Summer in Japan is closely associated with Hanabi Matsuri, the fireworks festivals that people eagerly look forward to every year.
Thousands of colorful fireworks light up the night skies across Japan, from Tokyo and Osaka to Niigata.
If you are planning to visit Japan during the summer season, knowing the schedule and locations of Hanabi Matsuri 2026 will help make your trip more exciting and memorable.
What is Hanabi Matsuri?
Hanabi Matsuri, also known as Hanabi Taikai, is a traditional Japanese fireworks festival usually held during summer, especially from June to August.
In Japanese, “hanabi” means fireworks, while “matsuri” means festival. These events are considered one of Japan’s most beloved summer traditions.
Unlike ordinary fireworks displays, Hanabi Matsuri in Japan is famous for its artistic fireworks performances. Many festivals feature competitions between fireworks creators, showcasing unique designs, vibrant colors, and synchronized displays accompanied by music.
Hanabi Matsuri 2026 Schedule in Japan
If you want to fully enjoy Japan’s summer atmosphere, knowing the Hanabi Matsuri schedule in advance will help you plan your itinerary more efficiently.
Below are some of Japan’s major fireworks festivals in 2026, organized by month.
June 2026
| Festival | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Kyoto Art Fireworks 2026 | June 3 | Kyoto – JRA Kyoto Racecourse |
| Osaka Bay Skylumina Fireworks & Drones | July 6 | Osaka – Maishima Sports Island |
July 2026
| Festival | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Kamakura Fireworks | July 10 | Kanagawa – Yuigahama Beach |
| Nogata Summer Festival | Late July | Nogata – Nogata Riverside Park |
| Hato Festival | July 27–28 | Tottori – Kanzaki Shrine, Kiku Port |
| Atami Marine Fireworks Festival | Late July | Shizuoka – Atami Sun Beach |
| Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival | July 25 | Tokyo – Sumida River |
| Kure Fireworks Festival | Mid July | Hiroshima – Kure Port |
| Hiroshima Port Fireworks Festival | July 25 | Hiroshima – Ujinahatoba Park |
| Beppu Fireworks Festival | July 25–26 | Oita – Beppu Spa Beach |
| Tenjin Matsuri | July 23–25 | Osaka – Osaka Tenmangu Shrine |
| Kazahaya Fireworks Festival | Late July | Ehime – Hojo Port |
August 2026
| Festival | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wamoji-yaki and Fireworks | August 16 | Okayama – Yoshii River Park |
| Kagoshima Kinko Bay Summer Night Fireworks | Late August | Kagoshima – Kagoshima Honko Port Area |
| Chikugo River Fireworks Festival | August 3–4 | Fukuoka – Chikugo Riverbed, Kurume City |
| Inagawa Fireworks Festival | Mid August | Hyogo – Inagawa Riverside |
| Towada City Summer Fireworks Festival | Mid August | Aomori – Towada City Central Park Green Space / Athletics Stadium |
| Oita Godo Tanabata | Early August | Oita – Oita River near Benten-ohashi Bridge |
| Kumagaya Fireworks Festival | Early August | Saitama – Arakawa River |
| Teganuma Fireworks | Early August | Chiba – Teganuma Marsh |
| Ota Fireworks Festival by Tama River | Late August | Tokyo – Tama River |
| Niigata Fireworks Festival | Early August | Niigata – Shinano River (behind Ryutopia) |
| Okazaki Fireworks Festival | August 1 | Aichi – Otogawa & Yahagi Rivers |
| Nagaoka Festival | August 2–3 | Niigata – Shinano Riverside |
| Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival | Early August | Miyagi – Sendai Nishi Park |
| Lake Yamanaka Fireworks Festival | August 1 | Yamanashi – Lake Yamanaka |
| Edogawa Fireworks Festival | August 1 | Tokyo – Edogawa River |
| Fukuyama Ashida River Fireworks Festival | Mid August | Hiroshima – Ashida River Ohashi Bridge |
| Miura Kaigan Fireworks Festival | Early August | Kanagawa – Miura |
| Kintaikyo Fireworks Festival | Early to Late August | Yamaguchi – Kintai Bridge |
| Omagari Hanabi | Late August | Akita – Omono Riverside Ryokuchi Athletic Park |
Most Popular Fireworks Festivals in Japan 2026
Many Hanabi Matsuri festivals in Japan have been held for hundreds of years and are famous for their massive and spectacular fireworks displays.
Here are some of the most popular and crowded Hanabi Matsuri events in Japan.
Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Tokyo)
One of Tokyo’s most iconic fireworks festivals, featuring more than 20,000 fireworks with the stunning backdrop of Tokyo Skytree.
The festival dates back to 1733 and attracts huge crowds every summer.
Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (Niigata)
One of the largest fireworks festivals in Japan, best known for its “Phoenix Fireworks,” a massive display stretching approximately 2 kilometers along the Shinano River.
Omagari Hanabi (Akita)
Omagari Hanabi is considered one of Japan’s most prestigious fireworks competitions.
Due to the exceptionally high quality of its performances, it is often regarded as one of the best fireworks festivals in Japan.
Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka)
Tenjin Matsuri is one of Japan’s three largest traditional festivals and has been celebrated for more than 1,000 years.
Although it is not exclusively a fireworks festival, one of its most anticipated highlights is the boat parade along the Okawa River, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at night.
