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 "Sky Symphony in Yokohama presented by Colowide," the grand finale of the Minato Mirai Smart Festival, renowned as one of the largest fireworks displays in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Summer flowers bloom in the sky above Minato Mirai, famous for its night views. The Minato Mirai Smart Festival, which began in 2018, is an event where local businesses and the community come together to showcase the appeal of "Yokohama, an SDGs Future City." Before the fireworks, there will be a performance of Japanese drums by "Tsukiji Taiko" and street performances. The grand finale will feature a total of approximately 20,000 fireworks launched over about 25 minutes. The fireworks, launched in time with the music, are like watching a dazzling dance performance. Please note that the entire venue is a paid area, and those without tickets will not be able to enter, so please check the details on the website 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. The highlights include the highly entertaining "musical fireworks" and the 300-meter-long Niagara Falls-style fireworks display. Last year, due to the impact of the coronavirus, the name was changed to the "Odawara Support Fireworks Project" and the event was held in several dispersed locations, but this year, 10,000 fireworks are scheduled to be launched, just like before the pandemic. At the 29th festival, the fireworks, sound, and light synchronized with the majestic theme song of "The Phantom of the Opera," as if painting a story in the night sky. Because you can watch from the riverbank, the fireworks are so close that they spread out before your eyes, making for a truly spectacular experience. Enjoy sightseeing such as Odawara Castle during the day, and then end the day with fireworks. It's perfect for creating summer memories.

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

This year, a summer tradition returns to the night sky of Kanazawa after a four-year absence. At the end of August, as summer draws to a close, approximately 3,500 fireworks will be launched at the Kanazawa Festival Fireworks Display. The Kanazawa Festival has enlivened Kanazawa for three eras since its inception in 1975. This year, to celebrate its return after a four-year hiatus, in addition to the popular starburst fireworks, a special "celebratory fireworks" display is planned. One of the highlights of this fireworks display is that it can be viewed from a variety of locations, including the sandy beaches and lawns of Umi-no-Koen Park, as well as Hakkeijima and Nojima Park. You can enjoy the fireworks blooming over the sea from your favorite spot.

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.