Shizuoka｜A Must-Experience Once in a Lifetime: Watching Fireworks While Lying on the Grass in Japan.

During July and August, fireworks festivals are held all over Japan. While large-scale national competitions like Nagaoka and Omagari, or events like the Sumida River Fireworks Festival that attract millions of spectators, are well-known, my personal recommendation for a smaller yet exquisite fireworks experience is the Nihondaira Festival.

This event has been held for 40 years and is an important summer tradition in Shizuoka. Nihondaira, a 300-meter hill offering a stunning view of Mount Fuji, serves as the venue where 12,000 fireworks are launched. Although the official duration is one hour, the show often extends to over 80 minutes.

The festival takes place on the expansive lawn in front of Nihondaira Hotel. On the day of the event, dozens of food stalls participate, offering grilled skewers, roasted squid, fried chicken, and refreshing drinks to satisfy the thousands of attendees. Notably, イカ焼き (grilled squid) is a staple that is never absent from Japanese festivals.

Thanks to the vast outdoor garden space, the free viewing areas are divided into three sections—left, center, and right—all providing excellent views of the fireworks. Attendees often bring mats to picnic, enjoy the view of Mount Fuji, and then lie down to watch the fireworks, which burst spectacularly overhead. The fireworks are synchronized with music, creating a moving summer atmosphere.

⛩️ Due to a bug on the event page, the original post was deleted and reposted.
📍 Address: Mabase, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka, 424-0875, Japan
🚗 Access: From JR Higashi-Shizuoka Station, take a taxi for 15 minutes; or from Shizuoka Station, take a bus to Nihondaira, which takes about 40 minutes.

Post by 旅行中的野馬 | Aug 18, 2025