This fireworks festival, revived as the "Memories Fireworks Festival," was once a local tradition held annually until 20 years ago. Now in its third year since its return, the festival has a special feature: the number of fireworks launched corresponds to the number of children born in 2023 in Hirakata, Takatsuki, and Katano cities. With the wish to "continue the festival for the next 100 years and bring the city to life," 5,087 fireworks will be launched in 2024, with an estimated 250,000 attendees. The event will take place at two venues: Hirakata and Takatsuki.

Before the fireworks, each venue will host a variety of activities, including the Suito Music Festival (featuring live performances), food trucks, and drink stalls. For a more immersive experience, there are also paid viewing areas offering exclusive amenities like private restrooms and food booths, which have been expanded for convenience. Additionally, there are "inbound seats" designed for international visitors.

Event Details
・Venues: Yodogawa Riverside Park (Hirakata area, tentative) – Yodogawa Riverside Park (Takatsuki area, tentative)
・Date: September 15, 2024
・Time: 12 PM–8 PM (Fireworks from 7:30 PM)
・Cost: Table seats: 36,000–45,000 yen (up to 6 people); Sheet seats: 30,000 yen (up to 6 people); Chair seats: 5,000 yen per seat; Inbound seats: 8,000 yen per seat (includes original tenugui towel)

This unique fireworks festival offers a cruise on Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, with fireworks launched from a secret location. The event first took place in December 2022 and is now in its 7th edition. One of the highlights is the synchronized fireworks display set to music, featuring selections from movie soundtracks and Japanese anime. To enjoy the fireworks, you must purchase a boarding ticket. On October 12 (Saturday), five ships will be available: Michigan, Bianca, Ichiban Maru, Shiki, and MEGUMI. For example, the Michigan Light Cruise (no meals) is priced at 16,800 yen per person, while the Bianca Standard Cruise (2-person table) is 25,800 yen per person, with various plans offered.

Event Details
・Venue: Off the coast of Otsu, Lake Biwa (secret location)
・Dates: October 12, 2024, November 30, 2024 (canceled in case of bad weather)
・Time: Unannounced (boarding time, departure point, and return time vary by ship and plan)
・Cost: Refer to the official website

This artistic fireworks event, held at Rinku Park in Izumisano City, Osaka, is a spectacular fusion of traditional Japanese fireworks and synchronized music, creating a new form of "artistic culture." Now in its third year and renamed the "Osaka Great Sky Art Fireworks," the fireworks will be launched from a floating barge, with the park's seaside location providing wide, unobstructed views. This year, the display has been upgraded with more fireworks and enhanced effects, offering 50 minutes of non-stop fireworks.

Rinku Park, located across from Kansai International Airport, is a perfect spot for viewing the show, with no obstacles blocking the view. The park is also known as one of Japan's top sunset spots, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the sunset before the fireworks. The sunset on November 2, 2024, is expected around 5:03 PM.

Event Details
・Venue: Rinku Park Special Venue
・Date: November 2, 2024 (*Held rain or shine, canceled in severe weather)
・Time: Gates open at 3 PM, fireworks begin at 6 PM
・Cost: Outlet Side Table (4-person reserved) 50,000 yen, among other options

The Tone River Fireworks Festival is one of Japan's largest fireworks events, drawing around 300,000 visitors each year. Four renowned fireworks masters—Yamazaki Fireworks (Ibaraki), Nomura Fireworks (Ibaraki), Beniya Aoki Fireworks (Nagano), and Marugo (Yamanashi)—will launch an impressive 30,000 fireworks, lighting up the night sky over Sakai Town. Various paid seating options are available for viewing.

Event Details
・Venue: Tone Riverbank, Sakai Town, Ibaraki (Sakai Town, Ibaraki; Sekiyado, Noda City, Chiba; Goka Town, Ibaraki)
・Date: September 14, 2024 (*Postponed to the next day in case of bad weather)
・Time: Ceremony at 6 PM, fireworks begin at 6:30 PM
・Cost: Sakai Town-side viewing tickets (Table seats 40,000 yen, etc.), Goka Town-side viewing tickets (E Chair seats 7,000 yen, etc.)

The Oarai Fireworks Festival (OARAI HANABI FES) is not just about fireworks—it also features live music, a beach sauna, and a food festival. Held with paid seating at the historic Oarai Fireworks Festival, it offers a stunning display of 15,000 fireworks, including the enchanting reflection of the fireworks on the ocean. There are various ticket options, including fireworks-only, fireworks & live music, or sauna-only, so you can choose based on your interests.

Event Details
・Venue: Oarai Sun Beach, Oarai Town, Ibaraki
・Date: September 28, 2024
・Time: 9 AM–9 PM (Fireworks from 6 PM–7:30 PM, see website for details)
・Cost: Fireworks general seating 3,300 yen, Fireworks chair seating 5,500 yen, Live viewing 6,600 yen, among others

This fireworks festival takes place along the banks of the Arakawa River in Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture. Organized by the Youth Division of the Konosu Chamber of Commerce, the event aims to promote local industry and inspire dreams and hope for children. Now in its 21st year, the festival will feature 20,000 fireworks, with the grand finale including the "Ootori Ranbu" display—300 consecutive shakudama fireworks (each with a burst diameter of about 550 meters at 600 meters high) and a massive four-shakudama (with a burst diameter of 800 meters at 800 meters high) to conclude the show. Paid viewing seats are available at Nukata Sports Ground, directly across from the launch site, while free seats are located just below Onaribashi Bridge, though views of the lower fireworks may be obstructed.

Event Details
・Venue: Nukata Sports Ground and Arakawa Riverbank, Konosu City, Saitama
・Date: October 5, 2024 (*Postponed to October 6 in case of bad weather)
・Time: 5:30 PM–8:30 PM
・Cost: Nukata Venue 2 chair seats 5,000 yen

This fireworks festival, held annually in early November in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki, is one of Japan's three major fireworks competitions, attracting around 450,000 visitors from across the country. As a competition-based event, it showcases top-tier fireworks displays, crafted with high-level technical skill. Pyrotechnicians from all over Japan compete in three categories: "Starmine," where hundreds of fireworks are launched in sync with music, the single-shot "10-Shaku-dama," judged on its color and arrangement when fully bloomed, and the innovative "Creative Fireworks," featuring unique designs like character shapes. The displays are judged by a panel, with the results posted on the official website the following day.

In addition to the competition, other special performances include the wide starmine "Tsuchiura Hanabi-zukushi" and a grand finale fireworks show. About 20,000 fireworks will be launched during the event, with English announcements provided for international visitors. Outside the viewing area, food stalls create a festive atmosphere.

Event Details
・Venue: Sakuragawa riverside, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki (near Gakuen Ohashi Bridge)
・Date: November 2, 2024 (*Postponed to November 3 or 9 in case of bad weather)
・Time: Competition from 5:30 PM to 8 PM
・Cost: Chair seating (C section) 3,000 yen (Lottery sales starting August 26, 2024)

This fireworks festival takes place at Moerenuma Park, a sculptural masterpiece designed by Isamu Noguchi, located on the outskirts of Sapporo. The event features artistic fireworks crafted by Japan’s top pyrotechnicians, meticulously synchronized to the rhythm and tone of the accompanying music. This year, for the first time in the world, there will be a unique collaboration between human beatboxing and fireworks.

As autumn in Hokkaido can be chilly with large temperature drops at night, it's recommended to bring warm clothing for the evening. Moerenuma Park is expansive, and it takes about 15 minutes to walk from the entrance to the viewing area, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Event Details
・Venue: Moerenuma Park
・Date: September 7, 2024 (*Held rain or shine, canceled in severe weather)
・Time: 7:15 PM–8:15 PM
・Cost: Lawn seating (general) 5,500 yen, among others

The Katakai Festival, held in Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture, is an autumn festival of Asahara Shrine in Katakai Town, where the fireworks are offered as a dedication to the shrine. Traditional rituals take place throughout the day, including the "Tama Okuri" procession, where fireworks are presented to the shrine, and the "Tsubuhiki" ceremony to pray for the safe launch of the fireworks. Over the course of two days, approximately 15,000 fireworks will be launched.

The highlight of both nights is the massive four-shakudama firework, launched at 10:00 PM, with a burst diameter and height of around 800 meters, creating an impressive spectacle. Visitors can also enjoy food stalls near the shrine, making it a festive experience.

Event Details
・Venue: Asahara Shrine
・Dates: September 13–14, 2024 (*Postponed to the following days in case of bad weather)
・Time: 7:30 PM–10:20 PM
・Cost: 1-day ticket for September 13: 22,000 yen (1 box, up to 8 people), or 2-day pass: 33,000 yen (1 box, up to 8 people)

This fireworks festival takes place at Torinoumi Park in Watari Town, Miyagi Prefecture, a park built on land affected by the tsunami from the Great East Japan Earthquake. As a symbol of recovery, the park continues to evolve through various community efforts. For 50 minutes, some of Japan's top pyrotechnicians will deliver a dynamic and artistic fireworks display, with non-stop launches set to a lively pace.

Visitors can also enjoy local flavors at the "Miyagi Gourmet Market" and the "Harakomeshi Festival," featuring specialties from Watari Town. In addition to viewing seats, there are convenient access options such as shuttle bus tickets (starting at 2,000 yen) and a "Park & Ride" service with round-trip transportation for 4,000 yen.

Event Details
・Venue: Torinoumi Park Special Venue
・Date: September 28, 2024 (*Held rain or shine, canceled in severe weather)
・Time: Gates open at 2 PM, fireworks start at 6:30 PM
・Cost: Lawn seating 5,000 yen (tax included), among others

Fireworks aren’t just for summer—be sure to enjoy them in the fall as well! Keep in mind that Japan’s autumn evenings can get quite chilly, so don’t forget to bring warm clothing. Also, fall is typhoon season, so in case of bad weather, events may be postponed or canceled. Be sure to check ahead for updates.

(The information in this article is current as of August 2024. Please check official websites for the latest details.)