How to enjoy Fireworks (Hanabi) Festival in Japan
Enjoying a fireworks festival (Hanabi Taikai) in Japan can be a memorable experience if you plan it well. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of it:
Contents
Choose the Right Festival
Japan hosts numerous fireworks festivals, especially during the summer months of July and August. Some of the most famous ones include:
- Ise Jingu Hono Fireworks Festival in Mie (Mid July)
- Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo (Late July)
- Nagaoka Fireworks Festival in Niigata (Early August)
- Omagari Fireworks Festival in Akita (Late August)
- Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition in Ibaragi (Early November)
Not limited to these particular festivals, about 800 fireworks displays are held annually throughout Japan. If you want to experience a fireworks festival in Japan, it’s a good idea to check the event schedule in advance to match your travel plans.
Plan Ahead
Check Dates and Times: Fireworks festivals are usually held in the evening, starting after sunset and lasting one to two hours.
Get Tickets: For popular festivals, consider purchasing paid seating tickets in advance. These tickets often sell out quickly and may be difficult to obtain without Japanese language skills
Dress Comfortably
Wear a Yukata: Many locals wear yukata, a traditional summer kimono, which adds to the festive atmosphere.
Comfortable Clothing: If a yukata is not your style, opt for comfortable clothes that are easy to walk in, as you may need to walk a lot.
Bring Essentials
Food and Drinks: While there are usually food stalls (yatai) selling various snacks and drinks, bringing your own can save time and ensure you have what you like.
Rain Gear: Weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to bring rain gear just in case.
Picnic Sheet: A picnic sheet is useful for sitting comfortably on the ground.
Arrive Early
Secure a Good Spot: Popular festivals can get very crowded. Arriving several hours early can help you secure a good viewing spot. Many people bring picnic sheets to sit on the riverbed or other open areas.
Enjoy the Festival Atmosphere
Food Stalls: Try local specialties from the food stalls, such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and kakigori (shaved ice).
Games and Activities: Many festivals have game stalls and other activities that add to the fun.
Follow Etiquette
Respect the Space: Be mindful of others’ space and avoid blocking views.
Clean Up: Make sure to clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly.
Stay Safe
Crowd Management: Be aware of the crowd and stay with your group. Have a meeting point in case you get separated.
Hydration: Stay hydrated, especially since these festivals are held during the hot summer months.
Capture the Moment
Photography: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the beautiful fireworks. However, be considerate of others when taking photos.
Dealing with Internet Connectivity Issues
In Japan, during events such as fireworks festivals and other celebrations, it’s common for internet to become congested and outages due to the large traffics. Therefore, it is useful to be prepared to act even without internet access and to have contracts with multiple Mobile Network Operators to ensure the best possible connectivity.
Prepare Cash
Most food stalls operate on a cash-only basis, but even surrounding shops may experience network disruptions, making it impossible to use credit cards or online payments. Be sure to carry cash when attending a fireworks festival.
Prepare Sub Internet Network
In this regard, whether you use a pocket router or a regular SIM card, it’s beneficial to have access to multiple networks, such as NTT Docomo, KDDI, and SoftBank, by purchasing a daily eSIM. This will make it easier to stay connected.
Here is the eSIM that can be used with the 1-day plan:
- Ubigi ($2.5 USD, 500MB, 1Day, NTT Docomo)
- Japan & Global eSIM ($4 USD, 1GB, 5Day, Softbank&KDDI)
- Holafly ($6 USD, Unlimited Data, 1Day, KDDI)
Download Map
Even if you lose your way, download the map so that you can view it offline and find your way back to the hotel. It is also helpful to know which train line to take on your way back.
X Post regarding Network Problem at Fireworks (Hanabi) in Japan
KDDI: Connected
docomo: Not connected
SoftBank: Not connected
(I don’t have Rakuten, so I’m not sure about that)”
With the recent media attention, the crowd has grown, and my phone had no signal at all. Plus, it was so hot!! Even though my family home is nearby, the viewing experience has definitely changed from the old days.
#NagaokaFireworks”