Hanabi in Tokyo kicked off with the Sumida River fireworks on Saturday, July 26. According to Japanese news sources, it is estimated that 900,000 people gathered to view the spectacular show! Yes, people in Japan love their fireworks festivals.
If you have not experienced it before, I highly recommend you brave the crowd and go to at least once. Don’t worry if you missed the Sumida River event because there are several more around Tokyo and Yokohama that are coming up.
What to Expect
Hanabi events are CROWDED, but I have found that everyone is quite cheerful, so it makes the overall vibe very pleasant. You will see many people happily strolling around in their Yukata, and you may, too, unless you feel more comfortable in your regular clothes in Japan’s hot, humid summer nights.
If you are worried about the number of people, try going to an event held on Sunday or weekday. The crowd may be “lighter” than Saturdays, but you will still be heavily surrounded no matter what.
People usually arrive at the destination early to set up their blue tarps to secure their fireworks viewing spot. How early? That depends on how many people you are planning to sit with. The more people there are in your group, the earlier you must arrive.
The fireworks usually start at 7pm, and some people start preparing as early as noon. However, if you have a smaller party, one to two hours before should be ok. Prepare snacks, drinks, games, anything to help pass the time. There are also Yatai (food stalls) around to pick up your favorite festival foods.
However, be aware of where you set up camp. Not all spots are free. Some, areas charge a fee and are usually less crowded and have better views.
When the fireworks are over, EVERYONE will rush towards the train station to go home. I suggest you linger behind at a cafe so you can board the train later, in a less chaotic atmosphere.
Knowing what to expect at Hanabi is key to fully enjoying the hour (sometimes hour and a half!) of fireworks that beautifully light up the sky!
Upcoming Fireworks in Tokyo and Yokohama
August 2 – Edogawa. Starts at 7:15 pm. Edogawa riverside. Access: JR Shinozaki Station.
August 5 – Kanagawa (Minato Mirai). 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Best view from Rinko Park. Access: Minatomirai Station (Minatomirai Line). If you are wary of crowds, you may want to consider this event since it’s held on a weekday.
August 10 – Tokyo Bay (Odaiba). 6:50 to 8:10 pm. Best view from Harumi Park. Access: Kachidoki Station (Oedo Line).
August 16 – Jingu Gaien (Aoyama Itchome). 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Go to the Meiji Jingu Gaien Softball Field. Access: JR Shinanomachi Station.
August 23 – Setagaya Tamagawa River. 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Access: Futakotamagawa station (Oimachi or Denentoshi Line). This is my favorite event. There is no viewing obstructions along the river, plenty of space to sit, and many cafes to linger at while you wait for the crowd to rush home.
Hanabi is a fantastic event with spectacular fireworks, great food, and friendly people. Enjoy the 2014 season!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service
Hi, I agree that definitely it will be really great to see HANABI, the Japanese style fireworks. Would you know about the newest fireworks in Kanagawa, Yokohama city? It will be held on July 18th. We’re sure that it’s going to be exciting in the Yamashita park, Yokohama city. Then we’ll have a meetup under such a nice great fireworks, if you have any interests on it, feel free to join us!
Your site says August 5 – Kanagawa (Minato Mirai). 7:00 to 8:30 pm but A different site says 4 August? What is the correct date?