JULY | SUMIDA FIREWORKS

This is the Rolls Royce of the fireworks festival in Tokyo. Held on the last Saturday of July, over 20,000 fireworks go off over the span of 90 minutes. This fireworks are launched from two different spots - one near Sensoji Temple and one near the SkyTree.

This festival actually dates back almost 400 years. In 1732, there was a terrible famine that wreaked havoc in Tokyo leading to the starvation and death of thousands. The following year, the Shogun held the Ryogoku Fireworks Festival to comfort the spirits of the deceased and pray that those living would not experience famine and death in the future. This is considered to be the origin of the Sumida Fireworks.

This festival attracts many spectators. The regular venue to spectate is on the river bank by Sumida River between Kototoi Bridge and Sakura Bridge. If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy the fireworks try heading to Shiori Park.

*Cancelled in 2020, dates TBA for 2021

Entrance fee: Free

Photo credit: Matcha JP

Location: Near Sensoji Temple and Skytree. Regular spectating spot by Sumida River bank. Recommended place: 8 Chome-13-1 Minamisenju, Arakawa City, Tokyo 116-0003, Shiori Park

Dates: Last Saturday of July

Website: N/A

How to get there: Regular venue is a 15 minute walk from Asakusa Station. Shiori Park is a 15 minute walk from Minami-Senju Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. Shiori Park is pinned on the map below.