Hanabi 花火

It’s a lazy Sunday night but the sound of summer festival is still ringing in the air. The heat in Tokyo can be very unbearable during summer, it doesn’t help with the humidity, crowds, noises and pollution as the toppings. Yet every time when I leave Tokyo, I miss the city so much and can’t wait to return. Starting from the Cherry Blossoms in April ushering in the Spring, Tokyo has a whole series of Festivals that complement the summer season.

From late July onwards, there are large scale fireworks display running for consecutive weekends till late August. The fireworks - Hanabi (花火大会) is a big attraction for young people and families. Girls wear their colourful and fashionable yukata (cotton kimono) with beautiful hairdo, and have wonderful parties with their friends.

Last month we went to the Hanabi at Sumida River (隅田川), these were the fireworks vessels but the public could only view it BEHIND the buildings, not along the river banks?!


We were surprised that people were already picnicking on the streets!

I was certainly not going to hang out under a bridge!
With no place to sit nor stand, we had no choice but to leave early :(

This time in August, the venue was much nicer at Edogawa (江戸川), it was an open parkland with unobstructed view of the fireworks :)

Again girls in pretty yukata @@

Now, the main attractions ....




Hehe, talk about fireworks, are you enjoying the amazing fireworks at the Olympic closing ceremony in Beijing now? You think our handsome boy is also glueing in front of the TV now?