Summer in Tokyo doesn’t truly begin until the first boom echoes across the sky. Fireworks, hanabi in Japanese, are more than just a seasonal spectacle. They’re a tradition that goes back centuries, drawing crowds in yukata to riverbanks and open fields for an evening of shared awe. And after years of scaled-back or canceled shows, the full hanabi season is back.

Here are some of the top shows lighting up the Tokyo metro skies this July:

Sumida River Fireworks – July 26

Tokyo’s most iconic hanabi display. Launched along the Sumida River near Asakusa, this massive show fires off over 20,000 shells and attracts nearly a million spectators. Get there early, or book a river cruise if you’re feeling fancy.

https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com

Tokyo Racecourse Fireworks – July 2

One of the earliest shows of the season and a local favorite. Set to J-pop and anime soundtracks, this 14,000-shot display in Fuchū makes for a great weekday outing with surprisingly easy logistics.

https://hanabitokyo.com

Katsushika Shibamata Fireworks – July 22

Held over the Edogawa River, this one’s got neighborhood charm and a 15,000-shell punch. It’s a good balance between big-city excitement and local atmosphere.

https://www.city.katsushika.lg.jp/tourism/1000064/1000065/1031830.html?hl=en

Tachikawa Showa Kinen Park – July 26

Smaller in scale (5,000 fireworks) but big on comfort. There’s space to sit, stretch out, and enjoy the show from a scenic park setting. Pro tip: make a day of it and explore the gardens before sunset.

https://hanabi.tokyo-tachikawa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-Hanabi-A4-web-2.pdf

Hachiōji Fireworks – July 26

Set off from the ThreeBond Stadium, this show launches 3,500 fireworks and tends to draw a more relaxed, family-heavy crowd. A solid pick if you’re in western Tokyo.

https://www.hkc.or.jp/fireworks

Know Before You Go

  • Get there early: Especially for big shows like Sumida. Many people claim spots with tarps hours ahead of time.
  • Dress light but be prepared: July nights can be sticky. Bring a fan, towel, and mosquito spray.
  • Yukata not required, but welcome: You’ll see plenty of locals in summer kimono—join in if you’re feeling festive.
  • Bring cash and snacks: Food stalls are often cash-only, and lines get long.
  • Mind the cleanup: Take your trash home or find proper disposal areas.

Whether you watch from a crowded bridge in Asakusa or the peaceful grass of Showa Kinen Park, hanabi season is a reminder that Tokyo summer is best experienced with your eyes on the sky.

Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons