Lake Biwa Fireworks

Each August, the shore of Lake Biwa at Otsu hosts one of Kansai's great fireworks displays. The Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival sends around 10,000 shells over Japan's largest lake in a single hour, the bursts mirrored on the water and their thunder echoing off the surrounding mountains – a natural amphitheatre that gives the event its famous impact.

A signature of the festival is the large-calibre shells fired low across the lake at an angle, a technique distinctive to Lake Biwa, building to a grand finale of golden water fireworks that bloom on the surface and in the sky at once. Each year's programme is built around a theme, and recent editions have added drones and lasers to the fireworks.

One thing to know before visiting: this is not a casual drop-in event. Drawing several hundred thousand spectators, the area near the launch site is almost entirely paid reserved seating, bought in advance, and standing to watch along the shore is restricted. Anyone wanting a close view should book well ahead.

Tickets are sold in advance through the festival's official website and its ticketing partners, including convenience-store outlets and online platforms. Popular seats sell out early, so book well ahead.