2025 Tokyo Fireworks Guide

One of the pleasures of summer in Tokyo is watching the skies light up with spectacular fireworks

Though Tokyo can be hot and humid on summer days, as the sun sets, the city cools down and locals flock to watch the fireworks, wearing colorful cotton yukata. The trick is to beat the crowds and find the best vantage points. Fireworks are called "hanabi" in Japanese, and they're a symbol of summer—a beautiful and traditional way to light up the city's festivals.

Tips

Stake out your spot early, with a picnic blanket, drinks and snacks
Before sunset, take frequent breaks and stay properly hydrated using sports drinks and salt tablets. While waiting, combat the heat with products like fans and neck-cooling rings
Wear a yukata, the light cotton, more casual version of a kimono, for the full experience—you can rent one for the day or buy one at a store
Take rain gear such as a raincoat; fireworks may be canceled in bad weather, but often go ahead if the rain is light
You might hear people call out "Tamaya" or " Kagiya," the names of two famous fireworks makers in the Edo period (1603-1867)

The history of Tokyo's traditional hanabi

Japan has enjoyed fireworks since 1549. Tokyo's Sumida River was one of the early venues and still hosts the city's biggest display. While lighting up the night sky and delighting onlookers, fireworks are believed to drive away evil spirits. If you want to delve deeper into their history, you can visit Ryogoku Fireworks Museum. Otherwise, head to a river in summer and enjoy the spectacle.

Hanabi nights along the Sumida River

There are small local festivals by parks and rivers all over Tokyo in July and August, but the big events draw the crowds with their lavish displays. Sumida River Fireworks Festival on the last Saturday in July draws around 950,000 viewers each year to see almost 20,000 fireworks. Getting a good vantage point is key—you can take a yakatabune boat on the river, seek out a side street around Asakusa station or opt for one of the bridges further up the river. Some local hotels offer good vantage points but book out early.

Sumida River Fireworks Festival

Don't miss Tokyo's hanabi hidden gems

Tokyo has many other places to see fireworks while enjoying street food and a traditional atmosphere. A close-up view of fireworks spreading across the night sky is the perfect snapshot of summer. Showa Kinen Park near Tachikawa has Tachikawa Showa Kinen Park Fireworks near the end of July in extensive parklands. Shibamata, which is closer to central Tokyo, hosts the Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival in late July, with fireworks launching over the Edogawa River from the riverside baseball grounds.

Tachikawa Showa Kinen Park Fireworks

Food, views and culture on Tokyo's best hanabi cruises

The classic way to enjoy the fireworks is on the water, floating around Tokyo Bay on a traditional yakatabune. These long, low, boats cruise the rivers, festooned with lanterns, recalling the summer nights in the Edo period, when they were the pleasure boats of rich merchants and samurai. The boats are like mobile restaurants, offering dishes like tempura and sashimi as guests sit on tatami. Tokyo Skytree offers a true bird's eye view of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, but tickets are limited. You can ballot online and take your chances, or book through a tour company.