by Merch C.
Summer in Japan wouldn’t be complete without hanabi (花火)!
Even though the Obon holidays are over, there’s still time to enjoy one of Japan’s most-loved summer traditions. For Filipinos living and working in Japan, a fireworks festival is also a great chance to relax after work, spend time with friends and family, wear a yukata, enjoy Japanese festival food, and make more summer memories.
If you haven’t seen a fireworks display yet—or you simply want one more hanabi night before summer ends—here are some events to look forward to this August.
24 August 2026
Minato Mirai, Yokohama, Kanagawa
The beautiful Yokohama waterfront becomes even more spectacular during the Minato Mirai Smart Festival.
The combination of fireworks, city lights, and Yokohama’s waterfront skyline makes this an especially photogenic summer event.
Tip : Expect large crowds, so check transportation information and event announcements before heading out.
29 August 2026
Daisen City, Akita Prefecture
If you’re looking for a truly impressive hanabi experience, Omagari no Hanabi (大曲の花火) is one of Japan’s famous fireworks events.
Rather than being just a local summer display, Omagari is known as a major fireworks competition where skilled pyrotechnicians showcase their work.
For Filipinos living in or traveling around the Tohoku region, this could be one of the highlights of your summer.
29 August 2026
Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture
For our Kababayans in Kyushu, Kagoshima offers another beautiful way to close out August.
The fireworks over Kinko Bay, together with the scenery surrounding Kagoshima, make this a memorable summer-night experience.
Bring your friends, find a good viewing spot, and don’t forget your camera!
While you’re enjoying Japan’s summer fireworks, why not capture your favorite moment?
PhilMoney and BPI are currently holding the Hanabi Photo Contest 2026.
How to Join
Like the official Hanabi Photo Contest post.
Comment with your best Hanabi photo taken in Japan.
Share the post publicly on your Facebook account.
Promo Period: August 1–31, 2026
And here’s the fun part :
Selected winners can receive exciting prizes.
So when you see that perfect burst of color in the Japanese summer sky, take your best shot—you might turn your hanabi memory into a prize!
Before heading to a fireworks festival, remember a few simple things.
Arrive early. Popular hanabi events can become extremely crowded, especially around train stations.
Bring water. August in Japan can still be very hot and humid, even in the evening.
Check the weather. Outdoor events may be postponed or cancelled because of bad weather.
Bring a small towel or fan. Very Japanese, very practical.
Keep your IC card charged. Train stations can become extremely busy after the event.
Follow local rules. Pay attention to designated viewing areas, garbage disposal rules and instructions from event staff.
And, of course...
Take lots of photos!
You may already have your entry for the PhilMoney × BPI Hanabi Photo Contest.
https://bit.ly/PhilMoneyBestHanabiPhoto2026
(Source : Yokohama Official Tourism; Omagari Hanabi Official Website; Kagoshima Official Tourism)
Posted : 20 August 2026