Sumida River Fireworks Festival 2024 Complete Guide! Scenic spots and tips for viewing

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is one of the most famous fireworks festivals that adorn Japan's summer.

The 2024 Sumida River Fireworks Festival will be held on Saturday, July 27th.

This fireworks festival attracts over 1 million spectators every year, with approximately 20,000 fireworks launched on both sides of the Sumida River illuminating the night sky.

The location is around Asakusa, near TOKYO SKYTREE, and is visited by many tourists from overseas.

Sumida River Fireworks Festival History and Tradition

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival originated from the “Ryogoku River Fireworks Festival,” which began in 1733, and is the best fireworks festival in the Kanto region in terms of both tradition and formality.

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is popular as a Japanese summer tradition, and many people look forward to it every year. There are two main types of fireworks: “split things,” which open in a spherical shape like chrysanthemums, and “Pokamono,” where fireworks balls open in two in the sky and release stars etc. from within.

Opening times and venues

Opening hours: 19:00-20:30 (first venue 19:00, second venue 19:30)

Venue: Sumida riverside, Asakusa area, Tokyo

Venue 1: Sakurabashi downstream to Kotoibashi upstream (launch start: 7 p.m.)

Closest stations: Asakusa Station, Oshiage Station, Tokyo Sky Tree Station, Hikifune Station

Second venue: Komagatabashi downstream to Umayabashi upstream (launch start: 7:30 p.m.)

Closest stations: Asakusa Station, Kuramae Station, Ryogoku Station, Asakusabashi Station

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Sumida River Fireworks Festival venue and viewing spots

The venue for the fireworks festival is divided into two venues: the first venue (Sakurabashi to Kotoibashi) and the second venue (Komagatabashi to Umayabashi).

Colorful fireworks will be displayed at each venue.

The appeal of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival is that the locations are separate, so you can enjoy fireworks from a wider area.

At the first venue, a fireworks competition will be held between companies related to Ryogoku fireworks and 10 companies that have achieved excellent results at representative fireworks festivals in Japan.

At the second venue, the highlights are creative fireworks and vivid fireworks such as Starmine, and how they launch without interruption.

Recommended spots for the first venue

Sensoji Temple grounds

From the grounds of Sensoji Temple, you can clearly see the fireworks at the first venue.

The contrast between Asakusa's historic cityscape and fireworks is beautiful.

Sumida Park

Sumida Park has a large space where you can relax and enjoy fireworks.

We recommend that you reserve your space early.

Recommended spots for the second venue

TOKYO SKYTREE

From the Tokyo Skytree observatory, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire fireworks festival.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, but you can enjoy the spectacular views.

Shioiri Park

It's very popular because you can see a collaboration between Skytree and fireworks.

The fireworks are particularly visible from the south side of the park, and space is being taken up in the morning.

We recommend that you reserve your space early.

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Access and traffic information

On the day of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, many people gather, so the use of public transportation is congested.

Try to move smoothly by referring to the following points.

Use of public transportation

train

The nearest stations are Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Tobu Skytree Line) and Oshiage Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Keisei Oshiage Line).

Special trains often run according to the time of the fireworks festival, so be sure to check the timetable beforehand.

bus

There are also bus routes that run around Asakusa and along the Sumida River.

If the train is busy, consider using a bus.

Bicycle/Walk

There will also be bicycle parking lots around the venue. You may be able to avoid crowds by visiting by bicycle.

If you are staying close to the venue, it is convenient to move around on foot.

Transportation is very busy, especially during the return hours, so we recommend walking.

Tips for enjoying fireworks

Here are some tips for making the most of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival.

Get a place early

Places are taken early in the morning for popular spots, so we recommend arriving at the site in the morning to secure a spot.

Bringing a leisure seat or folding chair will help you stay comfortable.

Prepare your stuff

Food and drink

Bring snacks and drinks to eat during the fireworks display.

There are also food stalls around the venue, but it's best to prepare your own as it gets crowded.

insect repellent spray

There are a lot of mosquitoes on summer nights, so don't forget to use bug spray.

trash bag

Be sure to take your trash home with you.

Trash cans will be set up around the venue, but it's good manners to take them home when it's crowded.

Measures for rainy weather

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival will be held in case of rain, but it may be postponed or canceled during stormy weather.

It is safe to check the weather forecast and prepare rain gear and kappa.

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Sightseeing spots around the Sumida River

Before and after the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, why not enjoy sightseeing around Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE?

SENSOJI

A tourist spot representing Tokyo. You can also enjoy shopping at Kaminarimon and Nakamise-dori.

TOKYO SKYTREE

The view from the observatory is spectacular. You can also enjoy shopping and gourmet food at the adjoining Solamachi.

concluding

Sumida River Fireworks Festival 2024 is a wonderful summer memorable event.

Please prepare well in advance and enjoy the best fireworks viewing.

Please fully enjoy Japan's summer traditions and spend a special moment with beautiful fireworks.

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Beauty experiences are also recommended! Recommended salons in the Sumida River area

Here are some recommended salons where you can experience relaxation and beauty in the Asakusa/Oshiage area.

Asakusa/ “Women's Salon K+” *Women only

“K+” is a private salon located in the Asakusa area of Tokyo.

We offer a variety of menus to suit concerns specific to women, such as fatigue, stiff shoulders, lower back pain, insomnia, obesity, rough skin, and more.

Package menus such as facials and head massages are popular.

It has been picked up in the media and is popular among those who care for maternity and postnatal care.

Details

Iriya (Asakusa, Tokyo Sky Tree Area)/“FURAHA” *Women only

This salon is located about 3 minutes on foot from “Iriya Station”, close to the Asakusa area of Tokyo.

This salon offers exclusive hot stone and deep tissue treatments.

The deep tissues that use your arms and elbows give you an exceptional feeling of refreshment the next day.

Hot stones are effective for tired and swollen feet. Warm stones promote blood circulation and efficiently relieve fatigue.

Refresh your mind and body in a comfortable space, and experience a sense of refreshment the next morning.

Details

Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree)/“Hilot Tokyo” *Women only

This salon is located a 5-minute walk from the station next to Asakusa, Oshiage Station, where Tokyo's landmark “Tokyo Skytree” is located.

By using a bamboo stick, flushing the details, and massaging the bottom of the foot to the base of the thigh with cream, it becomes surprisingly light after the massage.

The Asian-style interior is a relaxing and relaxing space.

Details

Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree)/“Zipangu Esthetic Room Oshiage Store”

The salon is located right next to Asakusa and Oshiage Station, which is close to Tokyo Sky Tree.

We have prepared a variety of facial menus with an emphasis on results, and we provide treatments tailored to each customer's skin concerns.

All of our estheticians have over 10 years of extensive experience.

This beauty salon is recommended for those who are concerned about repeated lift-ups, aging care, open pores, and rough skin.

Details

Hikifune (Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree area)/“Bleu vert” *Women only

This salon is located at Hikifune Station, which is a few stations from Asakusa.

The salon is located in an area that is easily accessible from Tokyo's landmark Skytree and Asakusa.

It is a salon with many repeat customers, with careful counseling and treatment focusing on customer concerns.

The facial menu, which is effective for lifting up, is a gentle and comfortable treatment.

Details

Tips to get the most out of your beauty experience

When undergoing treatment, please pay attention to the following points and enjoy the healing experience to the fullest.

No tipping required

There is no tipping culture in Japan, so tipping is unnecessary.

Book in advance

It is necessary to make a reservation in advance, especially at popular massage parlors.

Many Japanese stores have a small number of people, and in most cases they cannot accept large groups.

If there's a store you're looking for, make a reservation about 2 weeks in advance.

At these salons, you can receive careful treatment from professionals, and you can relax and refresh your tired body.

By relieving tired legs from long hours of travel or sightseeing, and improving blood circulation, the fatigue of the whole body is also healed.

Also, getting a massage while experiencing Japanese culture and history will further deepen your memories of your trip.

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