Fireworks Festivals near Mt Fuji: Yamanaka, Kawaguchi, Saiko, Shoji and Motosu lakes
Fuji Five Lakes Fireworks Festivals (富士五湖花火) is held at each lakes of Fuji Five Lakes (Yamanaka, Kawaguchi, Saiko, Shoji and Motosu lakes) on the foot of Mt Fuji on 1–5 August annually!
The Fuji Five Lakes are 5 lakes (Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Yamanakako, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko) located on the foot of Mt Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture. The lakes are popular places to visit among tourists all year round, and each lake offers tourist attractions as well as the stunning view of Mt Fuji. In addition, number of seasonal events are held at the Fuji Five Lakes through the year, including the Fuji Shibazakura Festival at Lake Motosu, Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival and Saiko Ice Festival.
Speaking of seasonal events, summer is the best season to enjoy festivals in Japan. There are numbers of summer festivals and fireworks festivals held through the summer at many locations in Japan. In Fuji Five Lakes, there are traditional fireworks events, Fuji Five Lakes Fireworks (富士五湖花火大会) which are held annually in the beginning of August.
Fireworks are held at each lakes of the Fuji Five Lakes every night from 1 to 5 August starting off at Lake Yamanakako and the grand finale takes place at Lake Kawaguchiko with the biggest amount of fireworks. Let’s check more details about the Fuji Five Lakes Fireworks Festival!
Day 1: Lake Yamanakako Hokosai
The fireworks and summer festival, Lake Yamanakako Hokosai (山中湖報湖祭) is the one to kick off the Fuji Five Lakes Fireworks Festival. The fireworks will be launched at 4 areas around the lake, and can be enjoyed from various locations. Around 8,000 fireworks will be displayed for 1 hour from 8pm. The festival starts from 10am in the morning featuring the special ceremony and events around the lake.
Date: 1 August
Hours: 10:00~21:00 (Fireworks starts at 20:00)
Day 2: Lake Saiko Ryugusai
Lake Saiko Ryugusai (西湖竜宮祭) is the second fireworks event held on 2 August. This is the festival of Ryugu Shrine which is located at Aokigahara Forest near the lake. About 700 fireworks will be displayed for 30 mins from 19:30 pm. The festival also features Toro Nagashi ceremony with floating paper lanterns on the lake.
Note: Public transportation won’t be available after the fireworks, so it’s recommended to access by car or stay over night at accommodation around the lake area!
Date: 2 August
Hours: 19:00~20:30 (Fireworks 19:30~20:00)
Day 3: Lake Motosuko Shinkosai
Lake Motosuko Shinkosai (本栖湖神湖祭) is a traditional summer event held with impressive 1,000 fireworks launched at the shore of the lake. The celebration starts from the late afternoon with special events, live performances and stalls selling food and drinks.
Note: Public transportation won’t be available after the fireworks, so it’s recommended to access by car or stay over night at accommodation around the lake area!
Date: 3 August
Hours: Fireworks 20:00~
Day 4: Lake Shojiko Ryokosai & Shojiko Music Festival
Lake Shojiko Ryokosai & Shojiko Music Festival (精進湖涼湖祭&精進湖音楽祭) are both held on 4 August at Lake Shojiko. Approx 300, spectacular fireworks can be enjoyed with the live music. There are a plenty of events from the late afternoon which are suitable for adults and kids.
Note: Public transportation won’t be available after the fireworks, so it’s recommended to access by car or stay over night at accommodation around the lake area!
Date:4 August
Hours: 15:00~21:30 (Fireworks 20:00~)
Day 5: Lake Kawaguchiko Kojosai
Lake Kawaguchiko Kojosai (河口湖湖上祭) is the last event of the Fuji Five Lakes Fireworks, and it’s the biggest one. The festival features about 10,000 dynamic fireworks in 2 days. The pre-event of the festival is held on 4 August with a small celebration, and the grand fireworks will be on 5 August. Special events and a lot of stalls with food and drinks will be lined up with a great festive vibe.
Date: 4 and 5 August
Hours:
4 August 19:00~20:20 (Fireworks 20:00~)
5 August 10:00~21:00 (Fireworks 19:45~)
More info:
*Please note that the schedules may change due to the weather condition and etc.
Thanks for reading! Which fireworks festival would you like to visit most this summer?? For more information about travelling in Japan in summer, here are some interesting articles for you to check out 🙂
▽Related Articles▽
▼Editor’s Picks▼
Written by
"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have spend almost a decade living and exploring countries across the world. Based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling with my readers. I hope my stories help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈