Fireworks festivals – known as hanabi taikai – are a highlight of Japanese summer culture, drawing millions of spectators each year.
Hanabi, which translates to flower fire, is a symbol of celebration and beauty as well as a way to honour others.
Given the popularity of these festivities, visiting one can require a lot of research and planning.
To help with this, experts at Japan’s state-owned rail company JR Pass have highlighted some of the popular upcoming festivals and provided their top tips for travellers, including how to arrive by train.
Atami Fireworks Festival, Shizuoka
Scheduled multiple times throughout the year in Atami City, the Atami Marine hanabi taikai dates back to 1952.
It initially served as an attempt to lift the community’s spirits following a major typhoon and fire in the city, and has since become a well-loved annual event.
Visitors are mesmerised by a fireworks display that echoes dramatically off the surrounding mountains around Atami Bay.
Travelling to the Atami Fireworks festival is fairly easy, especially as there is a train station close by. From Tokyo, it takes around 50 minutes by Shinkansen (bullet train) to reach Atami station.
From Osaka or Kyoto, the journey is longer and requires a transfer, as there are no direct trains to Atami. The most efficient route is to take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo or Mishima, then transfer to a local train or Shinkansen bound for Atami.
Omagari Fireworks Festival, Daisen City
Held annually on 30 August in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, the Omagari Fireworks Festival is recognised as one of the most prestigious fireworks festivals in Japan.
It hosts a national fireworks competition called the ‘Omagari Hanabi’, where pyrotechnicians from across Japan compete to showcase their artistry and innovation.
Held since 1910, the cutting-edge techniques and new technologies on display promise a can’t-miss experience.
Experts at JR Pass recommend booking a seat early to secure the best views of the competition. Arrive before sunset to catch the full atmosphere.
It takes around three hours by train from Tokyo to Omagari train station. If you’re travelling from Osaka or Kyoto, expect a longer journey. You’ll first need to reach Tokyo, then transfer to the Akita Shinkansen to continue on to Omagari.
Katakai Firework Festival, Niigata
The Katakai festival, taking place on 12 and 13 September, is a tradition where fireworks serve as offerings to the gods at the Asahara Shrine.
It sees 15,000 fireworks in action across the span of two days and features the largest firework in the world. Known as the ‘Yonshakudama’, it has a burst of 800 meters in diameter.
Experts at JR Pass suggest arriving early and bringing a cushion or ground mat, as seating is on open fields.
To arrive at the Katakai Firework festival from Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, it’s best to get a train to Nagaoka station via the Joetsu or Tokaido Shinkansen (with a transfer at Tokyo if coming from the west).
From Nagaoka, the festival site in Katakai is still a bit of a distance. You’ll need to take the JR Joetsu Line to Ojiya Station (about 25 minutes), then catch a shuttle bus or taxi to the festival grounds in Katakai.
Alternatively, special shuttle buses run from Nagaoka Station to Katakai during the festival. They can be crowded, so arrive early and expect some wait time.
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