The fireworks at Sumida River is the largest firework display in Japan (in terms of the number of large-scale works launched up into the sky), but it is also the most terrible in terms of turnout, or the number of people who come to see. Virtually of the streets in the area where the fireworks are viewable becomes packed with people like a commuter train during rush hour!! :auch:
I'm sure almost all accessible building rooftops become packed with partying people. I have a friend who lives close to the fireworks launch site. Her condo and the rooftop of her building become packed with guests, both invited and otherwise.
I have heard of people making reservations at restaurants, boats, hotels, etc., in the area the year before, to make sure they have seats during the display. So you'll have to be prepared to be pushed and shoved to get a look. Actually, many people come early in the morning--or even the day before--to get space at viewing spots.
All for these reasons, I've been to the Sumida fireworks only once (in my adult life), thanks to this friend who allowed us to stay over at her condo. The rest, I just watch it on TV and go to local, smaller fireworks displays.
Fireworks displays during the period:
* July 23: Chofu Hanabi Taikai, starting 7:20 p.m. (closest railway station is Keio Tamagawa on the Keio Sagahihara line from Shinjuku)--10,000 shots
* July 25: Katsushika Noryo Hanabi Taikai, starting 6:15 p.m. (Shibamata Station, Keisei Kanamachi Line)--11,000 shots
* July 27: Adachi Hanabi Taikai, starting 7:15 p.m. (Kitasenju Station on Tobu, JR and Tokyo Metro lines)--10,700 shots
* July 29:
Sumida-gawa Hanabi Taikai, starting 7:15 p.m. (Asakusa & Honjo-Azumabashi stations)--20,000 shots
* July 29: Showa Kinen Park Hanabi Taikai, starting 7:15 p.m. (Tachikawa Station)--5000 shots
* July 29: Hachioji Hanabi Taikai, starting 7:00 p.m. (JR Nishi-Hachioji Station & Yamada Station on Keio Line)--3000 shots.
* Aug 1: Koto Hanabi Taikai, starting 7:30 p.m. (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Minamisuna Station)--3300 shots.
There are more in August, found in the link here (Japanese only):
http://www.yumenara.com/hanabidb/area/tokyo/
Be prepared to come early to get a viewing spot in all of these festivals!
