Sumidagawa

The Sumida River fireworks festival, held on the last Saturday of July, is one of Tokyo's most spectacular summer traditions dating back to 1733. Tens of thousands of fireworks illuminate the sky above the river in two sessions, launched from barges near Asakusa and Kuramae. Arrive early to secure a spot along the riverbank or on Azuma Bridge for unobstructed views, as over a million spectators crowd the area each year. Wearing a yukata and picking up festival food from nearby stalls is part of the experience, and many riverside restaurants and rooftop bars offer premium viewing packages worth booking well in advance.