On July 1st, 2023, one of the earliest fireworks displays in Yamanashi Prefecture lights up the night sky over the scenic Lake Kawaguchi, celebrating the opening of Mount Fuji for the climbing season.
With a backdrop of Mount Fuji and the accompanying Herb Festival, the Mt. Fuji Opening Fireworks Festival is an event that promises vibrant colors and captivating moments.
Note: Hotels book out fast in Kawaguchiko on the night of the event. To check what is still available for the Saturday night of the fireworks click here. Two hotels we recommend that were still available at the time of writing are the Fuji View Hotel or for something a bit swank and with a private onsen you can’t beat Kasuitei Ooya right on the shore of the lake.
What’s It All About?
Every year, the banks of Lake Kawaguchi at Yagisaki Park and Oishi Park host the Herb Festival. Amidst a dreamy landscape that looks as though a purple carpet of flowers has been spread out, fireworks are launched into the sky.
These are not just any fireworks, though. Expect a variety of styles, including early-launch star mines, angled fireworks, and large spherical fireworks, painting the night sky above Lake Kawaguchi with dazzling colors, signaling the advent of summer at Mount Fuji.
It easy to see why this event is at the top of our list of the best things to do in July near Tokyo
Event Details
- Event Name: Fuji Mountain and Lake Kawaguchi Opening Festival Fireworks Display (Mt. Fuji Opening Fireworks Festival)
- Date: July 1, 2023 (Saturday)
- Time: 20:00 – 20:30
- Venue: Oishi Park
- Address: Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Launch sites: Tatami Iwa off Funatsu Beach, Lake Kawaguchi, and the lakeshore of Oishi Park, Lake Kawaguchi
- Entry: Free
A Quick Note On The Japan Rail Pass Price Hike
The price of the wonderful Japan Rail Pass is going up a massive 62% in October but there’s still time to lock in the old rates if you’re quick. Klook still offers the old prices so if you buy before September 30th you can travel with the old prices until December 28th, 2023.
How to Get There
By Train
- Take the Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko Station, then walk for approximately 15 minutes.
By Bus
- Ride the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus and alight at the RedLine Herb Hall stop.
By Car
- If you’re driving, take Route 139 from either the Kawaguchiko Interchange on the Chuo Expressway or the Fuji Yoshida Interchange on the East Fuji Five Lakes Road, and head to the Kawaguchiko Lakeside Prefectural Parking Lot, which will take around 10 minutes.
Where To Stay?
Here’s a list of accommodations near the fireworks festival for the night of the event.
