Dandelion clock and wild grass (Photo: Cathy Cawood)

Lake Yamanaka Fireworks Festival

Huge blossoms of fire at the foot of Mount Fuji

Cathy Cawood   - 1 min read
Venue : Lake Yamanaka When : Early Aug 2024

The Japanese word for firework is hanabi. Hana means 'flower' and bi means 'fire'. On 1st of August I went to see flowers of fire blooming in the firework festival at Lake Yamanaka. Before the fireworks I saw a beautiful sunset with Mount Fuji reflected in the lake. As the light faded, small torches made of drink cans were lit all along the lakeside. Barges carrying the fireworks were towed into the lake. Finally the show began at 8 o'clock, and for a brief hour huge fire-flowers bloomed at four different points around the lake.

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Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

 I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...