After coming all the way to Tokyo, the pleasures of the city’s nightlife are not to be missed. After nightfall, the scene in Tokyo changes dramatically from the day, with endless experiences that only start up when the sun goes down. As a famously “safe city,” being able to see city sights with peace of mind by the light of the moon is a special feature of this huge metropolis. In summer, the air is also cooler and more comfortable after sunset. So what are you waiting for? Let’s see what’s written in the stars.

Fireworks festivals

Fireworks are a sparkling highlight of summer in Japan. The level of artistry seen in the country’s distinctive “spherical fireworks” launched into bursts of shifting colors and shapes is acclaimed worldwide. This vision, often described as “flowers blooming in the night sky,” is in fact the literal meaning of the Japanese word for fireworks “hanabi,” composed of “hana” (flower) + “bi” (fire).
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival, famous as the country’s most historic event of its kind, is said to have started in 1733, when fireworks were launched at an event to commemorate the spirits of famine victims and ward off disaster. Nowadays, a new dimension has been added where many talented pyrotechnic creators compete to display their skills before a panel of judges, inspiring a host of imaginative fireworks for all to enjoy. This year, it will be held on July 27. Because fireworks are connected with wishes for the peace of departed souls, many events, including in Tokyo, are now often held in the summer as part of Japan’s annual “Obon” tradition that pays respect to ancestral spirits. Here are the top festivals with the greatest number of fireworks.

Date

Event / Venue

Area

Highlights

7/3 19:30-

TOKYO CITYPOP FIREWORKS 2024

East Tama Area

Launched to the tune of popular Japanese pop songs from the 1970’s and 80’s. (All venue seats are reservation-only for a fee)

7/20 19:20-

The 46th Adachi Fireworks (The language selector is on the website)

Adachi

13,000 fireworks are launched in a roughly 1-hour show.

7/23 19:20-

Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival

Shibamata

The viewing ground is close to the launch site, for full enjoyment of the powerful sound.

7/27 19:00-

Sumida River Fireworks Festival (The language selector is on the website)

Asakusa

Held in the city center, the fireworks are visible from high-rise buildings and observation decks.

8/3 19:00-

Itabashi Fireworks Festival (Japanese site only)

Itabashi

Highlights include the 700m- long waterfall-like spectacle “Niagara Falls,” and the massive “Shakugosundama” fireworks reaching 360 m in diameter when fully opened in the sky.

8/24 19:15-

Edogawa Fireworks Festival (The language selector is on the website)

Edogawa

Famous for its opening scene featuring layer upon layer of fireworks, with 1,000 rockets launched in 5 seconds.

CLUB THE PEPPER: high-tech entertainment

The Roppongi and Shibuya areas are full of nightclubs to party at until the wee hours. Among them, one of the most unique is “CLUB THE PEPPER,” featuring synchronized dance and music performances by “Pepper” humanoid robots. Japanese food, including ramen collaborations with highly popular shops in Japan, and a variety of drinks are also served at the club. Enjoy cutting-edge technology, music, and tasty food dishes altogether at this one-of-a-kind spot conveniently located in Tokyu Plaza Shibuya. During the day, the venue operates as a casual diner where Pepper can be seen working alongside human staff.
Pepper PARLOR

A wealth of traditional performance arts at Suigian

The streets of Nihonbashi are lined with shopping plazas and office buildings. In the basement below the renowned, 1,000-year-old “power spot,” Fukutoku Shrine, is the Japanese restaurant and theater “Suigian.” With a Noh stage inside the restaurant, enjoy fine dining while watching live performances of traditional performance arts such as Noh, Japanese dance and kagura, held every night. Beyond the dishes and sake served with tableware from the Edo to Taisho periods (17th to early 20th century), a bar and tea room are also on site to heighten all five senses with the pleasures of traditional Japan. (children under 10 years old are not permitted entry)
SUIGIAN

Night views

From the observation deck at night, the stellar nightscape unfurls before your eyes like a sea of light. As symbols of the city, TOKYO SKYTREE and Tokyo Tower both have observation decks, but so do skyscrapers in the city center such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Roppongi Hills, and Shibuya Scramble Square, each offering different points of view. The Bay area seen from Caretta Shiodome and the Telecom Center are beauties to behold. Don’t miss these high highlights of any Tokyo trip.
Click here for a list of night view spots

Embraced by nature and the starry skies of Kozushima

Around 180 km from the city center, Kozushima is known for its magnificent natural scenery, and as Tokyo’s only island designated as a “Dark-sky Reserve,” an international certification system meant to protect the beauty of star-studded skies. Measures to minimize light pollution, such as switching to streetlights that reduce light leakage, create the perfect environment for stargazing. Enjoy a night away from the city, surrounded by a starry sky and the sound of waves. From Tokyo, catch a roughly 45-minute flight from Chofu Airport or a 3-hour, 45-minute ride on a high-speed jet ferry from Takeshiba Pier. In the summer, the crystal-clear waters are perfect for a swim.
Kozushima Island – Tokyo’s Planetarium