This summer, Ito city will be seeing lots of large-scale fireworks festivals take place between July 20 and August 24.  Ito Onsen Yume Hanabi/ Ito Onsen, Ito Coast The Yume Hanabi (Dream Fireworks) event will be held 10 times during the summer fireworks season. Enjoy a range of fireworks exploding before your very eyes. The sizes of the fireworks range from an outer diameter of 9 cm to 30 cm. Each day, between 1,000 and 1,500 fireworks will pierce the night sky with a beautiful show of colours. The best spot to watch these would be from a simple patch of grass in Nagisa Park.    July 20 (Sat)  20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)July 28 (Sun) 20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)July 30  (Tues) 20:30 ー 21:00　(Approx. 1,500 fireworks)July 31 (Weds) 20:30 ー 21:00　(Approx. 1,500 fireworks)August 2 (Fri) 20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)August 3 (Sat) 20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)August 6 (Tues) 20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)August 7 (Weds) 20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)August 17 (Sat) 20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)August 24 (Sat) 20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)Usami Summer Festival  Kaijo Hanabi Taikai/ Usami CoastThis festival remains popular among the locals but is still yet to be discovered by tourists. This is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view at your own pace. The road leading from Usami Station is a pedestrian zone lined with stands and stalls, making it the perfect place to enjoy the festival vibes. August 1 (Thurs) 20:00 ー 20:30 (Approx. 1,500 fireworks)Floating Lanterns Uchiage Hanabi/ Ito CoastBright lanterns are floated down the Matsukawa river which runs through the heart of the city. As the last magical lantern makes its way down the river, the fireworks are set off into the sky, illuminating the lanterns as they float downstream.August 8 (Thurs) 20:50 ー 21:00 (Approx. 800 fireworks)Taiko no Hibiki (Echoing Drums)  Uchiage Hanabi (Ito Kaigan)Head over to Nagisa Park to witness the taiko drum battle. Nagisa Park is one of the best locations in Ito city to watch the fireworks. The energy from the drums will resonate throughout the entire park. As the battle reaches its climax, fireworks will soar into the sky, exploding to the beat of your heart. August 9 (Fri) 20:50 ー 21:00 (Approx. 800 fireworks)Anjin Large-Scale Seaside Fireworks Festival / Along Ito Coast This is the largest fireworks festival in Ito. Over the course of an hour, approximately 10,000 fireworks will be launched from five different areas along the coast, striking vibrant streaks of colour into the night sky over the sea. The fireworks range from digital Star Mines to Niagara fireworks. For those of you who want to escape the crowds to watch the fireworks at your own pace, we recommend the seating area, where you can fully enjoy a closeup view of the breathtaking fireworks for just ￥2,000 per seat. August 10 (Sat) 20:00 ー 21:00 (Approx. 10,000 fireworks)Yanmono Sato Hanabi Taikai /YawatanoIn just 30 mins, 3,000 fireworks are fired into the sky, bursting into dynamic patterns that illuminate the sea and create a scene of lingering beauty that you will not be able to peel your eyes from. The fireworks are set off right before the spectator's eyes so you can watch the fireworks develop into spontaneous beauty right above you. August 14 (Weds) 20:00 ー 20:30 (Approx. 3,000 fireworks)Kawana Dolphin Beach Large-Scale Seaside Fireworks / Dolphin Beach ParkThis is a popular event among locals as well as tourists. Although there are not as many fireworks, the fact that viewers can enjoy them close up more than makes up for it. Niagara fireworks that shower over the ocean and Star Mines that blossom above you are just some of the popular kinds of fireworks this festival will allow you to witness.August 15 (Thurs) 20:00 ー 20:30 (Approx. 2,000 fireworks)Ito Hot Springs Hashi Festival Fireworks/ Ito BeachAt this unique festival, a tower made of chopsticks used at the hot springs is set on fire for a memorial service. A portable shrine overflowing with strong energy is carried through the streets as part of a parade. The event also sees hand-held fireworks, enhancing the festival vibes. The fireworks explode over the sea, colouring the sky with a scene that represents the end of summer. August 22 (Thurs) 20:30 ー 21:00 (Approx. 1,500 fireworks)   The summer holidays is the perfect time to enjoy a fireworks festival, so why don't you check one out?

Hello everyone, this is Midori from MMN's Editorial Department!The first thing that pops into your head when you think of summer is fireworks. During the summer, Japan hosts so many large-scale fireworks events that it can be difficult to decide which one to visit. However, some festivals really stand out from the crowd. Today, I will share with you some fireworks festivals I would highly recommend for their extra wow-factor.    If you're interested, check out the 2019 list for the top 10 fireworks festivals in Japan.    2019 Artistic Fireworks at Moerenuma Park, SapporoLast year, this event was cancelled due to an earthquake, so excitement levels are high this year. This year, the fireworks dream team have put together a special non-stop program which includes the highest fireworks in the whole country. A fireworks photo and painting competition will be held after the fireworks event day.   ▼2019 Artistic Fireworks at Moerenuma Park Date: September 7, 2019 Official Website: https://www.moere.jp/   Relax 221m Above Ground: The RESTAURANT LUKE with SLY LOUNGE Fireworks PlanFireworks events held within the city can get very crowded, so how about watching them explode beautifully in the night sky from a restaurant? RESTAURANT LUKE with SLY LOUNGE is the perfect place to watch the Sumida River Fireworks festival and its 20,000 fireworks, or the Edogawa Fireworks Festival, where 14,000 fireworks are launched. Make sure to ask for the fireworks plan if you want this experience. Being able to watch fireworks high in the sky is a wonderful lifetime opportunity.    ▼RESTAURANT LUKE with SLY LOUNGEAddress: St.Luke's Garden, 47th floor, 8-1 Akashicho, Chuo City, Tokyo TEL: 03-3248-0211Firework event plans: July 27 Sumida River Fireworks Festival Special PlanAugust 3 Edogawa Fireworks Festival Special PlanAdults: ￥15,000, high school students: ￥6,000, middle school students: ￥4,000, elementary school students: ￥2,000 (Free for those under elementary school age)Official Website: https://www.restaurant-luke.com/restaurant.html   Shin Yokohama Fireworks Festival  2019 Special Tickets Kohoku-ku, Yokohama will be celebrating the 80th year of the Shin Yokohama Fireworks Festival. Tickets for seats to watch the 2019 fireworks event are now being sold. The fireworks will be launched in an area that is hundreds of metres wide. For the finale, you can enjoy yellow streams of light as they fall out of the sky. As this fireworks event is taking place at Shin Yokohama, you can get seats at the Nissan Stadium or the tennis court to enjoy a beautiful night.  Photo: Takeshi Kanetake    ▼Shin Yokohama Fireworks Festival 2019Date: July 7, 2019Prices: Special entry area (unreserved seats): ￥2,000 (per person, 1m2 picnic sheet, 1 entry ticket).Tennis court garden table seat: ￥20,000 (4 people, 4 tickets, 1 garden table), Nissan Stadium north side (for legal supporters/ event sponsors and others who contributed to the event: ￥54,000 (6 people, 6 tickets, table seating).Official Website: http://shinyokohama-hanabi.com/   Enjoy Fishing With A Beautiful Fireworks Display In The Sky at Echizen, FukuiVisit Echizen port to enjoy a beautiful fireworks display whilst on the hunt for fish and squid. This is a relatively cheap plan considering that you also get the chance to enjoy a beautiful view. This is a wonderful way to create special memories. ▼ Fishing and Fireworks in Echizen, 2019 Date: July 13, 2019 Price: Squid: ￥ 6,000 per person　Fish: ￥7,000 per person (40 people max).(Includes fishing equipement. Price is the same for both children and adults).Official website: https://www.town-echizen.jp/SSL/experience/detail.php?id=90   A Cool Night at The Pool and Fireworks Every Day at Phoenix Seagaia Resort, MiyazakiDuring the summer holidays, there will be a fireworks show every evening at Phoenix Seagaia Resort in Miyazaki prefecture. They have special seating, and also those who choose accommodation on the club floor can see the fireworks launched before their very eyes. You can also enjoy the night pool or barbeque and simultaneously witness the fireworks. The best part is that there is a show everyday, so there is no need to worry about fitting it in with the rest of your plans.   ▼Phoenix Seagaia Resort Summer Fireworks 2019Event Period: Every day from July 20 ー August 31, 2019Official Website: https://seagaia.co.jp/   This summer will be the first ever fireworks season of the Reiwa era, so how about making it extra special by attending a fireworks festival with that extra wow factor?

The ancient city of Kyoto enjoys waves of tourists and sightseers from around the world throughout the year. It is particularly hot during the summertime because it's situated in a valley. If you've never walked around Kyoto's towns at night then we invite you to add it onto your list of sightseeing experiences.   We have compiled a list of 5 must-visit locations to best enjoy Kyoto's nightscape. We are joined by Taka, a Japanese Instagrammer who conveys the beauty of Kyoto through his picturesque photographs which has has provided us today.  

Kyoto Station & Kyoto Tower

The modern architecture of Kyoto Station is a juxtaposition against the traditional image of Kyoto. There are lots of great places inside the station where you can get up high and gaze down at Kyoto's streets, but the absolutely unmissable nighttime spot are the mirrored windows. When evening sets in, you can see Kyoto Tower―which is opposite the station―reflected on the outside. Of course, you can enjoy the tower during the day too, but at night they light it up, making for a truly magical sight.   ▼Kyoto Station Address: Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto Station Building Official Website: https://www.kyoto-station-building.co.jp/   ▼Kyoto Tower Address: 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Opening Hours: 9:00-21:00 (Last Entries 20:40) *Opening hours subject to change without notice Official Website: https://www.keihanhotels-resorts.co.jp/kyoto-tower/    

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is an easy sightseeing spot to reach being just a 5-minute stroll from Gion-Shijo Station. The shrine is a power spot said to provide good luck when it comes to marriage ties. It bustles with visits from people from around the world and is in fact open 24-hours a day. Paying a visit at night provides you with an entirely different look at Yasaka Shrine. Why not dine out along Shijō Street and take a walk to the shrine when the sky turns dark?   ▼Yasaka Shrine Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Official Website: http://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/    

Kyoto Minamiza Theatre

Minamiza is the oldest theatre in Japan and is officially registered as a Japanese Tangible Cultural Property. Like Yasaka Shrine, the closest station to the theatre is Gion-Shijo Station. Leave through Exit 6 and it's right outside.   Minamiza has a long history spanning back to 1610 when it was founded. In May this year, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu performed a special concert there entitled Kyary Kabuki Kabuki which made use of projection mapping, fusing history and tradition with the latest cutting-edge technology to provide a concert like no other. The theatre is becoming a new sightseeing spot as it is lit up at nighttime. All of the lights are turned on until 10pm after which just the roof lights are kept on.   ▼Kyoto Minamiza Theatre Address: 198 Nakanocho, Higashiyama, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Official Website: https://www.shochiku.co.jp/play/theater/minamiza/    

Ninenzaka

Ninenzaka is a long winding road that leads up to Kiyomizu-dera temple and is also a very famous tourist spot. It is registered under the Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Historic Buildings. In the daytime, the street bustles with locals and tourists dipping in and out of the souvenir shops, but the dark evenings of Ninenzaka are another kind of wonderful. The number of tourists drops significantly at night meaning you can have the street all to yourself and take plenty of photos, warm lanterns lighting your way.   ▼Ninenzaka Address: 2 Kiyomizu, Masuyacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Official Website: http://www.2nenzaka.ne.jp/    

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is a 25-minute walk from Kiyomizu-Gojō Station which is reached via the Keihan Main Line. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient Buddhist temple is a very popular tourist destination. What we want those of you to see when visiting in the evening is the beautiful sunset which can be seen from the temple, colouring the streets of Kyoto a gorgeous orange.   ▼Kiyomizu-dera Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Opening Hours: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/access.php Official Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/   Taka has visited so many incredible locations in Kyoto, so if you're planning a trip there and need some recommendations be sure to follow him on Instagram.   Photos: Taka

The ancient city of Kyoto enjoys flurries of tourists and sightseers from around the world throughout the year. It is particularly hot during the summertime because it's located in a valley.   Shojuin is a Buddhist Temple located in a summer retreat that was erected nearly 800 years ago. Hidden at the temple is the 11-faced Buddha statue of Kannon Bosatsu which is open to the public only once every 50 years.   The temple has a long history, and today it is used as a site for yoga, copying the sutras, and other activities when booked in advance. It's enjoyed by people of all ages.   Today, we are joined by Macchan, an Instagrammer who tours the many sightseeing spots of Kyoto. They have provided photographs of the must-see parts of this ancient temple. Shojuin is famous for its beautiful heart-shaped window located in the reception hall as well as its 160 pieces of ceiling art. The decorative window has been around for nearly 1,400 years and has survived disasters. It stands as a symbol of happiness. From outside the heart window visitors can enjoy the different flowers through the four seasons. Right now during summer the view is a green spectacle. At nighttime the outdoor garden is lit up beautifully as shown in the photo.   Shojuin is famous for its summer Wind Chime Festival which is currently running until September 18. 2,000 colourful wind chimes gently sway around the temple with the summer breeze. The chimes are there for their sound and appearance and to elicit that sense of refreshing coolness. Even the wind chimes are illuminated in the evenings. They are lit up on weekends only (except August 1 to 18) from 18:00-20:00.   The hypnotic ring of the wind chimes sounds they are calling the wind. If you're travelling to Kyoto this hot summer, why not plan a trip to Shojuin?   Macchan has lots of other photos on their Instagram where you can feel the vibe of Kyoto. Use it as reference when you're planning your Kyoto sightseeing.