Summer in Tokyo has its own set of rituals and events that mark the season, and one of the most popular is the annual fireworks – or hanabi - festivals that light up the night skies week after week throughout the summer.

Since being introduced in Japan in the 16th century, fireworks have become almost universally popular. Nowadays they are a cherished and eagerly-awaited part of the summertime for people all across the country.
Tokyo’s fireworks festivals come in all shapes and sizes from enormous shows with tens of thousands of fireworks and hundreds of thousands of visitors to intimate local affairs.
One of the most popular and classic ways to view the night time spectacular is from a yakatabune boat on the river below, or the viewing deck of some of the city’s hotels and skyscrapers.

Join the locals in summer yukata, enjoy the plentiful food and drinks available at every festival and be dazzled by the displays of fireworks and music exploding in the dark skies above. This is a real Tokyo summer institution something not to be missed if you find yourself in the city in summertime.

See GoTokyo’s Summer Fireworks Guide for more information and details of the best spots.