Oyama fireworks

"I want to see your pictures from the fireworks last night" - said no one ever.

Saturday was the annual fireworks festival here in Oyama, Japan. They close down a large bridge and several streets along the river. Food stalls line the area. Some people dress in yukata. And thousands of people show up to watch fireworks over the river.

A crowd filling a closed-off street in Oyama at dusk before the fireworks. — The streets along the river, closed to cars for the night.

It used to be held in the middle of summer. Hot. Sweaty. Oppressively hot. This year they officially moved it to October, and I have to say enormous upgrade. Cool air. Beautiful night. Fireworks over the river. It's one of my favorite local events every year.

And yes, I took pictures.

Red, green, and gold fireworks bursting over the river in Oyama, with their reflection in the water. — Fireworks over the Omoi River.