Tokyo Metropolis

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…