On July 30 the small island of Mikurajima, about 200 km south of Tokyo, holds its fireworks display at the island port. Roughly 800 shells, mostly 2.5 to 4 gou rounds, fill a night sky unspoiled by city lights, in one of the most tranquil settings a fireworks show can offer.
Mikurajima is reached only by the Tokai Kisen ferry from Takeshiba Pier, a voyage of about seven hours forty minutes, so visiting is a commitment in itself. The audience numbers only around 500, and there are no stalls or paid seats - just the islanders and a handful of travelers watching the shells rise above the harbor. Check the ferry schedule for both directions before planning, and confirm the start time with the village office, as it is not published in advance.