main attractions include the Edogawa specialty "Mount Fuji Grand Display" and an opening that launches 1,000 fireworks simultaneously within just 5 seconds of starting. This overwhelming display of light and sound instantly transports audiences into the world of fireworks. Despite being a popular event celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, it maintains the warmth and community spirit of a local festival.
Watch for fireworks incorporating ideas from public submissions and the "World's Tallest Pyramid-Shaped Set Piece Firework" challenging for a Guinness World Record™.
Edogawa Ward Fireworks Festival 50th Anniversary Celebration
● Date: August 2, 2025
● Time: 7:15 PM - 8:20 PM
● Venue: Banks of the Edogawa river (near Tokyo Metropolitan Shinozaki Park)
https://www.city.edogawa.tokyo.jp/hanabi/
The Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival is Tokyo's premier summer celebration, where music and fireworks unite in the heart of the city. Beginning in 1980, this beloved summer tradition has become known for its unique "Music Fireworks Festival" format. The festival features two viewing venues: Jingu Stadium and Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, both of which offer paid seating for comfortable viewing. Its location within the Yamanote Line makes it easily accessible, contributing to its popularity.
The festival's appeal lies in the collaboration between special live performances by artists at Jingu Stadium and the spectacular fireworks illuminating the night sky. The 10,000 fireworks are enhanced by performances where launches are synchronized with music, creating experiences of both power and emotion. It's truly the best of both worlds—combining "Natsu-fesu (summer music festival)" and "Hanabi-taikai (fireworks festival)" elements. This event lets you enjoy a Japanese summer night with the excitement of attending a live concert. Both music fans and fireworks enthusiasts will find satisfaction in this uniquely Tokyo summer night experience.
Since it's held in the city center, you can easily catch the fireworks after shopping or sightseeing in Shibuya or Harajuku! (Photo courtesy: ©Nikkan Sports)
2025 Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival
● Date: August 16, 2025
● Time: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
● Venues: Jingu Stadium and Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Stadium (paid entry to both venues)
https://www.jinguhanabi.com/
The "Ryogoku Kawabiraki (River Opening Festival in Ryogoku)" ceremony, which began in 1733 during the Edo period, is recognized as Japan's oldest fireworks festival. It continued until 1961 but was suspended due to river traffic congestion and environmental degradation of the Sumida River. Later, in 1978, it was revived as the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, inheriting the "Ryogoku Kawabiraki" tradition. Today, it's beloved as a quintessential summer tradition.
The festival has evolved into a large-scale event, launching approximately 20,000 fireworks from two venues, drawing massive crowds to the Sumida River area annually. The fireworks feature not only traditional round displays but also various entertaining shapes, including character forms. The sight of fireworks launching against the backdrop of Tokyo Skytree is unmissable. Strolling along the river among people dressed in yukata while experiencing the refinement of Edo period culture makes this festival a precious opportunity where traditional Japanese beauty intersects with modern vibrancy. The ability to enjoy it alongside the downtown atmosphere of Asakusa and Ryogoku is another distinctive feature.
The festival's unique feature is launching different types of fireworks from two separate venues. The experience varies depending on your viewing location, which adds to the enjoyment.
Sumida River Fireworks Festival (48th)
● Date: July 26, 2025
● Time: First venue 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Second venue 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
● Venue: Banks of the Sumida river
Main venue: accessible from Asakusa, Oshiage, Tokyo Skytree and Hikifune stations
● Secondary venue: accessible from Asakusa, Kuramae, Ryogoku and Asakusabashi stations
https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/
Tokyo's summer fireworks festivals offer extraordinary experiences that blend Japanese tradition with cutting-edge presentation technology—something truly special in the world. Each festival held throughout Tokyo has its own history and character, allowing visitors to experience Japanese summer culture through all five senses. When you visit Tokyo, be sure to experience its beauty and power at least once.
