The 41st Chofu Fireworks

Summary

Twenty minutes by Keio line from central Tokyo, Chofu fires about 10,000 shells in one compact hour, 18:15-19:15 on September 12. The pedigree is old — fireworks since 1933, and after the war the town hosted the All-Japan Export Promotion Fireworks Competition fourteen times. Computer control lets music and shells lock together in the festival's trademark sequences, and the night closes with a 'Thanks Light' moment when the crowd aims phone lights at the sky. Three riverbank zones draw some 320,000 people.

Overview

Shells lift from the riverbed near the Nikaryo Kamigawara weir, watched from three zones: Fuda, Keio-Tamagawa and the Denki-Tsushin University grounds. Keio-Tamagawa Station is closest at ten minutes on foot; Chofu and Fuda run 20-25 minutes. There is no event parking, surrounding roads face closures, and trains are the assumed mode. Stormy weather cancels the show outright — no reserve day — with announcements via the official site and social media. The closing stretch stacks rapid volleys, so ear protection helps with small children. An opening ceremony at 18:00 leads into the first launch at 18:15, and artisan shells selected with the Japan Fireworks Art Association appear across the program. Paid seats sell through the official site, and the post-show surge toward Chofu Station is heavy: leave early or linger.

Details