Kanto · TokyoFireworks
Around 20,000 fireworks light the sky over the Sumida River near Asakusa in the direct heir to Tokyo’s oldest fireworks tradition.
Overview
The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is Tokyo’s most storied hanabi event, descended from the Edo-era riverside displays first held on the Sumida in the 1730s. Each summer it fills the sky near Asakusa with roughly 20,000 shells and draws close to a million spectators to the riverbanks.
The Tokyo Skytree rising beside the river makes for one of the city’s most recognisable fireworks backdrops.
When & Where
The 2026 festival is held on Saturday, July 25, from around 19:00 to 20:30, with two launch sites along the Sumida River in the Asakusa area.
Nearest station: Asakusa Station.
Getting There
Asakusa is served by the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line and Tobu lines, all within walking distance of the river. Crowds are enormous, so arrive hours early, expect station congestion afterward, and consider walking to a less busy station to head home.
What to Expect
The two sites launch in sequence, including a segment showcasing competing pyrotechnicians’ set-piece shells. Colours reflect off the water and the Skytree, and the dense riverside atmosphere, with yukata-clad crowds and food stalls, is as much the experience as the fireworks themselves.
Tickets & Access
Riverside viewing is free. Some paid and reserved seating is sold through the organisers; nearby restaurants and hotels also offer view spots that book up far ahead.
Tips for Visitors
Stake out a spot by late afternoon, bring a mat and water, and note that convenience stores near the river sell out fast. Wearing a light yukata is a fun way to join in; plan your route home in advance to avoid the worst of the post-show crush.
Access and Map
| Dates | Saturday, July 25, 2026, ~19:00–20:30 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Sumida River near Asakusa (two launch sites), Tokyo |
| Access | Walk from Asakusa Station (Metro Ginza / Toei Asakusa / Tobu) |
| Admission | Free (riverside); some paid seating via organisers |
| Official site | Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (official) |
Source: Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (official)
Image: Photo: 桜庭シェリー / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)
