Sumida River fireworks

Firework displays are a firm fixture of summer across Japan and a particularly popular romantic pastime for young Japanese couples. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival, held every year in Tokyo for over 200 years, is one of the largest in the country � so head down with your partner and join the throng of nearly a million people who gather to �ooh� and �aah� over the spectacular show.

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.

Sumida River fireworks

located in Tokyo

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