Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Jul)
The Sumida River festival is the oldest and one of the most impressive hanabi (fireworks) displays in Japan. After the great famine of 1732, the Shogun decided to hold a water ceremony on the Sumida river to pray for the victim's souls. Restaurants located along the river were invited to set off fireworks.
Nowdays, rival pyrotechnic gangs compete to set off the loudest, brightest and most impressive fireworks. The surrounding streets are closed to traffic, and full of street vendors selling cold drinks and tasty snack foods.
The festival attracts around 1,000,000 people annually, and many of spectators come dressed in their yukata (summer kimonos).
SMALL GROUP TOURS
The July departures of our Essential Honshu and Hidden Japan tours will coincide with this amazing festival.
This annual festival is held on the last Saturday of July between 7:00 and 8:30pm.
2012: Sat 28th July
2013: Sat 27th July
Where:
There are 2 locations for the fireworks, located close together in the Asakusa district of Tokyo.