Though fireworks are most commonly associated with summer festivals in Japan, there’s no rule that says you can’t enjoy them year round; and during the colder months when skies are clearer, the colourful displays contrast against the dark of night and appear to shine brighter than ever.

On the 18th of December this year, the lower slopes of Mount Fuji will become the setting for ‘Japan’s highest altitude fireworks display’ when approximately 5,000 fireworks will be launched from the second station of the Fujinomiya trail.

The display will be taking place at Amusement Park Grinpa, which is located at the second station of the Fujinomiya trail (with most hikers starting their Fuji climb from the fifth stations, it’s also a great opportunity to get acquainted with the lesser-visited lower end of the trail).

Two plans have been prepared to cope with recommendations on minimizing contact between people; firstly, the event will provide 4,500 socially distanced seats within the park that can reserved in advance, secondly, for those who wish to further reduce the risk of contact, there will be drive-in fireworks tickets that allow people to safely view the display from their parked car.
Taking advantage of the themepark’s terrain, the seats – angled on the mountain’s slopes will make the fireworks appear bigger and more powerful than ever.

Due to the prolonged effects of the pandemic, a great number of fireworks displays and events have been cancelled over the past year and a half. If the situation continues as it is, then these cancellations will force fireworks companies to close and will inevitably lead to the decline of the Japanese fireworks industry as a whole.
In response to this threat, the Mount Fuji Fireworks display has been designed as a way to support fireworks masters and to connect the traditional Japanese fireworks culture to the future. Additionally, by taking place during the winter, the display can break down the idea of limiting firework events to the summer season, and propose a new way to enjoy them year round.

The company behind the production and composition of the display is Ikebun, a shizuoka based firework company who have won numerous awards for their displays, including the Prime Minister Award at the 89th national fireworks competition and first place at 8th World Fireworks Competition held at Nagasaki’s Huis Ten Bosch theme park back in 2016.

Co-starting Mount fuji on an unprecedented scale, you can expect a dynamic and spectacular mesh of Japanese nature and traditional culture at the Mount Fuji Fireworks display.

The event is aiming to be held annually in a relay format with the cooperation of each municipality surrounding Mount Fuji. This year marks the first, and will see the display being held in Shizuoka Prefecture’s Susono City. Though next year’s location is yet to be announced, it is expected to take place in one of the cities, towns or villages of Yamanashi Prefecture.

Mount Fuji Fireworks 2021

Date: Saturday 18th December 2021
Launch time start: 16:30pm
Launch time end: 18:00pm
Amusement park and Drive-in area open from 13:30pm
Location: Amusement Park Grinpa, Suyama, Susano City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Ticket prices and where to buy them are yet to be announced, but keep an eye on the official Mount Fuji Fireworks webpage to stay up to dat