Weekend Fireworks Guide: Top Japanese Festivals to Watch
Discover the major fireworks festivals across Japan on July 10-11, featuring the massive 22,000-shot Makomanai Fireworks, Kamakura's underwater fireworks, and Yokosuka's Perry Festival.
July heralds the arrival of the full-fledged summer season. This weekend, on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, major fireworks festivals will light up the summer night sky in various locations across Japan. From historic seaside traditions to state-of-the-art stadium entertainment and massive festivals blasting over 20,000 fireworks, this weekend is truly a "golden two days" for fireworks enthusiasts.
In this article, we compare the schedules, launch counts, and highlights of this weekend's major fireworks festivals in an easy-to-read comparison table. We also take a closer look at the "Makomanai Fireworks Festival" in Sapporo, Hokkaido, which boasts the largest scale this weekend. Furthermore, we explore the technical history of Kamakura's famous "underwater fireworks" and Yokosuka's historic Perry Festival to uncover the multifaceted charms of this weekend's events.
Major Fireworks Festivals This Weekend (July 10–11)
Below is a summary of the major fireworks festivals scheduled across Japan this weekend. From Hokkaido in the north to Okayama in the south, these festivals offer distinct themes and unique regional features.
| Date | Festival Name (Location) | Launch Count | Key Features & Highlights | Viewing Environment & Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 10 (Fri) | 78th Kamakura Fireworks Festival (Kamakura, Kanagawa) |
Approx. 2,500 shots | Famous for "underwater fireworks" launched on the sea of Yuigahama and Zaimokuza beaches. Fans of light illuminate the sea surface. | Free viewing from the beach (highly crowded). Approx. 15-minute walk from JR Kamakura Station. |
| July 11 (Sat) | 14th Makomanai Fireworks Festival (Sapporo, Hokkaido) |
Approx. 22,000 shots | The largest scale this weekend. A theater-style show syncing music, lighting, flames, and fireworks. Master pyrotechnicians compete. | Inside Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium (Paid tickets only). Shuttle buses run from Makomanai Subway Station. |
| July 11 (Sat) | 2026 Kurihama Perry Festival Fireworks (Yokosuka, Kanagawa) |
Approx. 7,000 shots | The finale of the Perry Festival commemorating the opening of Japan. Outstanding starmines illuminate Kurihama Port. | Around Perry Park and Kurihama Beach. Approx. 15-minute walk from Keikyu Kurihama or JR Kurihama Station. |
| July 11 (Sat) | WE LOVE HOKKAIDO & FIGHTERS Fireworks (Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido) |
Approx. 6,000 shots | Stadium fireworks held with the open roof of Es Con Field Hokkaido. Watch fireworks up close synchronized with music. | Inside Es Con Field (Paid tickets required). Shuttle buses or a 20-minute walk from JR Kitahiroshima Station. |
| July 11 (Sat) | Bizen Fireworks Festival 2026 (Bizen, Okayama) |
Approx. 3,000 shots | Launched inside Katakami Bay. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, creating a dynamic echoing sound of fireworks. | Katakami Bay area. Approx. 10-minute walk from JR Nishi-Katakami Station. |
*The schedule and launch counts are based on current official announcements and are subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions. Always check the official website before heading out.
The Massive Makomanai Fireworks: 22,000 Shots Lighting Up the Sky
The biggest event this weekend is the "14th Makomanai Fireworks Festival" held on Saturday, July 11, in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Blasting approximately 22,000 shots, it is one of the largest fireworks festivals in Hokkaido and nationwide during the mid-summer season.
1. "Light, Sound, and Flame" Synced Theater Show
Unlike typical riverbank fireworks, the Makomanai Fireworks are held in a closed stadium, the Makomanai Sekisui Heim Stadium. Utilizing computer-controlled systems, the fireworks are synchronized down to 1/100 of a second with music, LED lighting, and massive pillars of fire. It offers a spectacular multi-sensory theater show that envelops the spectator seats in pure excitement.
2. Competition of Master Pyrotechnicians
World-class Japanese fireworks manufacturers showcase their artistic fireworks. Especially the grand finale, with an ultra-wide starmine that seems to jump over the stadium roof, provides an overwhelming visual impact, filling the entire sky with light.
[Important Warning: Night Temperatures in Hokkaido]
Although it is mid-July, night temperatures in Hokkaido can drop rapidly. Since the Makomanai Stadium has a bowl-like structure, wind passing through can make it feel much colder. Even if the daytime is hot, it is highly recommended to bring a light jacket, windbreaker, or blanket for the show after 7 PM.
Tradition and Skill: The History of Kamakura's Underwater Fireworks
The "78th Kamakura Fireworks Festival" on Friday, July 10, is a highly historic event dating back to 1948. It began as a beacon of light to restore vitality and tourism in the historic city of Kamakura during post-war reconstruction.
Kamakura's signature is the "underwater fireworks." In this daring technique, pyrotechnicians throw ignited fireworks shells directly from moving boats into the sea, exploding them on the water surface. The fan-shaped light reflecting on the waves creates a dreamlike atmosphere along the coastline, making it one of the most popular summer events in the Kanto area.
Commemorating Opening of Japan: Yokosuka's Perry Festival
The "2026 Kurihama Perry Festival Fireworks" on Saturday, July 11, are held as part of the "Kurihama Perry Festival" celebrating Commodore Perry's arrival in 1853, which opened Japan to the world and paved the way for modernization.
During the day, ceremonies and parades are held, and as the grand finale, 7,000 fireworks are launched. The sound reflecting in the port creates a natural surround sound theater. Watching fireworks at the port where modern Japan's history began offers a truly unique atmosphere.
Conclusion: Fireworks Protecting Local Culture and Reconstruction
This weekend's fireworks festivals are not mere tourist attractions. They are deeply connected to the history and recovery of each region—from post-war reconstruction in Kamakura to celebrating historic ties in Yokosuka and local development in Kitahiroshima. As we watch these beautiful lights, let us respect local rules, keep manners, and enjoy the beautiful summer tradition.
【Sources】
1. Makomanai Fireworks Official Website
2. Kamakura Tourism Association "Kamakura Fireworks"
3. Yokosuka City Official Website "Kurihama Perry Festival & Fireworks"