Summer in Japan means hanabi taikai (firework festivals), and if you¡¯re unprepared you may find your night quickly fizzling out.

When arriving at a fireworks spot by train, make sure to charge your Suica or Pasmo card, or buy a return ticket for the journey home in advance. The last thing you want to do is end a fun night waiting in line to get a ticket.

It starts to get busy about two hours before the fireworks begin. You can beat the crowd by arriving even earlier, and use the extra time to enjoy the numerous food and activity vendors ¡ª there will often be traditional snacks such as kakigori (shaved ice) or games like kingyo-sukui (goldfish scooping).

Don¡¯t spend too long with the vendors, though; secure a fireworks-viewing spot before the crowds hit. Must-have items include picnic mats (to secure your seat), mosquito-spray and a pack of tissues for the public bathrooms. You¡¯ll likely sit and wait on the picnic mat for a while, so bring some extra cushions, a deck of cards and packed food to alleviate any boredom ¡ª especially if you have children.

For those who don¡¯t have the patience to secure a good spot, an alternative is to purchase reserved seats. Many popular firework festivals, including the Sumida River and Makuhari Beach events, provide this service. Prices vary, but on average it will set you back around ?3,000. For the Itabashi festival, reserved seating areas are expensive and cost ?28,000, but that includes fancy chairs with armrests and tables to enjoy dinner. Although seemingly pricey at first, remember that a group can buy one ticket and just split the cost.

If you are still unsure of the best way to enjoy a fireworks festival, joining a package tour may be your best option. What is great about these tours is that a bus will pick you up from your nearest train station. All of the tour packages promise prime locations to view the fireworks, but each include distinct features in their plans. That might be dinner, a walking tour of the area or even a romantic evening on a cruise ship.

Plan ahead and your big night will go off with a bang.

For highlights of the summer¡¯s fireworks festivals, see The Japan Times City Guide.