Fireworks, known as hanabi in Japanese, have become synonymous with summer in contemporary Japanese culture. They have captivated the nation and found their way into numerous films and television shows. The question arises: why are fireworks festivals such an obsession for the Japanese?
Perhaps it is the tradition of families arriving early at the venue, spreading out picnic blankets, sharing snacks, and coming together to relish the spectacle of the accompanying fireworks. Or maybe it is the nostalgic scenes reminiscent of anime and TV series, where young boys and girls timidly express their emotions beneath the dazzling fireworks.
Alternatively, it could be the appreciation for the profound beauty found in the transience of fireworks—a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life itself. After a prolonged hiatus, several Firework Festivals will be held this year, promising an unforgettable summer. In this feature, we introduce the top 10 popular firework displays in Kansai (West Japan).
1. Tenjin Festival Fireworks Display, Osaka
Date: July 25, 2023 No. of fireworks: 3,000 Duration: 80 minutes Venue: Kawasaki Park, Sakuranomiya Park Access by train: 2-min walk from Sakuranomiya Station / 5-min walk from Temmabashi Station Official website: https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/ |
Tenjin Matsuri is ranked as one of Japan's three major festivals, spanning thousands of years of tradition. After a four-year hiatus, the festival returns this year, making it an event of great significance. Other than the omikoshi parades, taiko performances, and other festivities, the highlight of this festival is the mesmerizing display of fireworks, marking the end of the festival.2. Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, Osaka
As the music plays, the fireworks come alive, gracefully dancing across the night sky. With water surfaces on both sides, the fireworks form a majestic semicircle, creating a breathtaking spectacle that overwhelms the senses and blankets the entire field of vision with its dynamic display. Date: August 5, 2023 No. of fireworks: Undisclosed Duration: 60 minutes Venue: Yodogawa riverbed between Shinmidosuji Yodogawa Tekkyo Bridge and Downstream Route 2 Access by train: 15-min walk from Juso Station, Minamikata Station, Himejima Station, Tsukamoto Station, Mitejima Station Official website: https://www.yodohanabi.com |
3. 45th Ashiya Summer Carnival, Hyogo
Immerse yourself in the exclusive pleasure of a cutting-edge fusion of technology and pyrotechnics. Delight in the enchanting combination of blazing flames, dazzling fireworks, and harmonious music, creating a truly unparalleled experience. Date: July 22, 2023 No. of fireworks/Duration: Undisclosed Venue: Shio Ashiya Beach Access by train: 30-min walk from Ashiya Station Official website: https://ashiya-hanabi.com/summercarnival/ |
4. Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival, Shiga
The revival of the Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival after a four-year hiatus is a highly anticipated event. With an astounding display of 10,000 fireworks, it promises to be a spectacle that is truly worth looking forward to. The unique experience of witnessing these fireworks amidst the backdrop of a rich natural environment adds an extra touch of magic to the occasion. Date: August 8, 2023 No. of fireworks: 10,000 Duration: 60 minutes Venue: Otsu Port, Shiga Prefecture Access by train: 5-min walk from Biwako-Hamaōtsu Station / 15-min walk from Otsu Station Official website: https://www.biwako-visitors.jp/hanabi/ |
5. Inagawa Fireworks Festival, Hyogo
Dating back to 1948, the Inagawa Fireworks Festival is a collaborative effort between Osaka and Hyogo, treating spectators to a dazzling display of approximately 4,000 fireworks along the riverside. Date: August 19, 2023 No. of fireworks: 4,000 Duration: 60 minutes Venue: Inagawa river bank Access by train: 10-min walk from Kawanishi-Noseguchi Station or Ikeda Station / 15-min walk from Kawanishi-Ikeda Station Official website: https://www.city.kawanishi.hyogo.jp/shiseijoho/shokai/kisetu/1017920.html |
6. Tango Yasaka Summer Festival Fireworks, Kyoto
The greatest highlight of this event is the opportunity to witness the fireworks up close, creating an immersive experience like no other. You can also enjoy student performances and engage in a wide range of exciting activities. Date: July 15, 2023 No. of fireworks: 3,500 Duration: 30 minutes Venue: Tango-okoku Shoku-no-Miyako Access by train: 15-min by taxi from Amino Station Official website: https://kyotango.mypl.net/event/00000410820/ |
7. Kameoka Heiwasai Hozugawa Fireworks, Kyoto
Around 10,000 fireworks will be set off for the first time in the history of this festival. What sets it apart from other events is Kameoka's distinctive and eco-friendly approach to fireworks. Date: August 11, 2023 No. of fireworks: 10,000 Duration: 60 minutes Venue: Bank of Hozu river (close to Hozu Bridge) Access by train: 20-min walk from Kameoka Station Official website: https://www.kameoka-hanabi.com |
8. Ayabe Minatsuki Festival, Kyoto
The Ayabe Minatsuki Festival in Kyoto is an event that combines the ancient ceremony of floating lanterns on the river, reminiscent of the Meiji period, with the unique and mesmerizing dance of Kochi Prefecture. This harmonious blend of traditions creates an electrifying atmosphere that reaches its climax during the firework festival, leaving spectators in awe. Date: July 22, 2023 No. of fireworks: 4,000 Duration: 40 minutes Venue: Yura river Access by train: 15-min walk from Ayabe Station Official website: https://ayabeminatsuki.org/ |
9. Yoshinogawa Fireworks Display, Nara
Held in Gojo along the banks of the Yoshino River, the festival offers a mesmerizing experience as lanterns cascade down the river, synchronized with the blooming pyrotechnics that dance to the rhythm of music. Adding to the spectacle, artistic laser beams enhance the scene with their mesmerizing beauty. Date: August 15, 2023 No. of fireworks: 4,000 Duration: 60 minutes Venue: Okawa Bridge, Yoshino River Access by train: 10-min walk from Gojo Station Official website: https://www.gojo.ne.jp/g-kanko/ |
10. Senshu Summer Festival Fireworks, Osaka
After a three-year wait, this summer festival is back and better than ever! In addition to the breathtaking fireworks display, you can enjoy lively music, captivating drone shows, delectable culinary delights, thrilling marine activities, and much more. Date: August 27th and 28th, 2023 No. of fireworks/Duration: Undisclosed Venue: Tarui Southern Beach Access by train: 10-min walk from Tarui Station Official website: https://senshu-natsumatsuri.jp/ |
If you think these are the only fireworks festivals, you are mistaken. Check the calendar below, all of the dates in red have a firework festival between July and September.
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If you find yourself in Japan during this period, make sure to indulge in the enchantment of a fireworks festival. Rent a beautiful yukata, savor the delightful flavors of shaved ice and bask in the glory of an illuminated sky with your loved ones.
