Hanabi in Japan
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posted in Asia, East Asia, Japan, Tokyo |
Visiting Japan in July or August? Join the Hanabi Celebrations
By Honor Dargan
If you’re in Japan in July or August, you’re here for the hanabi season. What’s hanabi? It’s the Japanese word for fireworks and trust me, we’re talking serious fireworks. The average show displays anything between 1,500 to 20,000 of these fiery delights. These are outdoor events that attract people in their thousands and it’s a chance for the Japanese to show off their beautiful summer yukatas.
The hanabi parties are usually held on river banks or other large open areas for safety reasons. Check the Japan Times, one of the English language papers in Japan, for dates and times. The first one listed this year is July 22nd. If you’re heading to Osaka, they hold one of the biggest events on August 1st.
Be ready to get to your chosen venue early and find a good place to sit. The accepted etiquette is to set down a picnic cloth to reserve your space but be warned - some Japanese get there at the crack of dawn in order to reserve the prime positions. As the time of the event draws closer the density of the crowds increases, until you find yourself clambering over people to get to the loo.
Once the show begins though, you will forget all about those around you and your eyes will be fixed to the skies as firework after firework explodes in a rainbow of color and noise. Have a chuckle at the ooohs and aaahs you’re bound to hear - I’m sure you’ll find yourself doing it as well - you just can’t help it!
If you’re in Tokyo, the most popular hanabi show is by the Sumida River and features more than 20,000 fireworks over a period of 1 and a half hours. If you get the chance to experience hanabi in the countryside you’re in for an even better treat. The city lights in Tokyo mean the sky is never quite dark, but if you’re out in the sticks you’ll get the full effect of the fireworks on the backdrop of a black night sky.
Enjoy!
About the Author:
Honor Dargan
Goal: Tokyo Made Simple
Website: http://www.tokyotopia.com
