If you're planning to visit Japan in the summer, July is the perfect time. Traditional matsuri (festivals) and grand fireworks displays are held across the country, with people in yukata strolling the streets and vibrant fireworks blooming in the night sky. From sacred Shinto rituals to dynamic parades and enchanting light displays, July offers a wealth of uniquely Japanese cultural experiences.
This guide introduces carefully selected festivals and fireworks events taking place in July 2025. Whether it's your first time in Japan or a return visit, these events are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Use this guide to help plan your summer adventure.
1. What Is a Japanese Festival(Matsuri)?
A matsuri is a traditional cultural event deeply rooted in Japan's history. Most festivals are held to give thanks or pray to the gods and have been celebrated for centuries—some for over 1,000 years. They showcase regional traditions and customs through shrine rituals, parades, portable shrines (mikoshi), and street stalls, offering a feast for the senses.
2. What Are Japanese Fireworks?
Hanabi taikai (fireworks festivals) are a quintessential part of Japanese summer. In recent years, many have evolved to include musical collaborations, known as "music fireworks," and spectacular displays set against iconic cityscapes. These events are not only entertainment but also a great way to discover local culture and hidden scenic spots.
3. Festival & Fireworks: Tenjin Festival
Date: Late June – July 25, 2025 (Main events on July 24–25)
Location: Around Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, Osaka
Fireworks: Approx. 3,000 launched
Highlights: One of Japan’s three greatest festivals featuring river processions (Funatogyo), ritual ceremonies, and fireworks. The finale on July 25 features boats illuminated by lanterns reflecting off the water—truly magical. The night fireworks are a must-see.
4. Festival: Gion Festival
Date: July 1–31, 2025
Location: Central Kyoto (Nakagyo and Shimogyo Wards)
Highlights: Includes grand Yamahoko processions, Yoiyama evening events, and religious rituals. The decorated floats are known as a "moving museum," and the illuminated streets during Yoiyama are mesmerizing.
5. Festival: Hakata Gion Yamakasa
Date: July 1–15, 2025
Location: Around Kushida Shrine, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka
Highlights: The climax is the Oiyamakasa, where men carry over 1-ton floats and dash through the streets of Hakata. This early morning tradition is packed with energy and draws large crowds.
6. Fireworks: Tokyo Racecourse Fireworks Festival
Date: July 2, 2025
Location: Tokyo Racecourse, Fuchu City, Tokyo
Fireworks: Approx. 15,000 launched
Highlights: Fireworks are synchronized with J-POP and visuals. A dynamic display enhanced with laser lights provides an emotional and memorable experience.
7. Fireworks: Makomanai Fireworks Festival
Date: July 12, 2025
Location: Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Fireworks: Approx. 22,000 launched
Highlights: One of Hokkaido’s largest fireworks events, featuring powerful musical displays in a stadium surrounded by mountains.
8. Festival: Mitama Festival
Date: July 13–16, 2025
Location: Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Highlights: Over 30,000 lanterns light up the shrine grounds in a traditional event to honor the spirits of the deceased. The illuminated approach to the shrine is uniquely beautiful.
9. Fireworks: Abe River Fireworks Festival
Date: July 27, 2025
Location: Abe Riverbank, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka
Fireworks: Approx. 15,000 launched
Highlights: Shizuoka’s largest fireworks show, featuring starmine and large shell fireworks lighting up the expansive sky.
10. Fireworks: Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival
Date: July 23, 2025
Location: Edogawa Riverbank, Shibamata, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo
Fireworks: Approx. 13,000 launched
Highlights: Held in nostalgic Shibamata, the hometown of "Tora-san," this friendly event offers an authentic taste of a Japanese summer evening.
11. Fireworks: Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
Date: July 26, 2025
Location: Along the Sumida River, Sumida & Taito Wards, Tokyo
Fireworks: Approx. 20,000 launched
Highlights: A historic event dating back to the Edo period. Fireworks are launched from two sites simultaneously. The pairing of Tokyo Skytree and fireworks is breathtaking.
12. Fireworks: Tachikawa Showa Kinen Park Fireworks Festival
Date: July 27, 2025
Location: Showa Kinen Park, Tachikawa City, Tokyo
Fireworks: Approx. 5,000 launched
Highlights: Held in one of Tokyo’s largest parks, featuring massive shells and starmine fireworks.
13. Fireworks: Hachioji Fireworks Festival
Date: July 26, 2025
Location: Fujimori Park, Hachioji City, Tokyo
Fireworks: Approx. 3,500 launched
Highlights: Set against the backdrop of Mt. Takao, the sound of fireworks echoing through the mountains is unforgettable.
14. Fireworks: Ashiya Fireworks Festival
Date: July 26, 2025
Location: Ashiya Seaside Park, Ashiya Town, Fukuoka
Fireworks: Approx. 6,000 launched
Highlights: Held by the sea, the reflections on the water and cool evening breeze make for a relaxing and beautiful experience.
15. Festival & Fireworks: Moka Summer Festival Grand Fireworks
Date: July 26, 2025
Location: Gogyo Riverbank, Moka City, Tochigi
Fireworks: Approx. 20,000 launched
Highlights: Famous for its collaboration with the Moka Railway’s steam locomotive (SL). The combined sound of the steam whistle and fireworks is a unique experience.
16. Festival & Fireworks: Nogata Summer Festival
Date: July 27, 2025
Location: Onga Riverbank, Nogata City, Fukuoka
Fireworks: Approx. 6,000 launched
Highlights: One of Chikuho’s largest fireworks events, complete with food stalls and a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.
17. Festival: Sumiyoshi Festival
Date: July 30 – August 1, 2025
Location: Around Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka
Highlights: Features traditional rituals such as the Mikoshi Togyo (portable shrine procession), purification ceremonies, and the Sumiyoshi dance. The streets come alive with historical charm as the procession passes through.
18. In Conclusion
July in Japan is a season rich with tradition and summer charm. The many festivals and fireworks events held nationwide offer travelers a rare glimpse into Japan’s regional cultures and histories. Enjoy the energetic parades and mikoshi during the day, and marvel at the colorful fireworks lighting up the skies at night.
Every event introduced in this guide is highly recommended for international visitors. Be sure to include as many as possible in your travel itinerary and discover a new side of Japanese summer you’ll fall in love with.
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