Summer 2023 Fireworks Events in Kanagawa Prefecture

The sun is setting later and later these days. With the summer weather steadily approaching, many people are likely starting to plan their summer outings. Summer brings with it the sea, mountains, and pools, but of course, fireworks festivals. While these major events are an essential part of the summer season, they have been canceled across the board over the past few years due to the impact of COVID-19. This year, Kanagawa Prefecture is planning many fireworks festivals, some of which are making their return after several years. Unfortunately, the fireworks for the Yokohama Port Opening Festival, scheduled for June 2nd, were canceled due to bad weather. However, this article focuses on events in Kanagawa Prefecture where you can enjoy fireworks from July to August. We'll introduce you to some of the most entertaining fireworks festivals, from those that utilize sound and light to enjoy alongside the Kanagawa scenery, to traditional, time-honored fireworks festivals!

●2023 Kurihama Perry Festival Fireworks Display
Scheduled date: July 15th (Sat)

The Kurihama Perry Festival Fireworks Display is held in Kurihama, Yokosuka City. This year marks the 170th anniversary of Commodore Perry's landing in Kurihama, and the Kurihama Perry Festival is returning to Kurihama for the first time in four years! The Yokosuka Opening of the Country Bazaar opens in the morning on Kurihama Shopping Street's Road Street, featuring food stalls and various performances. Also in the morning, the Commodore Perry Landing Commemoration Ceremony is held at Perry Park, so if you want to really get into the festive atmosphere of Kurihama, we recommend attending in the morning. In the evening, approximately 3,500 fireworks, including star mines, will be launched near Kurihama Beach. You can view the spectacular fireworks from Perry Park, Kurihama Beach, and other locations. Why not enjoy the summer in Kurihama to the fullest while reminiscing about 170 years of history?

●Minato Mirai Smart Festival 2023
Scheduled date: Monday, July 31st

Next up is the "Sky Symphony in Yokohama presented by Colowide," the climax of the Minato Mirai Smart Festival, renowned as one of the largest in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Summer flowers bloom in abundance in the Minato Mirai skyline, famous for its night views. Launched in 2018, the Minato Mirai Smart Festival brings together local businesses and the community to promote the appeal of Yokohama as a "SDGs Future City." Before the fireworks begin, there will be a Japanese drumming performance by Tsuzuki Taiko and street performances. The finale will feature a staggering 20,000 fireworks over the course of approximately 25 minutes. The fireworks, set off in time with the music, are like a dazzling dance performance. Please note that admission is required throughout the entire venue, and those without tickets are not permitted inside. Please check the website for details in advance.

●The 34th Sakawa River Fireworks Festival
Date: Saturday, August 5th

The Sakawa River Fireworks Festival is held on the banks of the Sakawa River in Odawara City. Highlights include the highly entertaining "Music Fireworks" and the 300-meter-long Niagara Fireworks. Last year, due to the impact of COVID-19, the festival was renamed the "Odawara Support Fireworks Project" and held at several locations. This year, however, 10,000 fireworks are planned, just as they were before the pandemic. The 29th festival saw the fireworks, sound, and light synchronized to the poignant theme song of "The Phantom of the Opera," creating a story that seemed to unfold in the night sky. The view from the riverbank allows for a close-up view of the spectacular fireworks. Enjoy sightseeing at Odawara Castle and other attractions during the day, then cap off the day with the fireworks. It's the perfect way to create summer memories.

●The 49th Kanazawa Festival Fireworks Display
Date: Saturday, August 26th

This year, a summer tradition will return to Kanazawa's night sky for the first time in four years. At the end of August, as summer draws to a close, the Kanazawa Festival Fireworks Display will feature approximately 3,500 fireworks. Since its inception in 1975, the Kanazawa Festival has enlivened the city for three eras. To celebrate its return this year, in addition to the popular Starmine display, "Celebratory Fireworks" are planned. The best thing about this fireworks display is that it can be viewed from a variety of locations, including the beach and lawns of Umino Park, Hakkeijima, and Nojima Park. Enjoy the fireworks blooming over the sea from any vantage point.

Come and enjoy this summer spectacle blooming in the night sky in Kanagawa Prefecture! For information on paid seating and other details for each fireworks display, please check the official website in advance.