Sumida River Fireworks Festival
In real life Saturday, July 31, 2027 (expected) · 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
About 20,000 fireworks over the Sumida River near Asakusa and the Skytree, one of Tokyo's biggest summer nights.
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai) is one of Tokyo's biggest summer nights. It is held on the last Saturday of July, which would put the 2027 festival on July 31, though organisers confirm the date each spring. Its roots go back to fireworks launched in 1733 in memory of those who died in the Kyōhō famine. It stopped for decades after WWII and returned in 1978.
About 20,000 fireworks go up from two sites on the river near Asakusa, and close to a million people come to watch. It keeps its old tradition of competition between fireworks makers. Expect heavy crowds, yukata and a real festival atmosphere.
🎟 Cost: Free
🕒 When: Saturday, July 31, 2027 (expected), 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Open in Google Maps
ℹ️ Estimated from the stated rule (last Saturday of July). Organisers confirm the date each spring.
What to expect
- Around 20,000 fireworks launched from two sites on the Sumida River
- Site 1, between Sakurabashi and Kototoi bridges, starting at 7:00 PM
- Site 2, between Komagata and Umaya bridges, starting around 7:30 PM
- Both sites firing together until about 8:30 PM
- Street food stalls and many people in summer yukata
Tips for going
- Arrive in the afternoon to claim a spot. Crowds approach a million.
- Expect crowd control and one-way routes near Asakusa. Allow a long time to leave by train after 8:30 PM.
- Bring water, a fan and a small mat. It is usually hot and humid.
- Check the official date each spring. The festival has been postponed in the past for disasters and typhoons.
Questions people ask
When is it in 2027?
Saturday, July 31, 2027 (the last Saturday of July), from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Organisers confirm the date each spring.
Is it free?
Yes. Watching from public areas is free.
Where should I watch?
Along the river between Sakurabashi and Umaya bridges near Asakusa, or from a rooftop or restaurant booked in advance.
About Tokyo
Asakusa is old Tokyo. The great red Kaminarimon lantern gate opens onto Nakamise-dōri's snack stalls and on to Sensō-ji, the city's oldest temple, and its five-storey pagoda.
Getting there: Asakusa station (Ginza and Asakusa lines, plus Tobu trains) is by Kaminarimon. Water buses on the Sumida River also stop nearby.
More about Tokyo and its 3D version →
Also in Tokyo
In real lifeSources: tokyocheapo.com · en.wikipedia.org. Organizers change plans, so confirm before you go.
Get updates by email
New towns, new rides, new things to find — sent by the site owner, rarely, with a working unsubscribe link in every email. Nothing else is done with your address.