Tokyo

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. There is no better way to cool down from the summer heat than shaved ice and fireworks! Here are some of the top shows lighting up the Tokyo metro skies this July: Sumida River Fireworks – July 25 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 1 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 28 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 –…