The Complete Guide to Japan's Top 3 Fireworks Festivals
Omagari, Tsuchiura and Sumidagawa — the three pinnacle competitive fireworks festivals in Japan.
What Are Japan's Top 3 Fireworks Festivals?
Japan's Top 3 Fireworks Festivals comprise Omagari, Tsuchiura and Sumidagawa. Omagari and Tsuchiura are the nation's premier competitive events, where pyrotechnicians vie for the highest honors including the Prime Minister's Prize, while Sumidagawa represents Japan with its Edo-era heritage and crowds of nearly one million each year.
Omagari Fireworks (Japan National Fireworks Competition)
Held in late August in Daisen, Akita, Omagari is Japan's premier competitive fireworks event. Since 1929, the nation's top pyrotechnicians have competed for the coveted Prime Minister's Prize, earning it the nickname "the Koshien of fireworks."
Highlights include synchronised "musical fireworks," a giant "Starmine" spanning 650 meters, and the spectacular "Shaku-dama" shells that paint the night sky in an instant.
Tsuchiura Fireworks (Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition)
Held in November in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, this is one of Japan's Top 3 fireworks festivals. With roots dating to 1925, it ranks alongside Omagari as a Prime Minister's Prize event, gathering around 100 pyrotechnicians nationwide for what's known as "the tournament of technique."
The competition centres on three categories: "Starmine," "No. 10 shells" and "Creative fireworks." While the launch count is moderate, each individual shot showcases exceptional artistry and technique, making Tsuchiura a prestigious contest of true skill.
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
Held on the last Saturday of July in Tokyo, the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is among Japan's most iconic fireworks events. Originating from the 1733 Ryōgoku River Opening Festival, it draws nearly one million spectators with some 20,000 launches — Tokyo's largest fireworks spectacle.
Fireworks set against Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree are truly breathtaking. Held across two venues — Venue 1 between Sakurabashi and Kototoibashi, and Venue 2 between Komagata and Umayabashi — it offers a spectacular fireworks experience in the heart of Tokyo.