Summer means fireworks in Japan, and there are plenty of spectacular displays to enjoy in and around Tokyo. One of the most impressive fireworks festivals is at Kawaguchiko, the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, in Yamanashi prefecture.
The Kawaguchiko Kojo Matsuri summer festival takes place on Saturday August 5, with fireworks launched from the middle of the lake between the eastern shore and Kawaguchiko Bridge. The gigantic starmines will not only be reflected on the water’s surface but also synchronised to music. The timings for this year's event haven't been announced yet, but the display usually takes place for 75 minutes.
For an up-close view, head to Oike Park or either one of these two shores – Funatsuhama and Hirahama. Between Oike Park and the Komagari Tunnel lakeside, dozens of food stalls will line the street, selling typical festival grub.
Pro tip: if it’s a clear night, make a beeline for the other side of the lake, around Nagasaki Park or Oishi Park. Here you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the fireworks, with the towering silhouette of Mt Fuji in the background.
The summer festivities around Lake Kawaguchiko continue on August 15 and 16 with the Fujisan Fukko Noryo Matsuri, which is free to attend. The festival site at Oike Park will be hosting stage performances, festival games and lots of food.
You can reach Kawaguchiko in about one hour, 45 minutes by highway bus from Shinjuku Station. Alternatively, take the JR Chuo Line Limited Express from Shinjuku to Otsuki Station and change to the Fujikyuko line for Kawaguchiko, which takes around two hours in total.
Note that both festivals will be cancelled in case of stormy weather.
This article was originally published on July 29 2022 and updated on June 19 2023.
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