The best fireworks festivals in and near Osaka this year

The city of Kameoka in Kyoto prefecture has been holding its annual fireworks festival for 74 years in a row now. Taking place on the August 11 Monday holiday this year, the celebration commemorates the establishment of the city while serving as a tribute to those who have died in past wars and natural disasters.

Looking at the numbers drives home what a big deal the show is: It features a whopping 13,000-plus rounds of fireworks, a drone show with 500 drones, three distinct viewing areas, 150 festival food stalls, and one small night market.

Always one of Osaka’s most dazzling fireworks displays, the seaside Senshu Dream Fireworks at Sennan Long Park takes place on August 23 this year. Featuring a stunning pyrotechnic demonstration and an accompanying drone show, the well-established event also boasts food trucks, festival food stalls and street performances.

Summer in Japan is synonymous with fireworks festivals, but Osaka’s biggest pyrotechnic display has been moved to October this year to coincide with the finale of the World Expo. The Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is held along the Yodogawa River with a spectacular view of the city skyline in the background. The hour-long festival is split into five sections, each featuring a pair of songs played in sync with the fireworks.