FIREWORKS, YUKATA, AND CANDY APPLES: A GUIDE TO JAPANESE SUMMER FESTIVALS

A FIRST-TIMER’S GUIDE TO AN UNMISSABLE SUMMER TRADITION

BY SCRAP Global Team

Summer in Japan is full of excitement. Once the rainy season clears, the streets come alive with colorful lights, delicious smells, and the unmistakable sound of fireworks echoing across the sky.

If you’ve ever seen a summer festival in an anime or manga and wondered if those dreamy scenes are based on real life, the answer is yes. Japanese summer festivals are very real, and they are just as fun as they look.

Here’s a closer look at what makes them a highlight of the season.

Unmissable Food!

When you arrive at a summer festival, the very first thing that greets you is the smell of food. It might be the sweet glaze of candied apples, called ringo ame, or the mouthwatering aroma of yakisoba sizzling on an iron plate. This savory noodle dish is a festival staple, usually cooked right in front of you and served in a plastic tray.

Other classic treats include chocolate-dipped bananas, fluffy shaved ice (kakigōri), and crispy takoyaki filled with hot octopus. With so many options, it is hard to pick just one. To drink, nothing beats a bottle of ramune soda. This fizzy Japanese soft drink is sealed with a glass marble and is a favorite at summer festivals.

Games You Can Play

Festivals are not just for eating. You will also find rows of game stalls that look like they came straight out of an anime. One of the most famous is goldfish scooping, where you use a delicate paper scoop to catch real goldfish from a small pool. It sounds easy, but the paper breaks quickly, so you have to be fast and careful. (For foreign visitors, no need to worry—catch and release is an option!)

Yo-yo fishing is another favorite, where you try to hook small, colorful balloons that float in water. There is also shateki, a shooting game that uses cork guns. The goal is to knock down prizes on a shelf, and it always draws a crowd. For something a little more focused, try katanuki, a game where you carefully carve out a shape from a thin sugar candy using a toothpick (yes, same as the dalgona game from the K-drama).

Dressing Up for the Festival

Wearing traditional clothing is a big part of the festival experience, and in Japan, that usually means a yukata: a casual summer version of the kimono. Unlike the more formal kimono, yukata are relatively easy to wear and much cooler in the summer heat, and have been a staple for festivals since the Edo period!

They come in all kinds of patterns, from classic floral designs to modern prints featuring fireworks, water creatures, or seasonal motifs. If you have never worn a yukata before, this is the perfect time to try. Rental shops are common in festival areas, and the staff will help you put everything on properly. Buying one is also an option if you want to bring a little slice of summer festival magic back home with you!

The Big Finale

As the sky darkens, people begin to find places to sit and look up. It is time for the fireworks. Known as hanabi in Japanese, these firework displays are a huge part of summer festivals. The first one usually comes with a loud boom that makes everyone gasp.

As the night continues, the sky fills with color. You might hear people calling out “Tamaya,” which is a traditional cheer that dates back to the Edo period. It is a way of showing appreciation for the fireworks, and shouting it has become a tradition of its own. Watching fireworks while holding a cold drink and sitting with friends or family is one of the most beloved summer memories in Japan.

Summer festivals in Japan are not just about tradition. They are about making memories, having fun, and feeling connected to the season. Whether you are here for the food, the games, or just to watch the fireworks light up the night, there is something for everyone.

And when you need to escape the heat or want to continue the fun indoors, our escape games are waiting for you. Puzzles, adventures, and air conditioning included!

Come visit us and see you at the next festival!

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