FOLLOW THE LIGHT Find your hanabi bliss outside of Tokyo
YOKOHAMA SPARKLING TWILIGHT Each day of this illuminating festival ends with 3,000 fireworks launched from the beach of Yamashita Park. Following the hanabi, the lighted boats anchored in the harbour twinkle like jewellery floating on the sea. July 19-20, 7.30-8pm. Yamashita Park and surrounding areas (Motomachi-Chukagai Station).
THE NEW KID: TAMAGAWA Futako-Tamagawa Park was opened to the public in April 2013 and isn’t slated for completion until 2015. Still, that hasn’t stopped organisers from launching one of the most dazzling fireworks displays west of Tokyo. Competing pyrotechnicians from Setagaya and Kawasaki launch 6,000 fireworks each from either side of the Tamagawa River. August 23, 7-8pm. FutakoTamagawa Park (Futako-Tamagawa Station).
1,000 fireworks are set off within five seconds
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KANAGAWA NEWSPAPER FIREWORKS With an astounding 15,000 fireworks, this festival provides one of the few opportunities to see the gigantic Nishakudama fireworks, which spread out 480m in the sky. With nearly 200,000 spectators in attendance, the most popular viewing spots are Minato Mirai 21 and Rinki Park. August 5, 7-8.30pm. Yokohama (Minatomirai Station).
ATAMI FIREWORKS: COURTESY OF THE ATAMI TOURIST ASSOCIATION
THE J-POP SHOW: JINGU GAIEN This music and fireworks festival takes advantage of the various sports stadiums located in the centre of Tokyo. Spectators can enjoy live J-pop bands at each stadium before watching approximately 10,000 fireworks light up the sky from Jingu Stadium. There is an admission fee to each venue, otherwise take in the view from the streets of Harajuku or Aoyama. August 16, 7.30-8.30pm (music starts at 5.30pm). Jingu Stadium, 3-1 Kasumigaokacho, Shinjuku (Gaienmae, Kokuritsu-Kyogijo, Shinanomachi, Sendagaya Stations).
THE FILM COMBO: CHOFU For its 32nd annual hanabi celebration, the western suburb of Chofu decided to recognise its connection to the movie industry. Several film scenes have been shot on the banks of the Tamagawa, and Chofu is home to multiple studios and film-related companies. Dubbed the ‘City of Cinema: Chofu Summer Fireworks’, this festival sees around 8,000 fireworks launched over the Tamagawa, choreographed to popular film scores. August 24, 6.30-7.30pm. Tamagawa River (Chofu Station). tinyurl.com/TOTchofu.
CHUNICHI NEWSPAPER NAGARA RIVER ALL-JAPAN FIREWORKS FESTIVAL Two hours from Tokyo, this day-long celebration on the banks of the Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture is the largest of its kind in Japan. The unique otohanabi starts at 12pm, with over 300,000 spectators listening to the rhythmic sounds of hanabi accompanied by music. The phenomenal evening display, with fireworks selected by the Japan Fireworks Artist Association, starts at 7.20pm. July 26, 9am-8.45pm. Nagara River between the bridges Nagarabashi and Kinkabashi (shuttle buses run from Gifu Station). www.gifucvb.or.jp.
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Travel & Hotels
THE BRIGHTEST: TOKYO BAY Set against the backdrop of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge, this is arguably the most picturesque fireworks festival in the capital – and the most exclusive. The official viewing spots in the Harumi Pier area sell out quickly and nearby hotels book out months in advance. The festival features 12,000 fireworks launched from barges anchored north of the Rainbow Bridge. Though the bridge is closed to pedestrians during the show, there are still several places throughout Tokyo to witness the spectacle including Odaiba, Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Tower. August 10, 6.50-8.10pm. Tokyo Bay area, Harumi Pier (Kachidoki, Toyosu, Tsukishima Stations).
ATAMI WATERFRONT FIREWORKS FESTIVAL One hour from Tokyo in Shizuoka Prefecture, this grand fireworks display over Atami Bay has been held for over 60 years throughout summer, autumn and winter. The grand finale of ‘large air Niagara’ fireworks stretches for one kilometre. View the show from the beach or reserve a seat on the Moon Terrace. Hotels have their own reserved seating available, though the show ends early enough to return to Tokyo. Summer: July 21, 26, August 5, 8, 17, 20 and 29, 8.208.50pm. Autumn: September 15, 8.20-8.45pm. Winter: December 7, 14 and 23, 8.20-8.45pm. Shinsui Park and surrounding areas (take a bus from Atami Station).