Summer fireworks shows, called hanabi taikai, are held in July and August. Many are held along a river or by the bay, and they draw very large crowds. If you want to watch one, choose your show early, pick your spot before you arrive and plan the trip home. The right plan makes the night easy.
Pick a show
Tokyo and Osaka both host several fireworks shows each summer. Some are large and well known. Others are smaller, with fewer people and a shorter walk from the station. Choose a show that fits your group and your plans for the rest of the day.
Some shows sell reserved seats, and these sell out early. Other shows are free to watch from open ground. Free spots fill up hours before the first firework, so decide early which kind of view you want.
Check first: the date, start time, ticket sales and viewing map on the official event site. Shows can move or be cancelled because of weather. Check again on the day.
Choose your spot
- On the river bank. You get the best view, and you also get the most people. Arrive early and bring a mat or a small sheet to sit on.
- On higher ground. A bridge, a park or a building roof can give a wide view with fewer people. Trees and buildings may block part of the sky.
- From your hotel. Ask at the front desk if any rooms face the show. Some hotels have a view of the river or the bay.
Plan the evening
- Eat before you go. Food stalls near the show have long queues, and the seats fill up.
- Dress for heat. Many people wear a yukata, a light cotton robe. You can also wear light clothes that dry fast.
- Bring a small bag. Carry water, a towel and a small bag for your rubbish.
- Leave early or wait. The trains after the show are very full. You can leave early to get a seat, or wait an hour for the crowd to thin out.
Look at the planner for the route from your hotel to the river. Note the stations you can use on the way back, not only the ones near the show.
Good manners
- Do not stand in front of people who are seated on a mat. Stand behind them.
- Keep the path open for people who need to move.
- Do not light a fire or use a lighter for a flame near the crowd.
- Take your rubbish home, or keep it until you find a bin.
- Ask before you take close photos of people.
Stay safe in the heat
The evenings in summer can still be hot and humid. Drink water before you feel thirsty. Rest in the shade if you feel dizzy or tired. If the crowd is tight, move to the edge and sit down. If you feel unwell, ask staff for help.
Check first: the weather warnings for your city on the national weather agency's site (JMA) before you leave the hotel. Heavy rain or a typhoon can cancel a show.
Plan with your group
Agree on a meeting point before the show, in case you get separated. Save the hotel address and the nearest station name offline, so you can show them to a staff member or a driver. Keep your phone charged, and carry a small battery pack if you have one.
Many people will photograph the sky at the same time. Take a few photos, then put your phone away and enjoy the show. The best memories come from the sound and the crowd, not only the pictures.
Watch with children
Families with young children should choose a spot away from the river edge. Bring ear protection if the loud bangs bother them. Take a break in a quieter area if the crowd gets too much. Check the official map for a quieter zone, if the show has one.
What to do next
Use the planner to build your summer plan around the show. Read the Tokyo page for the city, and the Namba and Dotonbori area for the Osaka river.
See also: Osaka guide.
