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Saturday, 21 June 2025, was the Summer Solstice (in Japanese, called: 夏至 "Geshi").  It was the longest day of the year, with around 14.5 hours of daylight.  Geshi is not a Japanese national holiday per se, but it is recognized by many as a date when the weather warms up with the waning of the Rainy Season (梅雨 "Tsuyu") and the approach of Summer.  During early July, many public beaches facing the Pacific Ocean will officially open for "seawater swimming" (海水浴 "Kai-sui-yoku").  Please see the link below for some more information on Japanese beach leisure activities.  July is also when many fireworks displays/festivals will occur.  In Japanese, fireworks are called: "Hana-bi" (花火), which literally translates to "flowers of fire".  Some notable fireworks events occur in the Yokosuka City and Miura Peninsula areas.  On 18 July, fireworks will be launched off of Yuigahama Beach in Kamakura.  Access to the famous Kamakura beach area is limited, with most people walking 15 minutes from the train station -- also, it gets really crowded.  A more convenient event, located closer to Yokosuka Navy Base, is the "Perry Festival & Fireworks" in the Kurihama District, on 02 August.  Going there by train (JR or Keikyu) or bus/taxi is recommended.  The festival commemorates the arrival of Commodore Perry & U.S. Navy "Black Ships" in 1853 (more details at the link below) -- and it offers a great chance to experience & enjoy a traditional Japanese carnival-type environment.  Finally, the U.S. Navy Base (CFAY) will usually launch some fireworks on/around the 4th of July holiday.  We hope you will have the chance to enjoy fireworks viewing while you live in Japan.           

Written by Goodfield

LINKS:

Ocean Beach Leisure 

https://us.iino.cc/blog/blog.html?eid=00176

Commodore Perry, "Black Ships" and Kurihama

https://us.iino.cc/blog/blog.html?eid=00058