Kamakura Fireworks Festival

The Kamakura Fireworks Festival (鎌倉花火大会) is a mid-summer highlight held along the scenic Yuigahama and Zaimokuza beaches. While smaller in scale than Tokyo’s major hanabi events—launching approximately 2,500 to 4,000 shells—it is uniquely famous for its suichu-hanabi (underwater fireworks). These specialized shells are launched from moving boats, exploding in vibrant, semicircular fans directly on the ocean’s surface. The wide, sandy coastline provides unobstructed views for all spectators, offering a refreshing maritime atmosphere. It remains a popular, picturesque alternative to the dense riverside festivals of the capital.

Because the launch site is situated directly offshore, the suichu-hanabi create brilliant reflections across Sagami Bay, making it a favorite for photographers. The event is best accessed via a short walk from Yuigahama or Hase stations on the Enoden Line, or a 15-minute walk from JR Kamakura Station. Due to the limited capacity of the narrow Enoden trains, visitors are advised to arrive in the early afternoon to secure a spot on the sand. Following the display, the coastal roads typically become pedestrian-only to manage the heavy flow of crowds returning to the stations.