Japan boasts a diverse range of events and festivals, and its fireworks displays consistently draw a large crowd. When you think of Japan’s fireworks festivals, it always brings to mind warm summer nights. Summer is indeed the peak season for viewing these spectacular fireworks, but you can also participate in fireworks festivals in autumn and winter. Compared to summer, the skies are clearer and there are fewer crowds.
If you are a fan of Japan’s fireworks festivals, we will provide you with the schedule for the 2025 autumn and winter fireworks festivals to make your trip to Japan even easier.
What Is the Fireworks Festival in Japan?
Japan Fireworks Festival Schedule for Fall and Winter
- Katakai Festival, Ojiya
- Tone River Fireworks Festival, Sakai
- HBA Special Night Doshin Aki Hanabi, Sapporo
- Joso Kinugawa Fireworks Festival, Joso
- Oarai Marine Fireworks Festival, Oarai
- Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, Osaka
- Yatsushiro National Fireworks Competition, Yatsushiro
- Sakura Citizens Fireworks Festival, Sakura
- Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition, Tsuchiura
- Nagano Ebisuko Fireworks Festival, Nagano
Tips for Fireworks Festivals in Japan
What Is the Fireworks Festival in Japan?
In Japan, fireworks displays are called hanabi taikai. The word hanabi translates as “flower fire,” representing fireworks as flowers made of fire. Fireworks makers are called hanabi-shi, and they create different shapes of fireworks every year. The traditional purpose of Japanese fireworks displays was to ward off evil spirits, but today they are a public celebration.
Japan Fireworks Festival Schedule for Fall and Winter
There are many fireworks events every year, especially in the summer. However, there are many fireworks competitions in autumn and winter, and there are more fireworks. If you want to visit Japan in autumn or winter, you will definitely want to go to these fireworks festivals.
Katakai Festival, Ojiya
Date of Event: September 12-13, 7:30-10:20 p.m.
Held in Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture, the Katakai Festival is a historic event, the history dates back to the Edo period, when fireworks were set off in honor of Asahara Shrine as a form of prayer. It’s most famous for launching the largest firework in the world—the “yon-shaku-dama,” or four-foot shell. This huge firework weighed more than 400 kilograms and rose to a height of 800 meters, forming a magnificent ball of light with a diameter of more than 800 meters.
The number of fireworks in this fireworks festival is 15,000.
Other Things To Do: Ojiya is located in the center of Niigata, a prefecture famous for its high-quality rice and delicious sake. You can visit sake breweries and taste sake. Ojiya is also the birthplace of koi carp. You can visit the local Nishikigoi Village to see these beautiful creatures and learn about their history. Of course, you can also visit nearby parks for hiking or visit shrines.
Tone River Fireworks Festival, Sakai
Date of Event: September 13, 6:30 p.m.
This year marks the 38th annual fireworks festival, with four fireworks artists responsible for the event, representing different styles of performance. The venue is located on the Tone River in Ibaraki Prefecture, a 1-hour and 30-minute drive north of Tokyo. For those who want to enjoy fireworks in the fall without traveling to other cities, this is a convenient option.
The fireworks festival will feature 30,000 fireworks.
Other Things To Do: Sakai is a small town where you can spend a wonderful day walking or cycling along the riverbank. Alternatively, visit Sakaikatori Shrine, stroll along the town streets and browse the unique shops, and sample the popular ramen.
HBA Special Night Doshin Aki Hanabi, Sapporo
Date of Event: September 14, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
If you are planning a trip to Sapporo, this fireworks festival is not to be missed. The event will be held at Daiwa House Premier Dome Open Arena, and this year will feature fireworks that have won national competitions and fireworks designed for theme parks.
There will be 18,000 fireworks at this fireworks festival.
Other Things To Do: Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and offers many interesting things to do. For example, visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, which boasts Japan’s oldest beer production and offers the chance to taste unique Japanese beers. Odori Park is a park in the center of Sapporo, where the Sapporo Snow Festival is held every winter. Don’t miss out on trying Sapporo’s specialty ramen and fresh seafood. You can also take a day trip to Otaru to see the canals of this port city.
Joso Kinugawa Fireworks Festival, Joso
Date of Event: September 20, 6:05-7:45 p.m.
This festival takes place along the Kinugawa River, with over 50 years of history. This event will feature a 200-meter-high Mount Fuji opening fireworks, as well as works from many famous Japanese fireworks companies.
The event will feature approximately 20,000 fireworks.
Other Things To Do: Joso is also a small city that you can explore by walking along the Kinugawa River. Joso is not far from Tokyo, and it only takes 1 hour to get there by public transportation. The agricultural products here are quite famous, and you can try the melon bread and delicious seafood rice bowls.
Oarai Marine Fireworks Festival, Oarai
Date of Event: September 28, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
This year’s Oarai Marine Fireworks Festival will feature the largest number of fireworks ever, and to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Oarai’s founding, an air force squadron will also perform aerial formations. You can witness this festival at Oarai Sun Beach and watch the fireworks as they rise into the sky and reflect on the sea surface.
Other Things To Do: Oarai Town is a seaside town offering a wealth of beach activities. You can visit Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium, which is home to a wide variety of marine life. Kamiiso-no-Torii is also a must-see attraction. This famous torii gate is built on rocks not far from the coast, and it is especially photogenic at sunrise.
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, Osaka
Date of Event: October 18, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
The fireworks festival is an important event in Osaka City. It began in 1989 as a fireworks festival created by citizen volunteers. Now, it has become one of the largest fireworks festivals in Osaka. The fireworks are launched from the sandbar of the Yodo River, and the reflections in the water are a sight to see.
This year’s fireworks festival will feature 18,000 fireworks.
Other Things To Do: Osaka is one of the most popular cities in western Japan. You can spend a day in Dotonbori visiting various shops and sampling local specialties such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki. There is also Osaka Castle, which has beautiful ancient architecture.
Yatsushiro National Fireworks Competition, Yatsushiro
Date of Event: October 18, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
This fireworks competition in Kumamoto Prefecture is one of Japan’s largest and most prestigious fireworks events. This year marks the 38th edition, with fireworks artists from across the country participating, as well as drone performances. In addition to fireworks, the event will feature art exhibitions and various food stalls.
The fireworks festival will feature 14,000 fireworks.
Other Things To Do: Yatsushiro is located in Kumamoto Prefecture. You can visit Kumamon Port Yatsushiro, where there is a cute sculpture of the Kumamoto mascot. After watching the fireworks, you can return to Kumamoto, where Sakura-no-baba Josaien is a commercial area with various unique shops and restaurants. Of course, don’t miss Kumamoto Castle, a reconstructed castle with a history museum inside.
Sakura Citizens Fireworks Festival, Sakura
Date of Event: October 25, 6:20-8:30 p.m.
This festival is held in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture, only an hour’s drive from Tokyo. What makes this year special is that the fireworks will be launched from multiple locations simultaneously. This means you don’t have to go to a specific location to see them.
There will be 20,000 fireworks this year.
Other Things To Do: Sakura is Japan’s historical capital. Before watching the fireworks, visit Hiyodori-Zaka, a tranquil bamboo forest. Or head to Sakura Castle Ruins Park, where you can enjoy the autumn leaves in the fall.
Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition, Tsuchiura
Date of Event: November 1, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition, where fireworks companies from across the country will compete fiercely in one of Japan’s best fireworks competitions. The show’s highlight is the “Star Mine,” a rapid-fire series of thousands of small fireworks that burst in a continuous, flowing pattern.
The fireworks competition will feature 20,000 fireworks.
Other Things To Do: Tsuchiura is located on the shores of Lake Kasumigaura, Japan’s second largest lake. You can take a boat tour of the lake or stroll along the lakeside. You can also visit Tsuchiura Castle, a Japanese castle with a history of several hundred years. Tsuchiura’s specialty is locally grown lotus root, so be sure to try the udon noodles made from lotus root.
Nagano Ebisuko Fireworks Festival, Nagano
Date of Event: November 23, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
This festival in Nagano City marks one of the few winter fireworks shows in Japan. It is held to honor Ebisu, the god of commerce. The launch site is located on the west side of Nagano Bridge, featuring spectacular fireworks over 100 meters high and a 100-shot fireworks display. It is still considered one of Japan’s leading competitions for launching high-quality fireworks.
Other Things To Do: You can visit the famous Zenkoji Temple, a major pilgrimage site. Joyama Park next door is also a great place to relax, and there is a small zoo to visit within the park. If you want to buy souvenirs, Gondo Shopping Street is a good choice. Nagano’s soba noodles are one of the must-try foods.
Tips for Fireworks Festivals in Japan
Attending a fireworks festival in Japan is a wonderful experience, but you also need to do some preparation.
How to Get There
Before heading to the fireworks festival venue, we recommend downloading the Hanabi-Navi app, which will provide you with the time and location of the fireworks festival and help you find the best viewing spots.
- Choose public transportation: For example, the subway or bus is the best way to get to the Japan Fireworks Festival. Traffic on the roads to and from the venue will be very congested, and taxi fares will be expensive.
- Be prepared for crowds: Before and after the event, the train stations closest to the venue will be crowded. To avoid the crowds, we recommend getting off one or two stops before your destination and walking the rest of the way.
- Check the last train: Major holidays often have special late-night train services, but they may also end earlier than normal weekend evenings. Be sure to check the last train schedule for your accommodation.
What to Bring
- Waterproof tarp or mat: Essential for sitting on the ground. Most festivals are held along riverbanks or in parks, and a waterproof tarp will keep you clean and dry.
- Umbrella: Japan can experience rain in the fall and winter, so bring a foldable umbrella.
- Trash bags: There won’t be many public trash bins at the festival site, so be prepared to take your trash with you.
- Cash: There are usually multiple food stalls at fireworks festivals, so bring cash to avoid payment issues.
- Portable charger: Your phone will be working overtime, so a charger will keep it powered up.
What to Wear
- Warm clothing: The temperature drops significantly after sunset, especially in November and December. Be sure to wear a warm coat, hat, and gloves.
- Comfortable shoes: You may be standing for long periods of time at the venue or walking after the event, so a pair of comfortable shoes is essential.
- Experience the culture: If you visit in September, you can try wearing a Japanese yukata, a casual summer kimono. After September, the weather will gradually become colder, so you can try wearing a thicker kimono.
FAQ
What is the biggest fireworks festival in Japan?
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival held in Nagaoka and the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival held in Tokyo are among the largest fireworks festivals in Japan. The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival launches 20,000 fireworks, including a phoenix-shaped display spanning two kilometers across the sky. Meanwhile, the Sumidagawa festival is iconic for its location on the river in the heart of Tokyo.
Which Japanese city is known for fireworks?
Tsuchiura and Omagari are famous for hosting national fireworks competitions, attracting many top fireworks artists. Nagaoka is famous for its grand scale.
How often does the fireworks festival in Japan happen?
Fireworks festivals are held annually in Japan, usually in July and August during the summer, but parts of the festivals are also held in autumn and winter, from September to December. Some smaller fireworks festivals are held in spring during the cherry blossom season or Golden Week.
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