Fukuroi Enshu Fireworks Festival

It’s summertime in Japan so you know what that means: bring on the

hanabi

(fireworks)! Forget about the soaring temperatures and humidity for a while as you gaze at the lovely “fire flowers” (a literal translation of hanabi). If you happen to be in

Shizuoka

in summer, stop by the Fukuroi Enshu Fireworks Festival. It’s not all that far from Tokyo!

Fukuroi city is sandwiched between Hamamatsuand Kakegawa in southwestern Shizuoka. This small city with a population of 87,000 is known for its premium crown melons, green tea, and ancient temples, including the famous Zen Buddhist temple, Kasuisai.

The city’s fireworks extravaganza coincides with the Obon holiday, usually celebrated mid-August. This makes the event the perfect destination for families and friends. It can also be quite a romantic hangout for couples. Every August, the city also hosts thousands of tourists who head out to see the 25,000 fireworks light up the sky from Haranoyagawa Shinsui Park.

Fukuroi Enshu Fireworks Festival show

The two-hour-long show features star mine and Niagara fireworks, which resemble their namesake waterfall in North America, all set to background music. There’s also the “National Pyrotechnician Competition,” in which hanabishi(fireworks craftsmen and artists) from all over the country compete to impress the judges and captivate the audience with their originality and technical expertise.

To get the best seat in the house and the least obstructed view of the fireworks show, you can pay for chairs or spots within the venue (see prices below). However, don’t let empty pockets stop you from enjoying the show!

The event is also free to the public, with seating venues in Melong Park, Onoda River Park, and other venues scattered around the main location. However, if you want to secure a good spot, you’ll need to arrive at least a few hours before the festival begins.

If you’re already thinking of heading to Fukuroi city for the fireworks festival, go early because there will be traffic jams. Also, don’t forget to pack a blanket, sunblock, water, snacks, bento, and chairs (if you need them).

More festivals!