Kita Hanabi Taikai

Held along the flat banks of the Arakawa River, the Kita Hanabi Taikai is a relaxed summer fireworks festival offering unobstructed views of the night sky. While smaller than Tokyo’s massive events, it still launches an impressive display of nearly 8,000 fireworks starting at 18:30. Paid seating is available (see the website for details) near the launch site, but the expansive riverbanks provide plenty of space to lay out a sheet and enjoy the show for free.