Japanese Fireworks: A Unique, Traditional Tourist Attraction

Fireworks may not seem particularly Japanese to you, but Hanabi or Fireworks viewing can add to your Japanese summer travel experience in a way similar to cherry blossom viewing in the spring. Some of the best fireworks shows can be found in Japan. You will find many such events across the country during the summer months. So I encourage you to get out and enjoy the hot summer nights in Japan.

When I first lived and worked in Japan, I had the opportunity to view fireworks with my co-workers from the bank of a river in Niigata. With colors exploding and showering from the sky, the river acted as a mirror to double the effect. The fireworks were launched from boats in different locations so they ebbed and flowed, coming closer and then retreating. As we watched in wonder of the precision timing and design, we enjoyed a variety of delicious foods. The sounds of quiet conversation and laughter were heard all around. Although this event occurred almost 18 years ago, I can still imagine sitting there on the bank of the river with yummy food being passed around as we chatted and laughed until a spectacular explosion of color would appear in the sky. Then there would be a communal pause and intake of breath just before people would shout out their feeling of awe: Sugoi! As the lights would fade from the sky, the conversations and laughter would start up again as would the eating. This continued until the end of the show.

Last summer, as a tourist this time, I had the chance to attend another fireworks show with a friend in Shinjuku (part of Tokyo). Before heading out to secure our seats, we scoured the vast array of meal-in-a-box or bento boxes specially prepared to reflect the summer season. As we entered the viewing area, there was clearly a more modern feel as we passed a giant movie size TV screen and collected a bag of freebies from the sponsors which included a fan to combat the heat, a mat to sit on and a variety of cosmetic samples. Although some participants wore a yukata, the thin summer kimono-like attire worn during summer festivals, almost every style and fashion of clothing imaginable seemed to pass by. The atmosphere was like that of Niigata 18 years ago. Families, friends and lovers were all enjoying eating, chatting and viewing the fireworks together. As for the show, it did not disappoint. Large fireballs were shot up high into the sky and as the threads of light fell down and faded into the night sky, you could the murmurs of sugoi ne!

Watching a fireworks show in Japan is definitely a great way to beat the summer heat!

Learn More About Japanese Fireworks

The Japanese Fireworks website explains everything from the technology behind the fireworks to tips on photographing the shows. It is definitely worth the extra time to needed to navigate through the site to see the amazing photos. Click on the link below and start exploring the site now:

http://www.japan-fireworks.com/eindex.html

Where to See the Fireworks

As I mentioned, during the summer months, fireworks can be found all over Japan. Do a quick internet search and you will easily find schedules as well as descriptions of Japanese fireworks. If you are heading out to Japan this summer (2009), here are 2 sites to get you started:

http://www.infomapjapan.com/hstore/200906-infospecial.phtml
http://gojapan.about.com/od/japanesefestivals/tp/tokyofireworksfestivals.htm