11 best fireworks festivals in and near Tokyo this summer

Just over 30 minutes from Shinagawa Station on the shinkansen, the hot spring town of Atami in Shizuoka is an ideal weekend getaway. The coastal resort is also widely known for its massive fireworks shows, and there will be six happening throughout summer.

The fireworks are launched from Atami Bay, so you’ll get the best views along the coastline between Sun Beach and Atami Port. Being partially surrounded by mountains, Atami Bay’s mortar-like terrain helps create an acoustic effect similar to that of a large stadium.

Atami’s fireworks festivals are scheduled for July 25 as well as August 5, 8, 18 and 25, from 8.20pm to 8.40pm.

Take a trip to Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi prefecture for the Kawaguchiko Kojo Matsuri summer festival, which takes place on Tuesday August 5. You'll be able to see 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.

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.

Although summer is usually the season for fireworks in Japan, this Shonan festival breaks away from tradition with a captivating fireworks show in October. The 30-minute fireworks show is scheduled for 6pm on Saturday October 18.

You can expect approximately 1,000 rockets of colourful bursts, launched against the dark silhouette of the nearby Enoshima Island. The nighttime seascape makes for the perfect backdrop for this explosive showcase.

To catch the show, park yourself at the Katase Nishihama beach on the mainland.