--- title: Must-Visit Hanabi Festivals In Japan date: 2026-07-24T16:24:00+09:00 author: Gwen Magdamit canonical_url: "https://uchijapan.com/news/must-visit-hanabi-festivals-in-japan" section: News --- [Japan](https://uchijapan.com/news/japan)# Must-Visit Hanabi Festivals In Japan Jul 24, 2026 - [ ](mailto:?subject=Must-Visit%20Hanabi%20Festivals%20In%20Japan%20on%20Uchi&body=https%3A%2F%2Fuchijapan.com%2Fnews%2Fmust-visit-hanabi-festivals-in-japan "Share by Email") - [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fuchijapan.com%2Fnews%2Fmust-visit-hanabi-festivals-in-japan&title=Must-Visit%20Hanabi%20Festivals%20In%20Japan&description=Discover%20some%20of%20Japan%27s%20extravaganza%20fireworks%20or%20hanabi%20festivals%20this%20summer.&caption=Uchi) ![Lake kawaguchi winter fireworks kv a05oyu](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_480x270_crop_center-center_60_line/238820/lake-kawaguchi-winter-fireworks-kv_a05oyu.jpg) Fireworks, or Hanabi, have been integral to [Japanese summer festivals](https://uchijapan.com/news/hanabi-in-japan-origins-symbolism-and-fireworks-festival) throughout history. China first introduced them to Japan in the 16th century to remove evil spirits during ceremonies. Today, fireworks celebrate festivals or matsuri and illuminate the fantastic summer night. Discover some of Japan's annual extravaganza fireworks festivals that can be enjoyed with traditional Japanese dishes and snacks during summer. We have gathered a list for your next adventure. ## Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, Niigata ![Nagaoka fireworks festival nissy photogram](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/427471/nagaoka-fireworks-festival-nissy_photogram.jpg) Image: Day two of the incredible Nagoka Fireworks Festival / @nissy\_photogram The [Nagaoka Fireworks Festival](https://nagaoka-navi.or.jp/feature/Festival/Festival), occurring annually from 2-3 August, is one of the most significant events recorded in history. Over 20,000 fireworks and a 650-metre sanshakudama fireworks display spectacularly illuminate the Shinano River. It was initially called the ‘Festival for the Restoration from the World War II devastation’ as a symbol of Japan's recovery, hope, and peace. Apart from the fireworks display, this event features taiko drum performances, vibrant dance shows, and an illuminating parade of floats. ## Omagari Hanabi National Fireworks Competition, Akita ![Omagari fireworks comp anbalance film](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/427483/omagari-fireworks-comp-anbalance_film.jpg) Image: A stunning display at the annual Omagari Hanabi competition / @anbalance\_film Since 1910, Japan's top pyrotechnicians have gathered annually to compete for the prestigious Prime Minister's Award at the [Omagari Hanabi National Fireworks Competition](https://www.omagari-hanabi.com/en/). The competition is fierce, and the displays are breathtaking, accompanied by music and narrative. More than 600,000 people gather along the Omono River in Daisen City to witness the show. Usually held in August each year. ## Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, Tokyo ![Sumidagawa fireworks comp sugi hid](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/427487/sumidagawa-fireworks-comp-sugi_hid.jpg) Image: Tokyo's annual fireworks festival is an unforgettable experience / @sugi\_hid One of the oldest fireworks festivals recorded in history, the [Sumida River Fireworks Festival](https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/) occurs on the last Saturday of July. Over a million visitors gather to witness the 20,000-piece fireworks display. ## Kumano Fireworks Festival, Mie ![Kumano fireworks mikanino 2016](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/427491/kumano-fireworks-mikanino_2016.jpg) Image: Fireworks in front of the ‘Oniga-jo’ cliff, known as the ‘Demon’s Castle’ / @mikanino\_2016 Held every year on 17 August, the [Kumano Fireworks Festival](https://www.kumano-kankou.info/kumano-fireworks/) features 10,000 fireworks displays against the backdrop of the Kumano-nada Sea. In recent years, it has become known for its self-exploding Onigajo fireworks, where two ships launch fireworks with visual and sound effects. ## Kachimai Fireworks Festival, Hokkaido ![Kachimai fireworks makotonophoto](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/427494/kachimai-fireworks-makotonophoto.jpg) Image: Blues and reds at the Kachimai Fireworks Festival / @makotonophoto One of the largest fireworks festivals, the [Kachimai Fireworks Festival](https://kachimai-hanabi.com/) is a sight to behold. It started in 1929 and features over 20,000 golden fireworks displays synchronised to music. Held on 13 August, this festival is the precursor event for the Heigei matsuri, and it never fails to impress with its grandeur and scale. ## Narita Fireworks Festival, Chiba ![Narita fireworks festival hakuba dreamer](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/427435/narita-fireworks-festival-hakuba-dreamer.jpg) Image: The spectacular ‘colourful thousand-petal chrysanthemum’ display at Narita Fireworks Festival / @hakudreamer [Narita Fireworks Festival](https://naritahanabi.com/) brightens autumn nights with vivid, choreographed displays framed by the historic Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Chiba Prefecture’s most popular autumn fireworks event launches roughly 15,000 rounds in an hour, while lively stalls and traditional music add to the riverside atmosphere. Typically held late autumn or early November, arrive early for the best views as the crisp air makes each burst feel even sharper. ## Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, Osaka ![Naniwa yodogawa fireworks takahiro bessho](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/427497/naniwa-yodogawa-fireworks-takahiro_bessho.jpg) Image: The stunning Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival over Osaka / @takahiro\_bessho Recently created in 1989 by a group of volunteers to provide more life in Osaka, the [Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival](https://www.yodohanabi.com/) features unique hand-made fireworks that people gather to witness near the Yodo River. The festival usually takes place in August but is sometimes shifted to accommodate logistical clashes. ## Miyajima Fireworks Festival, Itsukushima ![Miyajima fireworks kojinao1122](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/427500/miyajima-fireworks-kojinao1122.jpg) Image: Miyajima Fireworks Festival lights up the sky / @kojinao1122 [Miyajima’s fireworks festival](https://hanabifes.com/itsukushima/) on Itsukushima Island paints the night sky above the iconic floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine in a luminous, reverent display. Drawing locals and visitors who arrive by ferry as dusk falls, the show blends traditional Japanese pyrotechnic artistry with a serene seaside setting. Expect a program of carefully timed bursts that reflect off the bay, moored boats adding silhouettes, and a communal atmosphere where lantern-lit walkways and festival food stalls complete the evening. Arrive early for clear views of the torii and shrine, and plan for ferry crowds afterward. ## Toyota Oiden Fireworks Festival, Aichi ![Toyota oiden fireworks henrique banzai](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/427503/toyota-oiden-fireworks-henrique.banzai.jpg) Image: The Toyota Oiden Fireworks Festival / @henrique.banzai Held every year on the last Sunday of July, Toyota City's largest event, the [Toyota Oiden Fireworks Festival](https://www.oidenmaturi.com/) showcases 13,000 fireworks displays with vibrant performances, parades, and marching bands. It is considered the biggest fireworks display in the Tokay region. ## Lake Kawaguchi Fireworks Festival, Yamanashi ![Lake kawaguchi fireworks sugi hid](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/427507/lake-kawaguchi-fireworks-sugi_hid.jpg) Image: Fireworks above the winter edition of the Lake Kawaguchi Festival / @sugi\_hid With thousands of visitors at the beginning of August, the [Lake Kawaguchi Fireworks Festival](https://en.kawaguchiko.net/event-en/lake-kawaguchiko-fireworks-and-kojosai/) launches 10,000 fireworks on the lake's surface, with a mesmerising view of Mount Fuji. Experience the dazzling magic of Japanese fireworks [while discovering premium properties](https://uchijapan.com/properties?search%5BsortBy%5D=date_desc) in its vibrant cities.