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Sumida River fireworks
Japan's most historic fireworks display illuminates the Sumida River in Tokyo.
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.
Nowadays, 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 kimono).
When to go:
This annual festival is held on the last Saturday of July between 7:00 and 8:30pm.
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Important notice: We are pleased to be able to offer so many amazing experiences in Japan. However, we are sorry that we can only include these as a part of a full Japan holiday package which includes your accommodation and transport alongside the experiences presented in this section of the web site.
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