See the Best of Kansai’s Fireworks Displays

Jun 17, 2019

See the Best of Kansai’s Fireworks Displays

One of the most exciting aspects of Japanese summers is the multitude of dazzling fireworks displays to enjoy. Originally, fireworks (花火, ‘Hanabi’) were thought to help ward off evil spirits, but the tradition is still going strong today among tourists and locals alike as a coveted summer pastime.

With hundreds of fireworks festivals erupting across the country throughout July and August, it can be hard to choose which events are the premiere ones to attend! Luckily, especially in the Kansai region, you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Check out this list of hanabi festivals around Kansai so you can mark your calendars and plan ahead and beat the crowds for an awesome fireworks season!

Osaka

Tenjin Matsuri Festival Dedication Fireworks Display

Before the big Tenjin Festival is fully underway find a spot along the Okawa River to enjoy a boat procession and 4,000 – 5,000 fireworks exploding against the night sky!

Where: Around the Okawa River, Kita-ku & Yodogawa-ku, Osaka
When: Thursday, July 25, 2019 7:30pm -8:50pm
Official Website: http://www.tenjinmatsuri.com/tenjinmatsuri_navi/honmiya_shinshin/hanabi

Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival

This is one of the largest festivals in Osaka and attracts many visitors each year, so be sure to arrive early to get a good seat! It’s a beautiful festival that’s locally run and set up along the scenic Yodo River.

Where: The Yodo River area, Kita-ku & Yodogawa-ku, Osaka
When: Saturday, August 10, 2019 7:40 p.m. – 8:40 p.m.
Official Website (Japanese): http://www.yodohanabi.com/
Reference Website (English): http://www.nihon-kankou.or.jp.e.wp.hp.transer.com/hanabi/searchDetail.jsp?ken__=hyogo&shi__=27100&id__=F2703

Kobe

Kobe Port Fireworks Festival

With over 15,000 fireworks exploding into the sky, it’s no wonder this hanabi festival is one of Kansai’s most popular festivals of the summer. If you want to make sure you get a seat with a decent view, you have to arrive early because this event tends to attract thousands of visitors each year!

Where: 5-1-14 Hamabedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture 651-0083
When: Saturday, August 3, 2019 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Official Website (Japanese): https://kobehanabi.jp/
Reference Website (English): https://japancheapo.com/events/kobe-port-fireworks-festival/

Kyoto

Lake Biwa Fireworks Display

Held in Otsu, just outside of Kyoto, this festival allows you to watch as the fireworks explode over the serene Lake Biwa and illuminate the city beyond.

Where: 2 stops away from Kyoto Station along Lake Biwa in Otsu
When: Thursday, August 8, 2019  7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Official Website (Japanese): https://www.biwako-visitors.jp/hanabi/

By inoue-hiro (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons