Japan Day 2025 in Düsseldorf: When is the fireworks display and where can you see them?

Featuring traditional Japanese culture, modern pop culture, culinary delights, and a spectacular fireworks display, Japan Day attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Find out what to expect in 2025 here.

On May 24, Düsseldorf will once again be the venue for one of the largest festivals for Japanese culture and encounters in Europe.

The event begins in the morning and traditionally ends with a large fireworks display in the evening.

The colorful program starts at 11 a.m.

As usual, the festival stretches along the banks of the Rhine in Düsseldorf, from Burgplatz across the Rhine promenade to the State Parliament. The stages, booths, and activity areas are within walking distance of the Old Town.

Culinary experiences, traditional martial arts, music, dance, and much more – this year's Japan Day will once again offer a varied program spread across several stages and locations:

• Burgplatz (Main Stage) : The main stage features Japanese specialties such as ramen and Japanese beer. Düsseldorf's partner prefectures and the sponsors of Japan Day Düsseldorf/NRW will also be represented there.
• Reuterkaserne : A diverse selection of booths is dedicated to manga and anime. Offerings include artfully designed bento boxes, detailed figurines, and hand-painted drawings.
• Rhine Promenade: This area offers authentic insights into Japanese culture. Visitors can try on a traditional kimono or learn the art of ikebana. Drawing and language courses, as well as information about traveling to Japan, are also offered. Stalls selling Japanese accessories and handicrafts complement the offerings.
• Johannes-Rau-Platz: The Pop Culture Stage offers Japanese cuisine such as ramen and karaage bowls. There are also stalls selling cosplay accessories and official Japan Day products.
• Lower Rhine Wharf: At the lower Rhine Wharf, a diverse food court with German and Japanese food trucks invites you to enjoy. In addition to miso soups and ramen, German dishes with Japanese influences are also offered, such as special wraps or unusual ice cream creations.
• Meadow in front of the state parliament: Near the sports stage there are pop culture stalls as well as various food trucks and beverage carts.
• Market Square : This area is especially geared toward children and families and offers a diverse children's program and a variety of activities. German restaurants are also represented here.

This year, Japan Day is followed for the first time by Japan Week. The week includes numerous events and activities in Düsseldorf, such as museums and galleries offering special exhibitions, tours, and workshops on Japanese art, history, and culture, as well as clubs and music events celebrating modern Japanese pop culture.

A detailed overview of all exhibitors and stands can be found in the Japan Day digital flyer.

"Explore Japan – A Night Sky Full of Magic" The grand fireworks display is the crowning finale of Japan Day every year. Visitors can look forward to the colorful spectacle on Saturday evening in 2025. This time, it is expected to start around 11 p.m. , shortly after dusk.

The fireworks usually last about 25 minutes and are set off between the Oberkassel Bridge and the Rheinknie Bridge.

The fireworks can be seen clearly from both banks of the Rhine.