After reading about elaborate fireworks that happen in late summer all around Japan, we planned a trip to the country to coincide with three of them: One in Tokyo, one in Chiba, and one near Mt. Fuji. When we read that each of the shows launch up to 20,000 shells, lasting from 60 to 90 minutes, we anticipated fabulous pyrotechnical fun. Suffice it to say, we were not disappointed.
Tokyo – Sumida River Fireworks: We spent 3 days exploring and experiencing Tokyo’s fascinating history and its energetic pace. The numerous subway corridors, which include shops, malls, and restaurants cater to the millions of people that choose to get around the city using public transportation. Although much of the foot traffic is underground, a five-way intersection called “the scramble” is located in the middle of the Shibuya neighborhood. The intersection gets as many as 2,500 pedestrians crossing it every two minutes. And while it sounds chaotic, it’s actually more like a well-choreographed dance.
The annual fireworks on the Sumida River attract nearly a million people every year. While many people stake out their place on the riverfront several hours prior to the show, we opted to join thousands of others on one of the several roads nearby that are closed to create additional space for viewing.
Chiba – Sakura City Fireworks: The end-of-season-fireworks in Chiba take place out in the middle of rice farm fields. We took a train an hour outside of Tokyo to Chiba/Sakura City. We, and an estimated 160,000 people, walked a half hour through the rice fields and claimed our spot to watch. The rice fields are lovely and, (bonus!) no buildings to obscure our view!
Fujikawaguchiko – Lake Kawaguchiko Fireworks:
As the name of the town infers, Mt Fuji, looms over the city of Fujikawasguchiko. Many people travel to the area (called the 5 Lakes Area) as a day trip from Tokyo. Aside from partaking in many of the activities offered, visitors hope to catch a glimpse of the top of Mt Fuji. The elusive peak is often obscured by the persistent, low hanging clouds that swirl and get caught in the folds of the mountains that surround the city. As we were there for three days, we were lucky to get a peek of the peak several times.
We stayed in a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) right on the crystal blue Lake Kawaguchiko. The floor of our room was covered with tatami mats and included a low table, and futon mattresses on the floor. As it turned out, fireworks were set off from two barges in the middle of the lake which gave us a coveted front row seat right from our balcony.
The small slice of Japan that we visited (we also spent several days in Kyoto) was beautiful. Its long and storied history preserved and told through its lovely temples, castles, gardens, and museums is extraordinary. Being a part of the thousands of people coming together to watch fantastic fireworks was truly the icing (or sparkler) on the cake!
