A seasonal feature of summer: Japanese fireworks festivals and festival culture

When you think of summer in Japan, fireworks displays and festivals come to mind.
Large flowers spreading across the night sky, people wearing yukata, and bustling food stalls.
This uniquely Japanese summer scenery is attracting attention from foreign tourists.

What is a fireworks festival?

Japanese fireworks festivals are not just "fireworks shows."
It is held in conjunction with local traditional events and the Obon festival.
There are also large-scale events where more than 10,000 fireworks are set off.

Especially in famous tournaments,,
Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Tokyo)
Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Display (Niigata)
〇 There are fireworks displays such as Omagari Fireworks (Akita).
Spectators wear yukata and spread picnic sheets along rivers and in parks.
Enjoy summer evenings with friends and family.

What is a festival?

Festivals are events that originate from traditional shrines or local events.
Carrying portable shrines and marching around lively with drums and flutes,
You can experience the unique Japanese "enthusiasm" and "sense of unity."

The following foods are very popular at the food stalls:
〇 Fried noodles
〇 Takoyaki
Chocolate banana
〇 Goldfish scooping
Yo-yo fishing
Festival games such as these are also popular.

Why is it popular with foreigners?
Cultural experience: More and more foreigners are renting yukata and participating.
Photogenic: The fireworks in the night sky and the road lined with lanterns are hugely popular on social media.
Interacting with people: You can have fun with the locals and get a real feel for Japanese culture.

Summer in Japan is a season to be enjoyed with all five senses.
If you have the opportunity to visit Japan in the summer, be sure to check out the fireworks displays and festivals.