Things to do in Yokohama, Kanto: The Best Events

The Kanagawa Shinbun Fireworks are a hallmark summer event in Yokohama. With over 15,000 rockets sent up into the sky, it draws large and eager crows to the coast of Minato Mirai. The largest of these spectacular fireworks is called the "Nishakudama", a dazzling giant that spans over 1,500 feet and dominates the skyline.

A staple of summertime in the port city of Yokohama, the Sparkling Twilight is held over two days at Yamashita Park. Fireworks ignite the sky, a public show set to music with a glittering Grand Finale. A parade of mikoshi shrines, called the Sparkling Parade, takes place all across Yokohama from multiple start points, and pole-bearers wear traditional dress to mark the occasion.

Oktoberfest is a global beer festival held in Munich, Germany from late September through October. Oktoberfests modeled on this event are also held in various places in Japan, and Yokohama Oktoberfest, which started in 2002, is particularly famous. It is held at the perfect location of the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Square, where the scent the sea fills the air, and visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of directly imported German draft beers and gourmet German cuisine. Live bands and singers from Germany also perform on the stage inside the tent every year, and the mix of drinking songs and popular hit tunes familiar to Japanese listeners help liven up the event.

At this event, approximately 3,500 fireworks are set off, one after another, beginning with star mines and moving into shaped fireworks, newly created fireworks and more. These fireworks are launched off the coast of Umi-no-koen-surrounded by Hakkeijima, Umi-no-koen and Nojima-allowing spectators to enjoy the show while laying out on a sandy beach. The finale is adorned with a captivating display of massive star mines.

The "Yokohama Kaikosai" is held every year in June at Minato Mirai to celebrate the opening of Yokohama Port. The festival is visited by approximately 700,000 people every year, and is well-known as a hallmark of early summer in Yokohama. The festival is unique for having an abundance of participatory events, such as dance contests, quiz competitions and the "Dream of Harmony" concert, which brings together members of the general public to sing in a large choir. Stage shows and vendor stalls offering gourmet food from around the world are also something to look forward to. At night, approximately 6,000 fireworks produce a grand finale, in a beautiful harmony of light and sound.

A street performance festival held in the Noge district in Yokohama's Naka Ward, considered one of Japan's three major street performance festivals. It began as an effort to revitalize the town in 1986, and is now a major event which draws talented performers from Japan and abroad. All manner of street performances unfold in the streets-juggling, magic, pantomime, acrobatics, and more-putting stunning performances right before your eyes. There are a variety of refreshment stands, so visitors can eat as they stroll along.

"World Festa Yokohama" is an event worthy of this international city, with a full array of delicious food and folk crafts from all around the world. A fashion show of national costumes, dance shows from every country, and other live performances are held on stage, so you'll feel like you're taking a trip around the world. There are also plenty of interactive events, like national costume rental, an international cultural trivia competition, and a stamp collection event. There is something to interest everyone, from children to adults.