Sumida River Fireworks Festival: How to Enjoy It 120% as a Couple in Yukata!

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival, which has been held after a gap of about four years, has been decided!

The 2023 Sumida River Fireworks Festival will be on July 29th (Saturday). It’s synonymous with Tokyo’s fireworks festivals.

It’s the biggest summer event for couples. Many couples wear yukata that they don’t normally wear and go on a date.

It’s not too early to start preparing now—actually, the battle has already begun!

This time, we’ll tell you how couples who rent yukata for the Sumida River Fireworks Festival can enjoy it 120%.

Boyfriends who escort their girlfriends, this is a must-see!

To Enjoy the Sumida River Fireworks Festival as a Couple, Start with Preparation!

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is a historic fireworks festival that began in 1733 with the “Ryogoku Kawabiraki” event. It attracts approximately one million spectators every year.

Located just a 5-minute walk from Rika Kimono Rental, the “First Venue of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival” in the downstream of Sakurabashi to the upstream of Iwamoto Bridge hosts a fireworks competition, featuring approximately 9,350 fireworks (including 200 competition fireworks).

The “Second Venue” from Komagata Bridge downstream to Kyobashi Bridge upstream showcases approximately 10,650 fireworks!

Both venues together launch approximately 22,000 fireworks.

The first venue is
– A 10-minute walk from Tobu Railway, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway Asakusa Station
– A 15-minute walk from Tobu Railway’s Tokyo Skytree Station and Hikifune Station
– A 15-minute walk from Tobu Railway, Keisei Electric Railway, Tokyo Metro, and Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation Oshiage Station

The second venue is
– A 5-minute walk from Tobu Railway, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway Asakusa Station
– A 5-minute walk from Toei Subway Kuramae Station
– A 10-minute walk from JR and Toei Subway Asakusabashi Station and Ryogoku Station

However, there is one thing to note!!!

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival, which attracts approximately one million spectators every year, is famous for being extremely crowded (sweat).

Therefore, it starts getting crowded around 3:00 PM, and by around 7:00 PM, it’s extremely crowded!

You won’t be able to reach the venue from the station in the times mentioned above, so please be aware of this.

Furthermore, returning can be quite challenging as well.

Not only will it be crowded to get to the station, but you may also face entrance restrictions even when you finally arrive at the station.

If you’re a couple who wants to have fun with yukata rentals, there’s a possibility that dealing with unfamiliar yukata and geta (traditional wooden sandals) can be challenging.

So, it’s essential to have props like band-aids and towels to be well-prepared.

Remember to act ahead and give yourself plenty of time for everything!

Finally arriving at the venue after all the effort…

Since it’s a date in rented yukata, many couples would consider paying for “reserved seats” to enjoy the fireworks leisurely.

There are “Sumida River Fireworks Festival Citizen Sponsor Seats” for the Sumida River Fireworks, which are more like special viewing seats as a thank-you for donating a sponsorship fee to the fireworks festival.

However, not everyone who donates can automatically watch from these special seats; it depends on a lottery system!

The application for this year is valid until “May 16, 2023 (Tuesday) postmarked on the day”!

Recommended Items to Prepare for Boyfriends Whose Girlfriends Will Wear Yukata at the Fireworks Festival

Items that can be helpful when wearing yukata at a fireworks festival:

1. Band-Aids
2. Safety Pins
3. Antiperspirant

Band-aids are for preventing the straps from slipping. When you wear geta that you’re not accustomed to, the straps may slip and cause discomfort.

Since yukata doesn’t require tabi (traditional split-toe socks) like kimono, blisters can occur easily. Having band-aids on hand allows you to provide emergency treatment if your feet start hurting unexpectedly.

You can also use them as a preventive measure by applying them in advance, which is quite convenient.

Imagine being the one to offer band-aids to your girlfriend when she’s in discomfort from her yukata. It can be quite impressive, don’t you think?

Safety pins can be useful if your yukata becomes disheveled in the crowded festival area, especially if it loosens around the chest area. They can help prevent any wardrobe malfunctions.

Antiperspirant is beneficial for both men and women. Sweat wipes can be handy, and it’s always a good idea to have one on hand!

What’s Recommended for Couples Who Want to Enjoy the Fireworks 120% at the Sumida River Fireworks Festival!

Unfortunately, you couldn’t secure reserved seats… but you still want to enjoy the fireworks up close, right? Here’s some special information for couples!

Tokyo Skytree is offering a special event in conjunction with the 41st Sumida River Fireworks Festival. It will be held from 17:30 to 20:30 and is limited to approximately 900 people who can enjoy the fireworks up close from the observation deck.

From the observation deck, you can view the fireworks launched from both the first and second venues from above.

Special Event: July 27th (Saturday) from 17:30 to 20:30
◆ Sales Method: Internet (Lottery System): http://w.pia.jp/a/00124521/
◆ Application Period: June 11th (Sunday) to June 21st (Wednesday)
◆ Lottery Results Announcement: June 23rd (Friday)
◆ Number of Tickets Available: 450 people (Up to 5 people per group)
◆ Ticket Price: 10,000 yen (Including tax)

◆ Observatory Deck Benefits: One drink, official shop shopping voucher (¥1,000), original folding fan

If you can see the fireworks from Skytree, you can enjoy it even in your yukata without worries ♡

This is something to reserve now! Right?

And one more thing.

Known as Japan’s oldest amusement park, “Asakusa Hanayashiki,”

They also sell special tickets every year in conjunction with the fireworks festival, called “Sumida River Fireworks Festival Special Viewing Seat Ticket.”

◆ Admission + Free Pass + Fireworks Special Viewing Seat Ticket + 1 Drink Included
◆ Price: Adults ¥8,000, Elementary School Students ¥5,000

For couples in rented yukata, this is a super rewarding ticket.

They usually sell these tickets through “Seven Ticket” every year, but I couldn’t find information for this year yet.

Usually, the application period is mid-June to late June, so it should be coming soon.

Be sure to keep an eye out for “Seven Ticket”!

But if you couldn’t secure reserved seats,

First-time attendees of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival tend to head to Sumida Park and the Azumabashi Bridge area!

However, that’s the most crowded area.

So, if you’re thinking of reserving a spot, where should you go!?

Even if you go to “Sumida Park” at 8 AM on the day of the event, it’s already crowded with people reserving spots.

Many people even start reserving spots from the day before, I heard.

On the other hand, if you go to “Shioiri Park” around noon, you should be able to find a spot to reserve.

However, keep in mind that reserving spots from the day before is prohibited at Shioiri Park.

When reserving spots in a highly competitive area, please be sure to follow the rules carefully.

For those who give up on reserving spots and head towards the bridges, please note that during the final moments before the fireworks start, standing still on the bridges is prohibited due to police restrictions!

This can be heartbreaking for couples in yukata (tears), so it’s better to avoid it if possible.

Now, here’s a secret tip for you ♡

An unexpected hidden gem is “Senso-ji Temple”!

The temple grounds of Senso-ji offer a beautiful view of the fireworks from the second venue, and it’s not as crowded as you might expect.

There are plenty of food stalls and street vendors, and you can enjoy both the temple atmosphere and the fireworks – what a delight!

Senso-ji Temple is just a 3-minute walk from Yukata Rental Rikawafuku Kimono.

If you go here, even couples in rented yukata can arrive without getting tired ♡

Actually, you can see the Sumida River fireworks from Yukata Rental Rikawafuku Kimono as well, haha.

After sending off all the customers, the staff quietly watches the fireworks, too, haha.

For Yukata Couples Who Want to Leisurely Enjoy the Atmosphere at the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, Here’s a Recommendation!

Indeed, watching the fireworks at the “Sumida River Fireworks Festival” seems quite challenging. Even I, who’s writing this, am getting tired (laughs).

However, there’s a way to watch the popular Sumida River Fireworks Festival in a relaxed manner from a comfortable location!

First, let’s talk about “Yakatabune” (traditional Japanese houseboats).

While enjoying delicious food and drinks on a yakatabune, you can watch the fireworks up close from the boat – what a luxurious experience ♡

The prices vary depending on the yakatabune, but it generally includes the cost of the meal and boarding, totaling around ¥30,000 to ¥40,000.

However, reservations for these options have already started. Hurry up!

The second option is to “Secure a restaurant with a view of the fireworks.” Here, we’ve picked out recommended and lesser-known restaurants where you can enjoy a meal while watching the fireworks.

First, from Tokyo Skytree:

• Skytree Terrace – TOP of TREE
• Brasserie Ozami
• VIVA NAPOLI Tokyo Solamachi
• La Solacido Food Relation Restaurant
• World Beer Museum
• Noryo Hare Terrace Ekibia Skytree View
• Shokukan
• VIVA NAPOLI

Next, from locations other than Skytree:

• CAFE MEURSAULT
• Kappo Tempura Kanisen
• Restaurant Luke
• Asakusa Mugitoro Rooftop Lounge “Tenku”
• Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Beer Garden
• Asakusa Kaiseki Hyoan
• Nabe Noise

Reservations for these places may have already started. If they have, make your reservation immediately. If not, call them on the opening day for reservations! Popular restaurants can fill up quickly, so be prepared.

If by any chance they are fully booked, don’t give up! There’s a technique called “waiting list” where you can try several times to see if any reservations become available.

And third, the most luxurious option ♡

“Book a hotel with a view of the fireworks.”

During the Sumida River Fireworks Festival period, various hotels offer “rooms with a view of the fireworks” plans, so keep an eye on these plans frequently.

Hotels with views of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival include:

• Hotel Sunroute Asakusa
• Daiichi Hotel Ryogoku
• Asakusa View Hotel
• Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo
• Asakusa Hotel Ryo
• The Hotel Bellegrande
• Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho

If you can stay at one of these hotels, you can enjoy the fireworks leisurely without worrying about the post-festival crowd. Of course, book your hotel now too!

After enjoying the nearby fireworks and those from hotels or restaurants, don’t forget to return your rented yukata! After the fireworks show, around one million spectators will head home all at once, making it difficult to move around.

The nearest station, Asakusa Station, is especially crowded! It’s recommended to start heading back earlier than the fireworks show ends or to wait 1-2 hours after the show before leaving.

When it comes to rented yukatas, the return time might be a concern…

Erika Kimono Rental’s “Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival Special Yukata Rental Plan” accepts returns until 22:30, allowing you to enjoy the fireworks festival with peace of mind until the end.

Erika Kimono Rental is well aware of the crowds, so we have set the return time to 22:30 for the fireworks festival special plan.

This is probably later than any other kimono or yukata rental shop. Last year, we were waiting until after 11 PM…

Additionally, for those staying in a hotel or other accommodations, we offer a next-day return service (you can return it anytime the next day) for an additional 2,000 yen (excluding tax).

This way, you can enjoy yourself anywhere without worries!

The battle for the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in 2018 has already begun.

To enjoy it 120% as a couple, make sure to prepare thoroughly and book right now!