LET'S ODEKAKETokyo Fireworks Festival Guide for 2023

Fireworks festivals are one of the most popular summer traditions in Japan. Wearing a yukata and watching the fireworks on the riverbank with a glass of Kaki-goori (shaved ice) in hand is one of the most "chic" experiences in Japan.

Japanese fireworks displays are held throughout Japan from July to September in various sizes, and they last at least one hour, during which time beautiful flowers continue to bloom in the summer night sky.

Differences between Japanese and foreign fireworks

Japanese fireworks are characterized by being more colorful and shooting off a variety of shapes compared to their foreign counterparts. In addition to the basic star-shaped fireworks, cute fireworks such as Hello Kitty shaped fireworks are often launched, showing the high level of delicate and high skill of pyrotechnicians.

Fireworks displays are called "hanabi" in Japanese and written in Kanji （Chinese characters） as "花火. Also, in Japan, although fireworks are set off to celebrate the New Year, fireworks displays themselves are few (except for Tokyo Disneyland, etc.) and are characterized by being a summer tradition.

TOKYO’S FIREWORKS FESTIVALS IN 2023

Fireworks festivals are also held actively in Tokyo, the center of Japan. It is said that the first fireworks display in Japan was held in 1733 on the Sumida River during the Edo period.

Here we will introduce some famous fireworks displays, mainly in the downtown area of Tokyo. We hope that all expatriates in Japan will enjoy these events this summer.

Date: July 29, 2023
Size: 20,000 fireworks
Location: Asakusa
Official website: https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/index.html

The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is the most famous fireworks display in Tokyo. It is held from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and is very crowded every year.

Please note that major areas such as bridges over the Sumida River may be extremely crowded due to pedestrian traffic restrictions in place to ensure smooth movement. Pay attention to their directions and keep moving!

The festival is lined with food stalls all over the place, and many people also enjoy the food. The fireworks display is especially impressive and will leave thousands and thousands of people gasping in unison. For those with children, we recommend the quieter north side of the Oyokogawa Water Park.

Date: July 22, 2023
Size: 15,000 fireworks
Location: Kita-senju
Official website: https://www.adachikanko.net/adachi_no_hanabi45

Adachi-no-Hanabi" is another famous fireworks display in Tokyo. A total of 15,000 fireworks will be launched on the banks of the Arakawa River from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.

Bring a picnic sheet and refreshments and enjoy the festive atmosphere on the grassy riverbank. Like the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, the fireworks are powerful, but because the riverbed is compact, it is easy to sit and watch.

Keep in mind that after the festival is over, the small streets leading to the station will be crowded with people and you may be late getting home. Estimate a 10-minute walk, but it may take you more than 30 minutes.

Date: July 25, 2023
Size: 20,000 fireworks
Location: Shibamata
Official website: https://www.city.katsushika.lg.jp/tourism/1000064/1000065/1031830.html?hl=en

The Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival is this event held for over 100 years. It can be enjoyed in combination with a stroll along Shibamata's old shopping street and Taishakuten Temple.

The festival has plenty of food stalls and games for the kids, so arrive early to enjoy it all. If you want the best view, you can pay to sit in VIP seats. The festival runs from 7:20 to 8:30 pm.

Date: August 5, 2023
Size: 14,000 fireworks
Location: Shinozaki
Official website: https://www.city.edogawa.tokyo.jp/hanabi/index.html

This 50-year-old festival can be viewed from the banks of the Edogawa River from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.

For those living in the easternmost part of Tokyo, this is the most accessible fireworks display. Fireworks are launched on various themes to music that changes every few minutes. The first few seconds are spectacular, so don't miss it!

Date: August 11, 2023
Size: 4,000 fireworks
Location: Minami-Sunamachi Station - Arakawa Sunamachi Mizube Park
Official website: https://koto-hanabi.com/

The Koto Fireworks Festival has a history of about 40 years, and with about 300,000 participants, it is somewhat smaller than the major festivals.

The good thing about this fireworks festival, however, is that you are more likely to find a place to sit. Furthermore, the fireworks are launched from a spot on the river fairly close to the crowds, so the view is excellent.

It is a 15+ minute walk from Minamisunamachi Station, and you will want to bring a stroller for small children, as it gets hot and sticky in the summer.

Date: August 5, 2023
Size: 13,000 fireworks
Location: Takashimadaira, Ukimafunado or Nishidai Stations (walk 20 minutes to the river)
Official website: http://www.itabashihanabi.jp/

The Itabashi fireworks will be launched from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. This is the perfect time for a picnic dinner. It can be seen from Toda City, Saitama Prefecture, which is located on the other side of the Arakawa River from Tokyo.

The fireworks display from both the Funabashi River and the Toda City side is breathtaking. And the highlight of the Itabashi fireworks display is the "Grand Niagara Falls," which stretches a total of 700 meters.

Also, if you want to watch from Ukimafunado Sta., go early in the day to enjoy the beautiful park with splash pads for children and windmills.

Date: August 12, 2023
Size: 12,000 fireworks
Location: Jingu Stadium, Chichibu-no-miya Rugby Field, Soft-Ball Park (tickets are required to enter these venues)
Official website: https://www.jinguhanabi.com/

This festival is a little different. The festival is held inside a stadium called Jingu Kyujou, where live music is performed and fireworks are shot off.

You can watch the festival for free from outside the stadium, but the best experience is from inside where you can see everything.

Date: August 9, 2023
Size: 5,000 fireworks
Location: Izumi-Tamagawa Station or Noborito Station
Official website: https://www.komae-kankou.jp/hanabi/2023.html#pll_switcher

The fireworks show is held in Komae, a suburb of Tokyo, and locals are happy to see its return this year, as it has not been held since 2019.

The show lasts 50 minutes from 7:30 to 8:20pm, and the fireworks can be seen from Noborito in Kanagawa Prefecture on the other side of the Tama River.

Also, you can have a meal on the Komae side. For those who do not like big crowds in Tokyo's wards, especially in downtown, this festival is recommended as it is relatively quiet.

Date: September 24, 2023
Size: 10,000 fireworks
Location: Chofu
Official website: https://hanabi.csa.gr.jp/

This festival is later than most, not held until September. Arrive around 6pm and the show will run from 6:30 to 7:30pm.

As Chofu is a bit further out of central Tokyo (near ASIJ), the crowds will be slightly smaller, so this is a nice option with families. You could also use the trip to check out Jindaiji Temple while you are in the area.

Date: July 29, 2023
Size: 5,000 fireworks
Location: Showa-kinen Koen, Tachikawa
Official website: https://hanabi.tokyo-tachikawa.org/

Held at Showa Kinen Park since 1954, this fireworks display has been a long-standing tradition for locals, and those who have watched it over the years now bring their grandchildren.

As one of Tokyo's leading national parks, the Showa Kinen Park Fireworks Festival attracts outstanding pyrotechnicians from all over the country. Showa Kinen Park is also a children's paradise with a wonderful playground and plenty of space to run around.

The following is a list of major fireworks displays to be held in and around Tokyo in 2023.Whichever fireworks festival you choose to attend, don't forget to bring a seat to sit on, cold drinks, snacks, and a spirit of fun. Enjoy the fireworks!