Summary of Japan Fireworks Festivals You Must See in July!!
When you come to Japan, you have to watch at least one fireworks show!! Here’s a list of July fireworks festivals, including free and paid venues, plus travel tips. Save it for your trip~
❤️ Must-see private favorites (stunning visuals, perfect for photos)
✅ Enshu Fireworks in Shizuoka 7.25|25,000 large-scale fireworks, wide open view on the riverside lawn, sunset plus fireworks creates an amazing atmosphere
✅ Sumida River Fireworks in Tokyo 7.25|Free seating along both riverbanks, a must-visit for Tokyo trips
✅ Mount Fuji Kawaguchiko 7.4|Fireworks with Mount Fuji in the frame, a healing Japanese scene, fewer tourists
✅ Kashiwazaki Sea Fireworks in Niigata 7.26|Fireworks reflecting on the water surface, avoid the crowds
✅ Makomanai in Sapporo 7.11|Fireworks over a lake in Hokkaido, great for Hokkaido circuit trips
📌 Quick distinction between free and paid venues
❤️ Completely free with no tickets required
Kawaguchiko, Nogata Summer Festival, Memuro, Sasaguri, Fuji Festival, riverside/park open spaces where you can bring your own mat and enjoy the show fully
💴 Enclosed venues require tickets (no free viewing outside)
Tokyo Racecourse, Okinawa Churaumi, Makomanai Park inner area in Sapporo
🎫 Free areas + paid viewing seats (most venues)
Riverside and coastal roads are free, but if you want front-row seats with a good view, you need to buy tickets separately. Even if you don’t get tickets, you can still watch.
📝 Transportation tips to avoid trouble
After the show, tens of thousands of visitors crowd the trains, long lines and wait times; remote venues like Mount Fuji and Niigata have early last trains, carrying luggage and transfers can be exhausting, especially with elders and kids. It’s recommended to plan your trip in advance.
⚠️ Travel reminders
Popular fireworks venues get very crowded, bring picnic mats and mosquito repellent; for enclosed venues, it’s best to buy fireworks tickets online in advance.
July is peak fireworks season and car availability is tight, so visitors needing pick-up/drop-off or charter cars should book early~