The Uji Hanabi Taikai is held annually along the scenic Uji River in the historic city of Uji, just south of Kyoto. The festival launches thousands of shells from the riverbanks, with the illuminated Uji Bridge — one of Japan's oldest bridges — providing an iconic foreground. Uji is best known as the birthplace of Japanese matcha culture, and the festival blends seamlessly with the city's rich heritage atmosphere. Spectators gather along both banks of the river, and the surrounding hills provide natural elevated viewing spots for those seeking panoramic perspectives.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Fireworks
- Season
- Summer
- Month
- Late July
- Region
- Kansai
- Prefecture
- Kyoto
- City
- Uji
Highlights
- ◆Historic Uji Bridge lit up as a foreground to the fireworks
- ◆Thousands of shells reflected in the clear Uji River
- ◆Pair the evening with a matcha experience in Uji's famous tea houses
- ◆Natural hillside vantage points for panoramic views
- ◆Easy 20-minute train ride from Kyoto Station