Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival

One of Tokyo's major summer fireworks displays

Venue: Sumida River When: Late Jul 2024

Fireworks have a long history in Japan and are an integral part of many summer festivals. The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo dates back to the Edo period and is one of Japan's most famous fireworks displays.

Every last Saturday in July, colorful fireworks are launched from both sides of the Sumida River. The spectacle is best seen from close to the river, although it can get very crowded, and best spots are often taken hours in advance. Still, the festive atmosphere, with people dressing up in yukata and picnicking in the streets and parks, is worth it.

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Elena Lisina 4 years ago
I bet Sky Tree observation desks are all booked for that day...
Elena Lisina 4 years ago
Wonderful shots with Sky Tree!
Guillaume Doré 8 years ago
I remember that the crowd was crazy in the streets when I saw it a couple of years ago. The best point of view I had was when I crossed one of the bridge. Your pictures as just a million time better thant those I managed to take. Wonderful.
Anne Lauenroth Author 8 years ago
Thank you, Guillaume. I'm still glad I experienced the fireworks on the ground two years ago, even though I couldn't take any pictures then. There was such an energy within the crowd, which I didn't experience when I took the pictures in 2015.
Artem Medvedev 8 years ago
Very nice photos!
Anne Lauenroth Author 8 years ago
Thank you, Artem.
Novriana Dewi 8 years ago
Wonderful pictures, Anne! You are very lucky to get to see Sumidagawa fireworks with Tokyo Skytree as the background! I remember that it was totally crowded on the road, enjoying the view from far is better I guess.
Anne Lauenroth Author 8 years ago
Thank you, Novriana. I've been in the crowded streets two years ago. The atmosphere was very special, but we couldn't see the fireworks very well. This time, I wanted to take some pictures.

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