June marks the beginning of the nightly firework displays (Hanabi-Taikai) throughout Japan. This tradition was started in the Edo period (1603~1867) when two rival fireworks companies held nightly fireworks displays as a way of showing off. During the hot and humid summer months these displays are a great reason to gather with friends and a relaxing site for the elderly to view before sleeping. The fireworks displays are not limited to large companies anymore. It is common for a group of friends to spend a breezy summer evening on the beach lighting their own fireworks and drinking on the beach.

June also marks the beginning of a summer full of festivals (Natsu Matsuri). Each neighbourhood or city has a summer festival at the local shrine. The women come dressed in a summer kimono (Yukata) holding a Japanese fan (Uchiwa) and the men wear short kimono coats (Happi) and headbands (Hachimaki). The young men of the neighbourhood carry a portable shrine (Mikoshi) on their shoulders while shouting "Washoi! Washoi!" The evening progresses to other activities such as dancing, karoke, eating, and drinking. The children can find an array of traditional carnival type games, such as the Japanese yo-yo. Each neighbourhood has a festival during the summer months.