Summer may be Japan's traditional fireworks season, but autumn has plenty to offer too. In late September, the Kita Ward Fireworks Festival will bring an evening of fireworks, drones, and moving lights to the banks of the Arakawa River in Tokyo's Kita Ward and neighboring Kawaguchi.
The 2026 edition, titled "RED×BLUE SPARKLE GATE," takes place around the Iwabuchi Floodgate, with this year's theme being "LOVE - The Light of Feelings." The event combines fireworks, drone performances and choreographed lighting with music to create a more immersive nighttime spectacle.
One of the main highlights will be a performance by fireworks specialists Margaux, featuring a new arrangement designed especially for the festival. Above the river, a drone show directed by light show creator Red Cliff will tell a story inspired by the theme of love.
The festival also has a distinctly local identity. This year's fireworks will tell a story centered around the "holy land of Japanese sake," while the riverside location creates unusual viewing opportunities. Spectators can see fireworks reflected across the water, while those watching from the opposite bank can enjoy diagonally launched fireworks from a different perspective.
The festival opens to free viewing areas from 3pm, with the main fireworks and entertainment running from 6:30pm to 7:40pm. Paid seating is also available, including pair seats, family tables and general fan zones.
The festival was ranked No. 1 in Japanese news and lifestyle site Walkerplus's 2025 nationwide ranking of fireworks displays worth attending, making this an appealing event for visitors wanting to experience Tokyo beyond its usual tourist hotspots. Please note that while paid seats are available, the event can be enjoyed without them.
