Winter Fireworks in Japan: 7 Events for Christmas and New Year 2025

Winter Fireworks in Japan

Fireworks are a summer tradition in Japan with roots in the Edo period (1603-1868). However, due to fireworks being associated with celebratory events in the West, winter fireworks have gained popularity.

Winter fireworks festivals take advantage of the cold and early sunset. Late winter nights can be extremely frigid, making it hard to stay outside long. Therefore, many fireworks are launched in a concentrated span at an earlier time when the temperatures are still manageable.

Additionally, the winter sky is drier than in summer, reducing the chances of the fireworks blurred due to water vapor, humidity, or clouds.

Read on to learn seven famous winter firework events in Japan.

Winter Fireworks in Japan

1. Chichibu Night Festival
2. Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks
3. Lake Kawaguchi Winter Fireworks
4. Atami Marine Fireworks Festival
5. Ojiya Balloon Festival
6. Toyako Onsen Fireworks
7. Huis Ten Bosch Christmas Fireworks

Winter Fireworks in the Kanto Area

In eastern Japan, winter fireworks are widely held in relatively warm places like Tokyo, Odaiba, and Atami. There are also fireworks events in colder areas like Chichibu and Lake Kawaguchi.

Look for fireworks that are held along with winter festivals or events centered around fireworks, easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area.

1. Chichibu Night Festival

Photo by Pixta

One of Japan's Three Major Fire Festivals, the Chichibu Night Festival is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.

During the two-day Chichibu Night Festival, various events are held in the town of Chichibu. One of the events, which takes place alongside kabuki performances and the silk market, is the winter fireworks.

There are also paid seating areas with box seats available, making it an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the winter festival comfortably.

Recommended viewing spots for the fireworks include the front of Seibu-Chichibu Station, the front of Chichibu Station, the front of the Civic Center, and along National Route 140.

Chichibu Night Festival
Date: December 2 - 3, 2024
Launch Time: 19:30 - 22:00
Location: Chichibu City Center
Official Website: Chichibu Tourism Navi (Japanese)

2. Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks

Photo by Pixta

The Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks is held five times in December, sponsored by various commercial buildings in the Tokyo Odaiba area.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the broadcast of the anime Digimon Adventure, and a collaborative project with the series is being implemented.

Additionally, special sponsorships from Hilton Odaiba, Decks Tokyo Beach, and Aqua City Odaiba mean that fireworks are scheduled to be launched on Christmas Eve.

The cityscape and fireworks right before Christmas make for a romantic date setting.

Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks
Date: December 7, 14, 21, 24, 28
Launch Time: 19:00 - 5 minutes
Location: Off the Odaiba "Statue of Liberty" (1-4-2 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo)
Official Website: Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks 2024 | Tokyo Odaiba.net (Japanese)

3. Lake Kawaguchi Winter Fireworks

Photo by Pixta

The Lake Kawaguchi Winter Fireworks are launched at Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. Against the backdrop of the snowy landscape of Mount Fuji, large fireworks are launched over the clear winter waters of Lake Kawaguchi.

In 2025, the fireworks are scheduled to be launched every Saturday and Sunday from January 25 to February 23. With a launch time of 20 minutes, winter fireworks provide a more leisurely experience.

Lake Kawaguchi is also a popular camping destination, making this event beloved by campers.

Lake Kawaguchi Winter Fireworks
Date: Every Saturday and Sunday from January 25 to February 23, 2025
Launch Time: 20:00 - 20:20 (20 minutes)
Location: Oike Park (Main venue; 6713-18 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture)
Official Website: Lake Kawaguchi Winter Fireworks | Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourist Information Site

4. Atami Marine Fireworks Festival

Photo by Pixta

The Atami Marine Fireworks Festival is held approximately ten times a year—not solely in the summer and winter. This festival takes advantage of the topography of Atami Bay, which enhances the sound of the launched fireworks.

The grand finale features a large aerial Niagara, creating a stunning spectacle over the sea. This winter, the festival is scheduled for December 8 and December 22, 2024, alongside March 23, 2025.

Atami Marine Fireworks Festival
Dates: April 13, May 2, July 26, August 5, August 8, August 18, August 23, September 16, October 14, October 19, November 4, December 8, December 22, March 23
Launch Time: 20:20 - 20:40 (20 minutes)
Location: Atami Bay
Official Website: Atami Tourism Association Official Site (Japanese)

5. Ojiya Balloon Festival

Photo by Pixta
At the Ojiya Balloon Festival, an event that floats hot air balloons over the snowy landscape, you can enjoy the balloons' collaboration with beautiful fireworks. The sight of hot air balloons illuminated against a backdrop of stunning fireworks is breathtaking.

Ojiya City, located in Niigata Prefecture, is known for its heavy snowfall. Even in late February, snow continues to fall when the Ojiya Balloon Festival occurs.

Ojiya Balloon Festival
Date: Late February (Scheduled for February 24, 2025)
Location: Ojiya City Disaster Prevention Park and Nishini Middle School site (299-1 Hinohei, Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture)
Official Website: Ojiya City Homepage (Japanese)

Winter Fireworks in Hokkaido

Even in chilly Hokkaido, winter fireworks festivals are held. The harsh winter cold in Hokkaido makes it challenging to stay outside for long periods. Therefore, many fireworks are launched in a short time, allowing for beautiful displays to be seen.

6. Toyako Onsen Winter Fireworks

Photo by Pixta

The Toyako Onsen Winter Fireworks is held in February during the harsh cold of midwinter.

Many fireworks are launched over approximately eight minutes from the pier in front of the Toyako Ferry Company. On the final day, February 24, 2025, a spectacular display of 108 consecutive fireworks is planned.

Why not see the vibrant fireworks against the cold yet beautiful backdrop of Lake Toya in winter?

Toyako Onsen Winter Fireworks
Date: February 3 - 24, 2025
Launch Time: 20:30 - 8 minutes
Location: In front of the Toyako Ferry Company main pier (Nakanoshima, Sobetsu, Usa District, Hokkaido)
Official Website: Toyako Onsen Winter Fireworks Festival (Japanese)

Winter Fireworks in Kyushu

In some areas of Kyushu, it can be warm even in winter, and there are regions where it doesn't snow. If you’re not a fan of the cold associated with winter fireworks, why not enjoy the seasonal fireworks in Kyushu instead?

7. Huis Ten Bosch Christmas Fireworks

Picture courtesy of PR Times
At Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki Prefecture, fireworks are launched during the New Year’s period. Starting just before Christmas, you can enjoy fireworks set against the backdrop of the sea.

In addition to paid reserved seating, VIP seats allow you to enjoy champagne and appetizers, providing a luxurious winter experience.

Watch the fireworks along with illuminations and fountain shows for a romantic evening.

Huis Ten Bosch Christmas Fireworks
Dates: December 21, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, and January 1, 2, 3, 2025
Launch Time: From 20:30 for 10 minutes
Location: Harbor Town, Huis Ten Bosch (1-1 Huis Ten Bosch Town, Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture)
Official Website: Winter Night Fireworks | Huis Ten Bosch

How to Prepare for Cold Weather

Winter fireworks are held on cold winter nights. From December to February in Japan, the minimum temperatures may drop below 0°C (32°F) in some regions, so caution is advised.

Since cold weather gear differs between Tokyo, the northern Kanto region, Kyushu, and Hokkaido, be sure to check the weather forecast for the area you plan to visit and dress warmly.

If you catch a cold or fever, please see a doctor and take proper medications.

Enjoy Heartwarming Winter Fireworks

Winter fireworks offer a different kind of enjoyment than summer fireworks. Let's experience the vibrant fireworks that light up the crisp, chilly air across various locations in Japan.

Many fireworks festivals also offer paid seating areas where you can relax and enjoy the show. We recommend gathering plenty of information when planning your visit!

Main image by Pixta