What scenery comes to mind when you hear "Kamakura in summer"?
Lush green mountains and historic temples and shrines.
The Enoden train slowly traversing the town.
The vast blue sea and the sunset beach.
And the grand fireworks blooming across the night sky.
The Kamakura Fireworks Festival attracts many visitors every year.
In 2026, it is scheduled to be held on Friday, July 10.
Last year, unfortunately, the event was canceled due to high waves and strong winds.
Therefore, this year marks the first time the festival will be held in two years, and it is expected to be a day eagerly awaited by many.
The Kamakura Fireworks Festival: 78 years of history
The Kamakura Fireworks Festival began in 1948 (Showa 23), just three years after the end of the war.
It started with the desire to console the war dead and to bring hope and cheer to the people who were beginning to rebuild their lives.
This year marks the 78th festival. Even as times change, the tradition of many people gathering on the same beach in summer to gaze at the night sky has been passed down.
People who come with family.
People laughing with friends.
People quietly waiting for the fireworks with loved ones.
Each person's summer memories gradually accumulate on this beach.
Knowing this history, the fireworks festival feels less like an event and more like a part of the summer scenery that colors Kamakura.
Wake up a little early and head to Kamakura in the morning
On the day of the Kamakura Fireworks Festival, Kamakura Station and the Enoden line become extremely crowded as evening approaches.
Long queues form at restaurants, people start reserving spots on the beach to watch the fireworks, and the entire town gradually transforms into a summer festival atmosphere.
If you want to leisurely enjoy Kamakura, it is recommended to arrive in the morning.
In the morning, Kamakura still has a relaxed pace.
Enjoying breakfast at cafes and restaurants that open early and starting your day slowly is a luxury unique to this time.
At the Aomono Market, known as Renbai (Kamakura City Agricultural Cooperative Federation Immediate Sale), which opens at 8 AM, farmers display freshly picked vegetables, attracting locals and chefs from nearby restaurants to shop.
The aroma of freshly baked bread hangs in the air, and locals on bicycles go about their morning errands—a morning scene unlike the bustling tourist hours. This is a time to experience the tranquil side of the town.
Today, let's walk through Kamakura on the day of the fireworks festival with Tamaki.
"It's a fireworks festival today, so it'll probably get crowded in the evening, won't it?"
Muttering this, Tamaki woke up a little earlier than usual and headed to Kamakura.
"Where should I go?"
The freedom to walk around without a strict schedule, simply following your mood, is one of the charms of visiting in the morning.
Kamakura Weather in July
As I slowly walked through the town, soaking in the atmosphere of Kamakura, the gentle aroma of brewing coffee wafted by.
Next to long-loved shops, small galleries and雑貨店 lined the streets, and wandering into an interesting alley often led to unexpected sights—that's Kamakura for you.
Walking along Yuigahama Street, Tamaki was thinking about what she was wearing today.
"I wonder if this outfit was just right."
After walking for a while, she felt the sun was stronger than she had expected.
Nevertheless, thanks to choosing clothes made of breathable natural materials, the heat didn't bother her much.
For those visiting the Kamakura Fireworks Festival for the first time, you might be wondering, "What should I wear in Kamakura in July?"
In July, Kamakura often sees daytime temperatures exceeding 30℃, marking the peak of summer.
Since you'll be spending time walking under strong sunlight, it's recommended to wear breathable natural materials like thin cotton or linen, which dries quickly even when you sweat.
On the other hand, the beaches of Kamakura have their unique sea breeze. Even if it's hot during the day, a pleasant breeze starts to blow on the beach as evening approaches, and it can feel a little cool by the time you're waiting for the fireworks.
Tamaki wondered, "I should have brought a cardigan, or a light shirt. Or maybe a stole."
Thinking such thoughts, she stopped in front of a small shop, MAR, and went inside.
"I wonder if they have anything new in stock."
Without a large signboard, soft music played inside the quiet shop, displaying clothes made of natural materials and minimalistic accessories that didn't stand out too much.
It was a time to leisurely browse clothes at her own pace, unhurried by anyone.
Embraced by that comfort, Tamaki tried on a thin linen shirt in front of the mirror.
Then, she naturally pictured herself walking along the beach at dusk.
"With this, I think I can comfortably enjoy the evening sea breeze."
Thinking that, this single piece seemed even more appealing.
Clothes are not just for matching the day's schedule, but for feeling comfortable.
With that thought, Tamaki picked up her favorite piece and left the store.
"I have a feeling this will come in handy this evening."
She had that premonition.
Afternoon at the beach house. Yuigahama and Zaimokuza, each with its own charm.
Before I knew it, the clock had just passed noon.
The summer sun was even stronger than in the morning.
"It's time to head to the sea!"
As I started walking with that thought, a breeze carrying the scent of the tide gradually approached.
On her way to the sea, Tamaki paused for a moment.
Should I go to Yuigahama today? Or Zaimokuza?
Kamakura has two beaches next to each other, each with different charms.
Yuigahama Beach is Kamakura's representative beach. Unique beach houses line the shore, each with its own music, food, and interior design, creating a lively summer atmosphere.
It's the perfect place for friends to have fun and fully experience the summer vibe.
On the other hand, Zaimokuza Beach has a relatively more relaxed atmosphere compared to Yuigahama.
You often see locals strolling, reading, or simply enjoying their time while gazing at the sea.
If you want to enjoy the hustle and bustle of tourism, choose Yuigahama.
If you prefer to relax on a quiet beach, choose Zaimokuza.
Both have different charms, and being able to choose according to your mood is unique to Kamakura.
Today is the day of the fireworks festival. Tamaki decided to head to Yuigahama Beach, thinking, "Since I'm here, I want to fully enjoy the summer scenery."
A Relaxing Afternoon at the Beach House
Sitting on the terrace of the beach house, a blue sea stretched out before me.
Holding a cold drink and listening to the sound of the waves, the heat from walking gradually subsided.
"It's because we have this time that the time until the fireworks becomes even more special."
Tamaki and her friend exchanged glances and smiled gently.
After lunch, they decided to relax under a parasol.
They chatted about trivial things, dipped their feet in the sea to cool off. These simple moments slowly relaxed their minds.
Before they knew it, the sun was gradually tilting westward, and the evening air began to drift over the beach.
"Shall we take a shower soon and get ready for the fireworks?"
Tamaki stood up and started walking towards the beach house.
Preparing for the night with a shower at the beach house
After a refreshing shower at the beach house, my skin, which had been coated with the scent of the tide, felt light.
I styled my hair and put on my favorite earrings. I felt like a slightly different person than I was during the day.
When I returned to the beach, people waiting for the fireworks had already begun to spread out their mats.
The sky was starting to be dyed by the sunset.
The sun's intensity, so strong during the day, had softened, and the sea breeze gently caressed my cheeks.
Tamaki took out the shirt she had bought earlier and gently put it on.
"I'm glad I had it after all."
Such a small sense of relief seemed to contribute to the comfort of a summer night in Kamakura.
Linen Crew Neck Three-Quarter Sleeve Cardigan Natural
Watching fireworks on the beach
After getting ready, Tamaki said, "Since we're here, let's watch it on the beach today."
Nodding at her friend's suggestion, she headed down to the sand.
The center of the beach is crowded with many people every year, but if you walk a little further, the scenery changes slightly.
The Sakano-shita area on Yuigahama Beach and the area around Waga-e-jima on Zaimokuza Beach are hidden gems.
Depending on the crowd situation each year, you might be able to view the fireworks more leisurely there than closer to the center.
Tamaki and her friends also walked to the end of the beach and spread out their mat a little distance from the crowd.
As they spread out their mat and sat down, the sea breeze gently swept across their cheeks.
On the day of the fireworks festival, many people also watch from the roads along the coast.
However, waiting while sitting on the sandy beach has a slightly different kind of comfort.
Kamakura's Summer: A Tradition of 78 Years
The history of the Kamakura Fireworks Festival began in 1948 (Showa 23), just three years after the end of the war.
It was an event initiated with the desire to console the war dead and to bring hope and cheer to the people who were embarking on reconstruction.
This year marks the 78th festival. Even as times change and the cityscape transforms, the scene of many people gathering at this sea in summer to gaze at the same night sky has been passed down.
Families laughing together.
Students shoulder to shoulder with friends.
People reunited after a long time.
Each person visits this place with different thoughts.
But when the fireworks begin, everyone looks up at the same sky.
Thinking that such moments have continued for 78 times, Tamaki felt this scenery even more endearing.
Underwater Fireworks: A unique sight only found at sea
Eventually, the beach grew quiet.
The next moment, with a loud boom that resonated deep in the stomach, the first firework shot up into the night sky.
Tamaki was overwhelmed by its power.
Light spreading across the entire night sky.
Twinkling reflections on the water's surface.
"It was a good idea to watch it from the beach."
Being able to gaze up at the night sky without worrying about surroundings, and seeing the sea and night sky slowly merge into one landscape.
It was becoming one of the memories of this day.
And then, the highlight unique to the Kamakura Fireworks Festival, the underwater fireworks, began.
Underwater fireworks are launched from boats, creating a fan-like semi-circle on the water's surface.
This fantastical sight, like a giant flower blooming on the sea, is a beloved symbol of the Kamakura Fireworks Festival for many people.
Unlike fireworks that bloom high in the night sky, the light spreading across the water's surface reflects not only in the sky but also on the sea, a beauty that can only be seen in Kamakura with its sea.
"I'm so glad I came to Kamakura to see this view!"
Those words came to mind naturally, without her even speaking them aloud.
Enjoying the seasons enriches life
In our busy daily lives, we often only think about reaching our destination.
But perhaps sometimes it's good to pause and slowly feel the changing seasons.
Walking in your favorite clothes.
Laughing while feeling the sea breeze.
Enjoying a leisurely time.
And quietly gazing up at the fireworks spreading across the night sky.
Just having such a day makes everyday life a little richer.
This year, why not visit the Kamakura Fireworks Festival not just to see the fireworks, but with the goal of spending a summer day in the town of Kamakura?
Starting from the quiet morning streets, an afternoon spent by the sea, the evening sea breeze, and then the fireworks adorning the sea and night sky.
That day will surely become a precious memory you'll want to recall next summer.
Recommended Time Schedule for a Full Day at the Kamakura Fireworks Festival
Around 8:00 AM｜Arrive at Kamakura Station
Enjoy a light breakfast at a cafe. Experience the calm Kamakura unique to the morning.
Around 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM｜Stroll through town, visit favorite shops
Shop for Kamakura vegetables at Renbai, or peek into shops down alleys. It's recommended to walk without a fixed schedule.
Around 12:00 PM｜Head to the beach
At Yuigahama Beach, you can enjoy lively beach houses; at Zaimokuza Beach, you can enjoy a calmer seaside experience.
Around 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM｜Relax at the beach
Enjoy lunch at a beach house, relax under a parasol, or occasionally dip into the sea. This is your time to fully enjoy Kamakura's summer.
Around 3:30 PM｜Shower and get ready at the beach house
Rinse off sweat and sand, and prepare a light cover-up for the evening sea breeze.
Around 4:00 PM｜Wait for fireworks on the beach
Spread out your mat a little early and relax while watching the sky transition from dusk to night.
Around 7:20 PM – 8:10 PM｜Kamakura Fireworks Festival
Enjoy Kamakura's famous underwater fireworks and the fantastical lights reflected on the sea.
After the festival｜Head home while enjoying the lingering atmosphere
To avoid crowds, it's recommended to take some time to enjoy the lingering atmosphere on the beach.
The 78th Kamakura Fireworks Festival
Date and Time: Friday, July 10, 2026
※No reserve date
Viewing Manners: Due to Kamakura City's beach etiquette ordinance, drinking and smoking on the sand are prohibited.
