MIYAJIMA WATER FIREWORKS FESTIVAL

WHAT: MIYAJIMA WATER FIREWORKS FESTIVAL 2018
WHY: WATER FIREWORKS FESTIVAL
WHEN: 25th AUGUST 2018 7:40pm – 8:40pm
WHERE: ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE, MIYAJIMA ISLAND, JAPAN
COST: FREE

Japan is well known for the huge number of summer festivals which take part across the country; all which include fireworks in some way shape or form. The Miyajima water fireworks festival will be one of the most unique and exciting displays you will witness this season in Japan.

Held every year at one of the popular tourist sites on Miyajima island, this is where the world heritage Itsukushima shrine is located and is instantly recognisable with its magnificent red “floating” Torii Gate. With over 300,000 visitors to the event no wonder that the water fireworks festival is known as one of the most spectacular displays in the country. To grab a seat and get in place for that perfect photo opportunity make sure that you arrive extra early. The festival is free to watch and can get busy really quickly. However, you can get a special viewing seat, and these are available in advance for around 6,000 Yen which equates to around 42.00 GBP. These are not exactly on the cheap side but the view that you get from the seats is incomparable.

From the early hours of the morning, the city is bustling more than it normally would be and by dusk, the crowds pack the shores on both the mainland side and island side of the river. Extra ferries and streetcars are brought in for the major event along with the ever-popular sightseeing boats just there for the one day for viewing the fireworks.

The fireworks are fired on the sea just behind the Torii gate creating gorgeous views as the 5,000 fireworks light up not only the sky but reflect in the water below. Launched in successive bursts the blooming flowers, glittering streamers and weeping willows fill the sky with a rainbow of colours and the odd bang as they break. Everyone eagerly awaits the finale as the firing is more rapid and the effects more varied covering the whole skyline.

The festival will be brought to a close amid boisterous cheering, whistles and of course loud applause from the appreciative audience.

Make sure that you don’t miss out on the only festival that combines one of Japan’s most scenic places with one of Japan’s favourite summer activities – fireworks.