
August 11 Koto Fireworks Festival
The Koto Fireworks Festival 2026 lights up the night sky and surface of the Arakawa River with approximately 6,000 fireworks. Held just 150m from the launch site, the festival offers an exhilarating up-close experience. We cover paid seating information, lesser-known viewing spots, access, and more.
Jul 18, 2026·✍️ olablog·⏱ 6 min read
The Koto Fireworks Festival 2026 lights up the night sky and surface of the Arakawa River with approximately 6,000 fireworks. Held just 150m from the launch site, the festival offers an exhilarating up-close experience. We cover paid seating information, lesser-known viewing spots, access, and more.
🎆 Watch Japan's most beautiful fireworks (4K video)
▶ Open on YouTube — like & subscribeThe Koto Fireworks Festival, one of Tokyo’s quintessential summer traditions, will be held again in 2026. Set along the banks of the Arakawa River, the festival launches approximately 6,000 fireworks, captivating visitors with their power and beauty. With the viewing area located just 150m from the launch site, you can enjoy the fireworks at incredibly close range for an immersive experience. The festival is also known for its themed presentations combining music and fireworks, with a specially crafted program each year. In recent years, all seats have been assigned, making it possible to enjoy the fireworks in comfort without worrying about claiming a spot.
Event Overview
| Item | Details Date: August 11, 2026 (Tue, national holiday) Time: Ceremony from 19:00〜, fireworks from 19:10〜20:00 (予定) Venue: Arakawa Sunamachi Riverside Park (between Kasai-bashi Bridge and Seisa-ohashi Bridge) Number of fireworks: Approximately 6,000 Typical attendance: Approximately 350,000 people in 2015. In recent years, the number of people inside the venue has been limited through assigned seating to help ease congestion. Rain policy: Held in light rain; canceled in severe weather (no postponement)
Venue and Map
The Koto Fireworks Festival takes place at Arakawa Sunamachi Riverside Park, located between Kasai-bashi Bridge and Seisa-ohashi Bridge along the Arakawa River. The viewing area is exceptionally close to the fireworks platform, at approximately 150m, making the up-close spectacle the festival’s greatest attraction. In addition to the fireworks blooming in the night sky, visitors can enjoy their fantastical reflections on the surface of the Arakawa River.
Access
Using public transportation is recommended when traveling to the Koto Fireworks Festival venue. No dedicated parking is available, and traffic and access restrictions will be implemented around the venue.
- Nearest station: Minami-sunamachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
- From the station: Arakawa Sunamachi Riverside Park is approximately a 15-minute walk from Exits 2 and 3 of Minami-sunamachi Station. Heavy crowds are expected on the day, so allow plenty of time for your journey. During busy periods, Exit 1 may also be recommended.
- Alternative route during crowded periods: If the trains are crowded, taking a Toei Bus can be an effective alternative.
- Be mindful of the last train: Stations become extremely crowded after the fireworks end. Mobile phone reception may also become difficult, so we recommend deciding in advance where and when to meet and using a regular phone line when contacting others.
Paid Seating and Tickets
The Koto Fireworks Festival offers assigned paid seating, allowing you to enjoy the fireworks comfortably without having to reserve a spot.
Types of paid seating and approximate prices:
- Pipe chair (single): 5,000円 per person
- Tiered seating (pair): 5,000円 per person
- Bench seating (3-person): 5,000円 per person
- Garden seating (4-person): 7,500円 per person
- One preschool-aged child per adult may watch from the adult’s lap.
Ticket sales schedule:
- Priority sales for Koto Ward residents began on July 18, 2026 (Sat) at 10:00 (9,000 seats, first come, first served).
- General sales will begin on August 1, 2026 (Sat) at 10:00 only if seats remain. No general sales will be held if all seats have sold out.
- Applications for free seats reserved for Koto Ward residents have already closed.
- For ticket purchasing methods and further details, please check the official Koto Fireworks Festival website.
Lesser-Known Viewing Spots
In addition to the paid seating, there are several lesser-known spots where you can enjoy the Koto Fireworks Festival for free. However, for safety reasons, anyone who has not purchased a paid ticket or won a ward-resident seat may not enter the venue or its immediate vicinity.
Pedestrian walkway on Seisa-ohashi Bridge You can watch the powerful fireworks from the pedestrian walkway on Seisa-ohashi Bridge, downstream from the launch site. The bridge is located straight ahead from Minami-sunamachi Station and Nishi-kasai Station and is relatively easy to access. However, please observe proper etiquette by not stopping on the bridge or obstructing traffic.
Around Yumenoshima Youth Baseball Field The fireworks can also be viewed from around Yumenoshima Youth Baseball Field in 3-chome Yumenoshima, Koto Ward. Its proximity to Shin-kiba Station is an advantage, allowing you to head home smoothly while avoiding the crowds after the festival.
Riverside near Kasai-bashi Bridge The riverbank near Kasai-bashi Bridge, upstream from the launch site—particularly on the Koto Ward side closer to Minami-sunamachi Station—is considered relatively easy for viewing, with embankments, stepped slopes, and flat riverside areas. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy the fireworks amid a lively atmosphere.
Nakagawa embankment (Edogawa Ward side) From the embankment along the Nakagawa River, which runs parallel to the Arakawa River, particularly on the Edogawa Ward side, you can watch the fireworks with the Shuto Expressway in between. The area is often used by local residents, and there is also information that the fireworks could be viewed there without reserving a spot before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I buy food and drinks inside the venue? A. We were unable to confirm specific information about food and drink sales inside the venue. If you plan to bring food or drinks with you, we recommend purchasing them before entering.
Q. Can I use an umbrella while watching the fireworks? A. Umbrellas cannot be used while viewing the fireworks, as they may inconvenience people around you. Please use rainwear such as a raincoat in wet weather.
Q. Can I bring a pet into the venue? A. Please refrain from bringing pets to the event. Guide dogs, service dogs, and hearing assistance dogs are exempt from this restriction and may accompany their owners inside the venue.
Q. Can I bring a stroller? A. Strollers may be brought in, but there is no designated storage or cloakroom. Be sure to fold your stroller and store it within your assigned viewing area.
🎆 Make a trip of it — tours near the fireworks
Day tours departing from the nearest city — tour by day, fireworks by night.
Day tour
Day tour
Day tour
Day tourComments
No reviews yet — be the first!



