Just short of 1 million spectators turned their gaze heavenward to watch the Sumida River Fireworks Festival on July 28.
Only a lucky few, however, were able to peer down on the spectacular display of pyrotechnics.
Visitors to the 634-meter Tokyo Skytree tower had an unobstructed view of the hour-and-a-half display from nearly eye level.
Tickets for the event were awarded in a drawing.
Some 950,000 people turned out to watch the fireworks.
Visitors to lucky enough to win tickets to Tokyo Skytree’s observation deck enjoy the clearest view of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival on July 28. (Kazuhiro Nagashima)
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