Monkey Island Fireworks I

Summer fireworks are a tradition in Japan. Districts in and around Tokyo schedule their performances so that residents can see fireworks each weekend for six to eight weeks in the summer.

I went to a few shows this summer. Sarushima (猿島 - Monkey Island) was the most impressive. A private company sold a limited number of boat tickets -- less than 500 -- to a tiny island in the center of Yokosuka bay (横須賀港), the site of a major US military base south of Tokyo.

Barges in front of the island lit an incredible display of fireworks. The night was breezy and cool, and there was plenty of space on the beach. This is a true rarity at Japanese fireworks. Usually, cities cordon off a viewing area too small for the number of visitors. Crammed together in the sweltering humidity of a Tokyo summer can be torturous!