Tokyo-Atami Fireworks Festival

📍 Tokyo · 👁 10 reads

This year's Tanabata falls during the summer vacation. During the hottest time of the year, of course I had to go to Japan to see the fireworks festival I've always wanted to visit. As one of the most frequently featured summer activities, I couldn't even wait to recover from jet lag after returning from Europe before eagerly repacking my suitcase and heading to Japan.

The main itinerary this time was all in Tokyo. We did a city walk through the bustling streets of Shinjuku, photographed the iconic Tokyo Tower in the camera lens, and visited Zojoji Temple nearby, which offered a rare tranquility in Tokyo.

It took a lot of effort to plan the fireworks portrait photography. To get the best shots, we set off early to secure the best spot on the beach. Since the viewing area for the fireworks festival is quite far from where the fireworks are ignited and bloom, and it gets completely dark when the show starts, we fixed our camera position in advance to ensure the fireworks would be perfectly captured in the lens. With plenty of time before the show began, of course we went to explore the food stalls! This was a highlight of our Tokyo trip!

Most of Tokyo's lively attractions and streets are extremely crowded, and the subway stations are bustling with people. Apart from the fireworks festival and busy streets, we also wanted to find some小众 spots to discover more beautiful scenery and experiences.

With the gradual reopening of overseas travel, the wish list for Japan trips is finally being fulfilled, especially for Tokyo—the most popular shopping treasure trove. Not only is the selection comprehensive, but shopping malls and airports often have promotions. Women's desire to buy Japanese skincare products is bound to increase significantly. I myself felt a stronger urge to shop for cosmetics this time than ever before.

To make the most of the tail end of the holiday, I planned to book a kimono in advance and attend the Atami Fireworks Festival. Before departure, I prepared various outfits and also wanted to stock up on items I couldn't bring from home. While considering what type of skincare products to buy, I happened to hear from my best friend about Shiseido Travel Beauty's online beauty consultation service. Not only does it provide a free personal beauty partner (beauty consultant), but it also offers free online video consultations to give personalized professional skincare advice, helping me make more targeted choices for my skin condition. That way, I wouldn't be lost while shopping in Japan! I easily booked a video consultation on my phone and also learned that Narita Airport has a CPB boutique, which helped me make accurate choices about the products I needed and better understand my skin type. I highly recommend this to all my girlfriends going to Japan!

Before departing from China to Japan, I could book a free online video session in advance through Shiseido Travel Beauty's online beauty consultation, which is a free personalized skincare and makeup consultation service. The consultant is Chinese. Since I had a stocking-up plan this time, I definitely wanted to consult first! On the page, I selected options corresponding to my skin concerns, like a questionnaire, choosing items for skincare and makeup according to my needs. Then I booked my consultation time on the website. After successfully booking on my phone, I just remembered to open the video link on time for the consultation! It's simple to operate and a very convenient way to book.

The booking was very popular, so I only managed to schedule a time while on my way to the airport before departure. So I decided to have the video call with the consultant in the car. But since I just needed to open the page on my phone, it was still very convenient!

When booking, I filled in that I have dry skin and selected products I was interested in. So before the consultation began, the consultant already knew my skin condition and preferences. Then she recommended a skincare plan tailored to my skin issues. For example, I focused on how to remove fine expression lines and how to hydrate more effectively. She not only recommended a CPB set that she thought was suitable for me but also demonstrated massage techniques and taught me skincare tips to get better results with less effort.

Most importantly, she thoughtfully provided the most cost-effective shopping plan for placing orders. It was so hassle-free. We didn't know this before and would just go straight to the airport for crazy shopping. But if I was interested in products recommended during the video, I could ask the consultant where to buy them at the best price, which airport counter to go to, and how to get the best deal. After booking, ordering would give an extra 5% discount! And there were also the free gifts with purchase that girls love! This thoughtful service added a touch of care to the busy trip. Even if I didn't need to stock up, just consulting about my skin condition was a great choice and experience.

This time I brought a long shopping list to Japan, and I also had tasks to buy CPB products for my friends. I definitely needed to restock at the airport store later, and I would have a special shopping experience to share!

Every time I come to Japan, the itinerary is rushed. This time I took a whole day to speed walk through the streets of Shinjuku. As the most prosperous commercial area in Japan, Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's urban cores, with complete commercial and entertainment facilities, many higher education institutions, and numerous large corporate headquarters. The transportation is very convenient because Shinjuku Station is one of the most important transportation hubs in the western part of the city, with several subway lines passing through.

The iconic intersection is always packed with people, flowing endlessly. The new landmark building—Kabukicho Tower—attracts a large crowd on the pedestrian street. We arrived during the day, and the streets were crowded with visitors, including many foreign tourists, making the already lively streets even more colorful.

Shopping, browsing, afternoon tea—amid the high-rise department stores, there are many specialty restaurants, vintage shops, and shopping centers. It would take days to explore them all.

The crosswalk at the big intersection is particularly photogenic. You can pose with exaggerated actions for memorable photos! Along the way, there were quite a few provocative promotional images. It was nice to wander around and soak in the atmosphere.

Kabukicho Ichibangai is really beautiful. Even a small street sign matches the colors of every corner of the city—authentic Japanese tones: white, gray, blue, low saturation. I spent my first day in Tokyo wandering aimlessly, taking in the sights.

I took photos and deliberately visited some小众 spots recommended, but mostly I just used my eyes to explore every cute corner of the city during a casual city walk.

The chain drugstores we entered were seriously out of stock, and they were very crowded. Even when we were shopping until nearly 11 PM, there were still groups of people crossing the street. Out of curiosity, I wanted to check out the street leading to Kabukicho, where there were girls standing outside maid cafes and a few strong guys on the street. My curious mindset instantly shifted to the late-night food alley with a vibrant nightlife atmosphere.

Although there are restrictions, be careful when taking street photos here!

All photos were taken in compliance with traffic rules~

Zojoji Temple, adjacent to Tokyo Tower, is a Pure Land Buddhist temple in Shiba Park, Minato, Tokyo. It is one of the Tokugawa family's mortuary temples under the Edo Shogunate. Known to many tourists, it houses numerous designated cultural properties and very special treasures.

The first thing we visited was the "Sanmon" (main gate), a striking vermilion structure that is both solemn and culturally rich. It is one of the oldest buildings in Tokyo, designated as an important cultural property of Japan, and is the largest gate in eastern Japan, awe-inspiring every visitor. The red walls and shadows naturally became our signature photo background, and I couldn't help taking several shots.

The tourist brochure shows the main hall with Tokyo Tower towering behind. In the basement, there is a treasure exhibition room displaying collections, preserved models, and many historically valuable exhibits.

Inside the temple grounds is the Ankoku-den, which enshrines a secret Buddha said to bring good fortune in victory. It is definitely worth a visit.

In the temple, you can build a small stone tower (small temple) to leave behind your attachments (karmic creditors, small animals you've eaten) for cultivation at the temple. In my heart, I still pray for world peace. Next to the temple is a group of small Jizo statues, used to pray for the protection of descendants. They are decorated very cutely.

Next to Zojoji Temple, you can notice a small path where cars are not allowed, but pedestrians and cyclists can pass. However, it is crowded and is a particularly good angle for photos. Zojoji Temple was a pleasant surprise on this Tokyo trip. It has few tourists, making it perfect for a quiet stroll. Its location is convenient, within walking distance to Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park. The tree-lined path is surprisingly tranquil amidst the bustling city.

To get here, take the Toei Subway Mita Line to "Mita" Station, then walk about 3 minutes.

Tokyo Tower on a sunny day is incredibly photogenic. Sunlight is indeed the best filter. This time we visited three photo spots and got more photos than could fit in a nine-grid. The popular staircase angle can be found by searching "Tofuya Ukai" directly; it's opposite the restaurant. When we came at noon, there weren't many people, but by the time we waited in line, it was very crowded. This spot requires ample sunlight for the best shots! Professional equipment works too, but it's also recommended to queue on a cloudy day.

I sincerely want to say, ladies, when taking photos, please manage your time. Some tourists are quite frustrating—even with a long line, they keep taking photos endlessly. But when you're abroad, it's already satisfying to get the shots you worked hard for. There are more scenic spots worth visiting ahead.

Inside Shiba Park, there is a large lawn. Going further in, you'll find a more open angle, perfect for capturing iconic scenes. Tokyo Tower itself brings the atmosphere of Japanese drama storylines and is an irreplaceable landmark, contrasting sharply with modernity. Many classic scenes come to mind. It seems I'll revisit those classics when I get home. The casually elegant composition is quite addictive. The beauty of the architectural design captured in the lens leaves a lasting impression.

Finally, the romantic promise that Teacher Oskar owed me for years was fulfilled at this Atami Fireworks Festival. It had been postponed repeatedly due to limited travel conditions. We had long agreed that once restrictions lifted, we would make up for the missed fireworks festival.

Coming to Atami just to see the sea would be boring; it must be paired with a grand fireworks festival to make it a healing trip. The weather that day was amazing—the sky was so blue it looked unreal, without a single cloud. The temperature was very high, and the journey was tiring. But it was still a highly anticipated event. I dressed up early, put on my kimono, and headed to the fireworks venue. This hairstyle tutorial was truly my signature look.

I don't recommend taking a car; so many people were heading to the fireworks festival, causing heavy traffic. Unless you leave very early, we arrived four hours early. After arriving, we first secured our spot on the best beach spot (we laid a mat on the sand with a bottle of cola on it), then went to the stalls to enjoy lots of delicious food. On such a hot day, of course we had ice cream—cool, rich, and smooth. It was so happy that I felt like stomping my feet!

The experience of watching from the beach was truly special. The seaside was packed with people. I had been waiting so long for this summer fireworks show. When they started blooming, my heart pounded with excitement. I was moved by the scene before me. Golden meteors streaked across the sky, leaving trails. Although I had seen fireworks before, watching them with my husband was very special—full of love, romance, and mutual expectations. This is what love should look like, and it will definitely become the most beautiful memory between me and Oskar.

The seaside fireworks festival was the last stop of the trip. Listening to the waves, counting down together, the fireworks reflected on the sea surface were incredibly beautiful. The final burst of fireworks was the most intense, blooming across the night sky like cherry blossoms in full bloom. This summer started with pink and ended with pink. It was truly perfect.

This time, I saved my restocking for the return trip to the airport. I needed to buy gifts for friends as well as restock my own skincare products, so I set aside plenty of shopping time.

Of course, before the trip started, I had already been introduced to CPB products through Shiseido Travel Beauty's online beauty consultation while in China. The CPB boutique's dedicated beauty consultant recommended the airport store, so I went there first to ask about the CPB set that was very suitable for my current needs. Coincidentally, I happened to meet her in the store. She offered to help me try the products. Not only her, but all the staff at the CPB boutique were very enthusiastic!

The consultant gave me a small test. After using this serum, my skin's penetration and whitening ability improved miraculously. I put my two hands together for comparison. You could clearly see the difference in my left hand.

The enthusiastic lady also introduced the most尖端 makeup at the CPB counter, which felt very futuristic—a virtual makeup try-on device. This oval display table not only allowed customers to observe products directly but also made it easy to choose. It was surrounded by testers, and there were two machines for cosmetics: one for selecting foundation based on skin tone and type, and another for simulating similar shades to see the effect. CPB lipsticks, eyeshadows—everything was available. I really enjoyed this fun makeup simulation experience.

Of course, if needed, the beauty consultant would apply products directly on my face. I had been hesitant about the difference between CPB's makeup base and foundation, so she applied one on each side of my face for comparison. Just one try helped me know which one suited me better. She also explained the technique for applying base makeup, so I now know how to achieve the best fit for my skin.

As for the makeup section, it was also a delightful experience. At the counter, they asked my preferred color range and recommended a popular CPB product. Then they taught me how to use it. Girls love makeup tutorials! Following this counterclockwise order step by step, even beginners can easily master it, and the makeup effect is excellent.

I was particularly attracted to this CPB eyeshadow. The eye makeup looked so youthful and instantly made the eyes appear more three-dimensional. Of course, it's already in my shopping basket, along with a matching set and other products, plus free samples. Using Shiseido Travel Beauty's online beauty consultation truly made this shopping trip very rewarding.

Next summer, we will come to Tokyo again as promised, revisiting our shared memories and watching the grand fireworks festival. I wonder how we will feel and experience it differently. Of course, every time I come to Japan to stock up in the future, I will follow the same hidden consultation guide to make the shopping trip worthwhile. This unmissable summer Tokyo collection awaits you ladies to unlock one by one.

Travelogue Directory:

1. Shinjuku Streets

2. Zojoji Temple

3. Tokyo Tower

4. Atami Fireworks Festival

5. Shopping Time

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