[Traditional Culture Experience] Enjoy Japanese Summer with "Oedo Botan" Sparklers!

Fireworks are one of Japan's quintessential summer traditions. While spectacular firework displays at festivals are magnificent, there's something uniquely captivating about senko hanabi (traditional sparklers) -- delicate sparks that you can quietly admire up close. Their beauty and fleeting nature have captivated Japanese hearts for generations.

Did you know that sparklers, with over 400 years of history, once completely disappeared from domestic production in Japan?

Due to price competition with foreign imports, shops producing sparklers continued to close one after another. In 1998, domestically-made sparklers - symbols of Edo culture that had been lovingly passed down since the Edo period - vanished entirely...

Learning of this tragedy, Tsunehiro Yamagata of Yamagata Shoten, our collaboration partner, was determined that "This cannot be allowed to happen. We must preserve Japan's sparkler tradition."

Mr. Yamagata traveled throughout the Mikawa region and beyond, visiting production areas and craftsmen to share his passion for Japanese tradition and sparklers. Inspired by his dedication to revival, Sansyu Kako in the Mikawa region (Aichi Prefecture) joined forces with him, and together they spent over two years bringing Oedo Botan back to life in 2000.

Committed to pure domestic production, skilled fireworks artisans carefully blend gunpowder by hand with heartfelt dedication, wrap it in hand-dyed Japanese paper, and twist each piece. Each individual sparkler has its own unique character and expression, with subtly different spark patterns and burn duration - making every Oedo Botan sparkler truly one-of-a-kind in the world.

 NOHGA Ueno has prepared this precious opportunity for guests to experience these Oedo Botan sparklers. Join us for this rare opportunity to experience these exceptional sparklers on our terrace.

<Senko Hanabi Sparkler Experience>

• Period: August 19, 26, September 2, 9, 16, 2025 / Each day from 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Location: 1F Terrace (Bistro NOHGA Terrace)
• Participation Fee: Free

　*Limited to hotel guests only

• Capacity: 15 people per day

　*First-come, first-served basis. Registration closes once capacity is reached.

• Additional Notes:

　*Event will be cancelled in case of bad weather. (Please inquire at the front desk regarding event status)

During the sparkler experience, we'll provide complimentary bottled ramune soda to help you cool down from the summer heat.

 

Classic ramune soda with its iconic marble that pops into the bottle - the nostalgic sound and taste make the perfect pairing with sparklers.

　

<The Art of Sparklers>

A pure Japanese sparkler's life unfolds like the stages of human existence.

It starts with Botan - a brilliant red fireball full of fresh energy. This evolves into Matsuba, with sparks flying wildly in all directions like unbridled youth. Then comes Yanagi, where the flame settles into graceful maturity, balancing power and elegance. Finally, Chiri-giku - the sparks slowly fade away one by one, like chrysanthemum petals falling gently to earth. At last, the fireball drops, leaving behind a soft, fading glow.

This beautiful transformation distills the aesthetic values that resonate deeply with the Japanese spirit: wabi-sabi (the beauty of imperfection), transience, and the bittersweet awareness of impermanence. These values are embodied in traditional Japanese fireworks, an art form treasured since the Edo period.

Botan: The spark ignites, forming a vibrant red fireball like fresh, new life

　

　

　

　

Matsuba: Sparks gain momentum, burning intensely like pine needles

　

　

　

　

Yanagi: The powerful sparks settle into quiet beauty with softened edges

　

　

　

　

Chiri-giku: Sparks slowly fade away, one by one, like falling chrysanthemum petals

　

　

　

　

　

How does this sound to you?

While summer in Japan can be intensely hot, we invite you to experience traditional Japanese culture and reflect on the legacy of Edo craftsmen.

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[Collaboration Partner Introduction]

■Yamagata Shoten

A long-established fireworks and toy wholesaler founded in 1914. Having overcome numerous challenges including the Great Kanto Earthquake and Tokyo air raids, the company has flexibly adapted its product offerings to changing times.

The fifth-generation owner collaborated with Sansyu Kako in Aichi Prefecture, a fireworks production area, to revive pure domestic sparklers that had become extinct in 1998. In 2000, they successfully brought them back as Oedo Botan, continuing to convey the atmosphere and culture of Japanese summer to the present day.

Location: 2-2-2 Kuramae, Taito-ku, Tokyo
https://www.hanabiya.co.jp/

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For inquiries, please contact the hotel main phone number : 03-5816-0211