Fireworks festivals in summer

Fireworks are known as 花火 (Hanabi) in Japanese.
They have a long history and the traditional season for fireworks festivals or 花火大会 (Hanabi Taikai) is summer.

All over Japan there are hundreds of local fireworks festivals.

During the Corona pandemic, all of the fireworks festivals were cancelled, but this year, many are being held again.

Here are some of the most popular festivals.

The Sumida River Fireworks festival
This wonderful event is held in Tokyo along the river banks.
As you can imagine it is very popular and crowded.

The history of the festival dates back to the 18th century.

The Naniwa Yodo River Festival
This is an Osaka city event which like Sumida river event, is held along the river banks.

The Nagaoka Fireworks festival
This was shown on TV a few days ago.
It was a truly spectacular display of the skill and artistry of the Japanese pyrotechnicians or 花火師.

If you are ever in Japan, try to make it to one of the fireworks festivals held during the summer.
Many of the festivals take place in August.

They can be very crowded, so people often go early (during the morning is best) in order to get good seats.
Getting into the places and getting out is also difficult due to the crowds, so it is good to plan out a route ahead of time to reduce the stress.