10 Events in Shizuoka Prefecture That You Shouldn't Miss

The Iwata Summer Festival Fireworks represent the quintessential image of summer in Fukude, Iwata. Held mainly at Hamabo Park, roughly 5,000 multicolored fireworks are launched to the accompaniment of electric organ music. A variety of events take place before the fireworks start, including Hawaiian hula dancing and yosakoi dancing. With countless street vendors and food stalls, the whole family is sure to love this fireworks show.

The Atami Fireworks are unique in Japan, in that they take place once every season rather than once a year. Shot off over Atami Bay, spectators watch from the beachfront along the waterway, sharing picnics and marveling at the bursts of color. Especially lauded is Atami's aquatic themed rocket, used in the Grand Finale: the "Aerial Niagara Fall".

This event is held in Shizuoka at the beginning of November every year and brings numerous artists from around the world together. It began in 1992 and has now became a signature Shizuoka event. Held principally at Sunpu Castle Park and sites around the city, various enchanting performances are put on. Performers are grouped into three categories: of those, the performer scoring the most points in the World Cup category is crowned as that year's champion.

Of the cherry blossom trees, the "kawa-zakura" is known as an early bloomer. Starting in late January, its rich pink petals can be enjoyed for close to a month. The Kawazakura Festival begins with the blooming of the trees, and close to 800 trees on a 4km stretch along the Kawazu River burst forth in pink. At night, the area along the banks of the river becomes a pedestrian paradise, with beautiful illuminations. This is also true at Mine Onsen, where the trees are lit up. Seeing the cherry trees emerge out of the darkness is mysterious and beautiful. There are foot baths along the road where you can take a soak, and local specialties are on sale, as well as stalls serving food and drink. There are also special performances on stage.

The largest fireworks show in Shizuoka Prefecture, with 25,000 fireworks launched. A range of amazing and impactful fireworks arrangements take place, such as the All-Japan Fireworks Competition, the Melodious Star Mine, a fusion of fireworks and music, and the Midair Niagara Falls.

As the nanohana (rape blossoms) and early-blooming Minamino kawazu-sakura cherries open, this festival is held from early February through March in Minami-izu. Rows of cherry blossoms span 4.2Km along the banks of the Aono River, with nearly 800 trees in a rich and vivid pink. Beneath them are the fallen rape blossoms, creating a carpet of yellow and a colorful world of spring. At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, and cherry blossom tea is offered, with sweet sake and other refreshments also for sale. Local delicacies are also sold, a marathon event is put on, andf much more.

The Anjin Sai, Ito Onsen's largest event, concludes with an amazing display of fireworks. Close to 10,000 fireworks go off in the span of an hour, erupting simultaneously over the water. These include complex bombs and rapid-fire launches, with the signature sight being the fireworks that erupt on the surface of the water and a "waterfalls." The waterfall spans 500m wide and is awe-inspiring. There are also 2,000 paid seats for a better view.

This model and toy trade fair is held in Shizuoka City every May and features plastic models, radio-controlled toys, model trains, and more. It is the largest model hobby event in the country, gathering together the latest products and promotional items, including new products that have not yet been released. At each exhibition corner, visitors can directly ask questions of staff members from the manufacturers, and some of the items are available for purchase. In additional to the wide variety of model-related events, there will also be an "attraction corner" and workspace setup where visitors can get first hand experience with products that catch their interest. The fair is certain to delight the whole family, kids and adults alike.

The Hamamatsu Festival, also called the "Kite Festival," is held to coincide with Boy's Day (May 5). This custom of launching the first kite of the festival traces its roots to the Edo period. A must-see event is a battle of massive kites. Each municipality launches one with its own crest, and the goal is to maneuver it into other kites and sever their cords. The result is a spectacular performance. Lofted high on the wind, the kites battle it out high in the sky, and spectators go wild. In the evening, illuminated shrines make the rounds.