05.26.2025

Hanabi in Japan 2025

What Is hanabi?

In Japan, fireworks are called hanabi (花火), which means “fire flowers.” Fireworks are a big part of summer in Japan. They are not just fun to watch, but they also carry a deep meaning. Many people see them as a way to enjoy the beauty of life, even if it is short.

Hanabi festivals happen all over Japan, usually in the summer. They are one of the best ways to bring families, friends and communities together.

When are the fireworks in Japan?

Most fireworks festivals in Japan happen in late July to mid-August, during the hot summer months. Some start as early as late May, and a few go on until October.

Be sure to check festivals’ websites or local news before you go. Weather can cause delays or cancellations.

Top fireworks festivals in Japan 2025

Below, we have provided a list of some of the most popular hanabi festivals to enjoy in Summer 2025. Each event in Japan offers beautiful displays, fun summer vibes and a unique local experience.

Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival – Tokyo, Japan

“Fireworks along Sumida River”, photo credit: Matcha JP

Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Along the Sumida River, near Asakusa Station (浅草駅)

Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is one of the oldest fireworks festivals in Japan. It began in the 18th century during the Edo period. Recently, about 20,000 fireworks have been launched over the river. Two teams compete to show off the best designs. You can see the show from many spots along the riverbanks, but it gets crowded early. Some bridges and rooftop spots require tickets.

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival – Niigata Prefecture, Japan

“Fireworks display along Shinano River”, photo credit: Zoom Japan

Date: Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2–3, 2025

Time: 7:20 p.m.

Location: Shinano River in Nagaoka City

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is one of the largest and most emotional fireworks festivals in Japan. It began in memory of lives lost during World War II and later natural disasters. Over 20,000 fireworks are launched across two nights. A highlight is the “Phoenix” display, a symbol of peace and recovery. It features massive shells and music played throughout the city. Hotels and trains get booked early, so we recommend you to plan ahead.

Edogawa Fireworks Festival – Tokyo, Japan

“Edogawa river fireworks display”, photo credit: Timeout

Date: Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025

Time: 7:15 p.m.

Location: Edogawa River, near Edogawa and Ichikawa areas

Edogawa Fireworks Festival features about 14,000 fireworks in one of Tokyo’s eastern wards. It’s known for its fast-paced opening — around 1,000 fireworks in the first five seconds! Families gather on both sides of the river. You can bring a picnic mat and find a good spot on the riverbank. Trains from central Tokyo make it easy to reach.

Yodogawa Fireworks Festival – Osaka, Japan

“Fireworks festival seen above Yodogawa River”, photo credit: E+

Date: Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Yodogawa River, near Juso and Umeda

Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is one of Osaka’s biggest fireworks events, happening in the fall. It is known for synchronized music and fireworks, making it feel like a performance. It is a community-run event, with support from local businesses. Around 20,000 people attend each year. It’s best viewed from the Juso or Nakatsu side of the river.

Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition – Ibaraki Prefecture

“A shower of fireworks along Sakuragawa River”, photo credit: Visit Ibaraki

Date: Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Location: Sakuragawa River, Tsuchiura City

This Tsuchiura firework event is not just a show — it’s a national competition where top fireworks creators from all over Japan compete. You’ll see creative designs, artistic fireworks and new technology. It’s also one of the few big displays in autumn, which gives a different feeling from the usual summer shows. Around 700,000 people visit the festival each year.

What to expect for hanabi season

At fireworks festivals in Japan, many people wear a yukata (浴衣), a traditional cotton robe that is light and comfortable for summer. You can enjoy festival food from stalls that sell favorites like takoyaki (たこ焼き), known as octopus balls, yakisoba (焼きそば), known as fried noodles and kakigori (かき氷), known as shaved ice. We highly recommend you to bring the following to a firework festival:

Picnic mat
Drinks like water and Pocari Sweat
Snacks
Cooling products like a fan

When you travel to a hanabi festival, use public transportation, as roads are often closed and train stations can get very crowded. Arrive early to get a good spot and check the weather in case of delays or cancellations. Some viewing areas require tickets and paid sections may offer a better view and more space. Be sure to clean up after yourself and leave the area tidy.

Watching fireworks in Japan is more than a summer event — it’s a beautiful and emotional tradition. If you’re in Japan in Summer 2025, don’t miss the chance to see one of these amazing hanabi shows.

Connect with your loved ones this summer

Even during hanabi season in Japan, you can stay connected with your loved ones back home. Smiles Mobile Remittance is Japan’s top voted mobile money transfer service, trusted by many overseas workers and residents.

With just your smartphone, you can send money anytime, anywhere — even while waiting for the fireworks to start. Smiles offers a fast, safe and easy way to support your family during this special time.

You can also get real-time updates, great exchange rates every day and friendly and multilingual customer support to make sending money overseas simple and stress-free.