When you think of Kamakura in the summer, what scenery comes to mind?
Lush green mountains and historic temples and shrines.
The Enoden train running leisurely through the town.
The vast blue ocean and the beach at twilight.
And, large fireworks blooming across the night sky.
The Kamakura Fireworks Festival is an event that draws many visitors every year.
In 2026, it is scheduled to be held on Friday, July 10.
Unfortunately, last year's event was canceled due to high waves and strong winds.
Because of that, this year marks the first time in two years it will be held, and it promises to be a day that many have been looking forward to.
The Kamakura Fireworks Festival, a 78-year tradition
The Kamakura Fireworks Festival began in 1948, just three years after the end of the war.
It started with the wish to pray for the souls of the war dead and to bring hope and cheer to the people who had begun their walk toward recovery.
This year marks the 78th festival. Even as times have changed, the tradition of many people gathering on the same beach every summer to look up at the night sky has been passed down.
People coming with their families.
Friends laughing together.
Those waiting quietly for the fireworks with their loved ones.
Each person’s summer memories are gradually accumulating on this beach.
Knowing this history makes one feel that the fireworks festival is not just an event, but a piece of the landscape that colors a Kamakura summer.
Wake up a little early and head to Kamakura
On the day of the Kamakura Fireworks Festival, Kamakura Station and the Enoden become crowded rapidly as evening approaches.
Long lines form at restaurants, people begin claiming spots on the beach to watch the fireworks, and the whole town slowly transforms into the atmosphere of a summer festival.
If you want to enjoy Kamakura at a leisurely pace, arriving in the morning is recommended.
A relaxed pace of time still flows through Kamakura in the morning.
Enjoying breakfast at a café or restaurant that opens early in the morning and starting your day slowly is a luxury unique to this time.
At the farmers' market known as Renbai (Kamakura City Agricultural Cooperative Direct Sales), which opens at 8:00 a.m., farmers line up fresh vegetables harvested that morning, and local residents and chefs from nearby restaurants come to shop.
The scent of freshly baked bread drifts in the air, and locals on bicycles pass by—a typical morning scene.
Unlike the time of day when it is bustling with tourists, this is a time when you can encounter the calm expression that this town usually shows.
Today, let’s walk through Kamakura on the day of the fireworks festival with Tamaki.
"It's the fireworks festival today, so I bet it'll be crowded by evening."
Muttering this, Tamaki woke up a little earlier than usual and headed to Kamakura.
"Where should I go?"
One of the charms of arriving in the morning is that you can walk around according to your mood that day without a detailed schedule.
Linen Gathered Waist Dress Blue
The climate of Kamakura in July
As I was walking slowly through the town, feeling the air of Kamakura, the scent of brewing coffee wafted by.
Next to long-loved shops, small galleries and general stores line the streets, and it is typical of Kamakura to find unexpected scenery if you wander into an intriguing alleyway.
Walking along Yuigahama-dori Street, Tamaki was thinking about her outfit for the day.
"I wonder if this outfit was the right choice."
Shortly after she started walking, the sun felt stronger than she had anticipated.
Even so, thanks to choosing breathable natural fabrics, the heat didn't bother her too 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 is entering the height of summer, with many days seeing maximum temperatures exceed 30°C.
Since you will spend time walking under the strong sun, outfits made of breathable natural materials, such as lightweight cotton or linen that dries easily even when you sweat, are recommended.
On the other hand, there is the sea breeze unique to Kamakura by the shore. Even if it's hot during the day, a pleasant breeze begins to blow on the beach toward dusk, and you may feel a bit cool by the time you are waiting for the fireworks.
Tamaki thought, "I should have brought a cardigan, a light shirt, or perhaps a stole."
While thinking this, she stopped in front of a small shop called MAR and went inside.
"I wonder if they have anything new in."
Without any large signs, the quietly standing interior features calm music playing, with clothes made of natural materials and minimalist accessories that don't draw too much attention.
A time to look at clothes slowly at your own pace without being rushed by anyone.
Wrapped in that comfort, Tamaki tried on a thin linen shirt in front of the mirror.
In an instant, she naturally imagined herself walking along the beach at twilight.
"With this, I could spend the evening sea breeze comfortably."
Thinking this, the piece felt even more attractive to her.
Clothes are not just for matching your plans for the day, but for spending your time comfortably.
Thinking such things, Tamaki picked up her favorite piece and left the shop.
"I have a feeling this will come in handy this evening."
She had a hunch.
Head to the beach house during the day. Different ways to enjoy Yuigahama and Zaimokuza
Before I knew it, the time was just past noon.
The summer sun is more powerful than it was in the morning.
"Let's head to the beach soon!"
Thinking this and starting to walk, the breeze containing the scent of the tide gradually drew closer.
On the way to the sea, Tamaki paused for just a moment.
Should she go to Yuigahama today? Or maybe Zaimokuza?
Kamakura has two beaches that, while neighboring, have different charms.
Yuigahama Beach is the representative beach of Kamakura. Distinctive beach houses line the shore, each with a focus on music, food, and interior design, filled with a summery bustle.
It is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy the day with friends and soak up the summer atmosphere to the fullest.
On the other hand, Zaimokuza Beach has a relatively more relaxed air compared to Yuigahama.
You can often see locals taking walks, reading, or spending time as they please while looking out at the sea.
If you want to enjoy the bustle of sightseeing, choose Yuigahama.
If you want to spend time leisurely on a quiet beach, choose Zaimokuza.
Both have different charms, and being able to choose based on your mood that day is something unique to Kamakura.
Today is the day of the fireworks festival. Tamaki decided to head to Yuigahama Beach, thinking, "I want to fully enjoy the summery scenery since I'm here."
A leisurely afternoon at the beach house
Sitting on the terrace of the beach house, the blue sea spread out before her eyes.
Listening to the sound of the waves with a cold drink in hand, the heat in her body from walking began to ease.
"It's because of this time that the wait for the fireworks feels even more special."
Tamaki looked at her friend and smiled gently.
After lunch, they decided to relax under a parasol.
Chatting about trivial things or cooling off by just dipping their feet in the sea. Such casual moments slowly unwind the heart.
Before she knew it, the sun was tilting westward, and the scent of evening began to drift onto the beach.
"Shall we go take a shower and get ready for the fireworks soon?"
Tamaki stood up and began walking toward the beach house.
Preparing for the evening with a shower at the beach house
After freshening up in the beach house shower, her skin, which had been coated in the scent of the tide, felt lighter.
Fixing her hair and putting on her favorite earrings. She felt as if she had become a slightly different person than she was during the day.
Returning to the beach, people waiting for the fireworks were starting to spread out their sheets as they pleased.
The sky was beginning to be dyed in sunset colors.
The sun, which had been so strong during the day, had softened, and the breeze blowing from the sea caressed her cheeks comfortably.
Tamaki took out the shirt she had purchased earlier and gently draped it over her shoulders.
"It's good I have this after all."
That small sense of security seemed to contribute to the comfort of the evening spent in Kamakura in summer.
Linen Crew Neck 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan Natural
Watching the fireworks on the sand
Having finished her preparations, Tamaki said, "Let's watch from the sand today, since we're here."
Nodding at her friend's suggestion, she stepped down onto the beach.
The center of the beach is crowded with many people every year, but if you walk a little, the scenery changes slightly.
The Sakanoshita area for Yuigahama Beach, or the area around Wakae Island for Zaimokuza Beach, are hidden gems.
Depending on how crowded that year is, you can sometimes watch in relative comfort compared to the center.
Tamaki and her friend also headed toward the end of the beach and spread their sheet in a place a little away from the crowd.
Once she spread her sheet and sat down, the sea breeze gently passed by her cheeks.
On the day of the fireworks festival, many people watch from the coastal road.
But the time spent sitting on the sand waiting has a slightly different kind of comfort.
A Kamakura summer passed down for 78 years
The history of the Kamakura Fireworks Festival began in 1948, just three years after the end of the war.
It was an event that began with the wish to pray for the souls of the war dead and to send hope and cheer to the people working toward recovery.
This year marks the 78th festival. Even as times have changed and the townscape has altered, the landscape of many people gathering at this sea in the summer to look up at the same night sky has been passed down.
Families laughing together.
Students shoulder-to-shoulder with friends.
People who haven't met in a long time reuniting.
Each person visits this place with different thoughts in mind.
But once the fireworks begin, everyone looks up at the same sky.
Thinking that such moments have continued for 78 years, Tamaki felt this scenery become even more precious.
Underwater fireworks you can only encounter because it's the sea
Before long, the beach becomes quiet.
The next moment, with a loud sound that resonates deep in your stomach, the first firework is launched into the night sky.
Tamaki was overwhelmed by its impact.
Light spreading across the entire night sky.
The glimmer reflected on the surface of the sea.
"I'm glad we decided to watch from the beach."
The scenery where you can look up at the night sky without worrying about your surroundings, and where the sea and the night sky slowly become one.
It was becoming one of the memories of this day.
Then, the underwater fireworks, a unique highlight of the Kamakura Fireworks Festival, began.
Firework shells are thrown from a boat into the sea, spreading out in a fan shape to draw a semicircle on the water's surface.
This fantastic scene, looking as if large flowers have bloomed on the water, is beloved by many as a seasonal tradition representative of the Kamakura Fireworks Festival.
Unlike fireworks that bloom high in the night sky, the light spreading across the water's surface reflects not only in the sky but on the surface of the sea—a beauty that can only be seen because Kamakura has the sea.
"I'm glad I came to Kamakura to see this view!"
Those words didn't just come to her mind naturally; she hadn't spoken them to anyone.
Enjoying the seasons is what makes life rich
In our busy daily lives, we end up thinking only about getting to our destination.
But sometimes, it might be good to have days where we pause and slowly feel the changing of the seasons.
Walking in your favorite clothes.
Laughing together while feeling the sea breeze.
Enjoying a slow and relaxed time.
And quietly looking up at the fireworks spreading across the night sky.
Just by having a day like that, every day becomes a little bit richer.
For this year's Kamakura Fireworks Festival, why not visit with the goal of spending a summer day in the town of Kamakura, rather than just going to watch the fireworks?
Starting with the quiet streets in the morning, the afternoon spent on the beach, the evening sea breeze, and the fireworks coloring the sea and night sky.
That day will surely become a precious memory that you will want to look back on again next summer.
Recommended time schedule for enjoying a day at the Kamakura Fireworks Festival
Around 8:00｜Arrival at Kamakura Station
Have a light breakfast at a café. Enjoy the calm Kamakura that is unique to the morning.
Around 9:00 - 12:00｜Walking the town and visiting favorite shops
Buy Kamakura vegetables at Renbai, peek into shops in the alleys. It is recommended to walk without setting a fixed time.
Around 12:00｜Heading to the sea
You can enjoy lively beach houses at Yuigahama Beach, or a calm seaside time at Zaimokuza Beach.
Around 12:30 - 15:00｜Spending time leisurely at the sea
Enjoy lunch at a beach house, relax under a parasol, and enter the sea from time to time. This is the time to fully enjoy a Kamakura summer.
Around 15:30｜Shower and prep at the beach house
Wash off sweat and sand, and prepare a light outer layer in preparation for the evening sea breeze.
Around 16:00｜Waiting for the fireworks on the beach
Spread out your sheet a little early and spend time leisurely while watching the sky transition from twilight to night.
Around 19:20 - 20:10｜Kamakura Fireworks Festival
Enjoy Kamakura's famous underwater fireworks and the fantastic light reflecting on the sea surface.
After it ends｜Heading home while enjoying the afterglow
To avoid crowds, it is also recommended to take some time and enjoy the afterglow on the beach.
78th Kamakura Fireworks Festival
Date and Time: Friday, July 10, 2026
*No backup date
Manners: Drinking and smoking on the sand are prohibited by the Kamakura City Beach Manners Ordinance.
