Misty Fujii is a Canadian who moved to Osaka, Japan, in 2019 and married her Japanese sweetheart. In 2022, they had a baby and moved to Fukui for the clean country air. She is a DJ who teaches English part-time and writes to share Japan with the world. She gets excited about collecting vintage vinyl records, food from all countries, travelling, and renovating her traditional Japanese house.
This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may receive some commission, at no extra cost to you.
When you imagine a Japanese summer, it’s easy to picture the scorching days, buzzing cicadas, and the unmistakable glow of festivals and fireworks. These festivals, a centuries-old tradition, are as much a symbol of summer as the heat itself! But believe it or not, fireworks weren’t always about celebrating. Back in the day, they were used to scare away evil spirits; luckily, things have changed today. Now, with booming sounds and mind blowing visuals, these festivals are a sensory overload in the best way possible, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Planning a trip to Japan in the summer? Make sure to include the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival in your itinerary. This spectacular event, held on August 2nd and 3rd, is not your average fireworks show. It’s a grand display of over 20,000 fireworks exploding over the Shinano River, creating a visual feast you won’t find anywhere else.
Read on for the ultimate guide to the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival and what makes it so special, so you can start planning your visit now!
What Makes Nagaoka Unique
Nagaoka, a city just a 90-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo, is the place to be for an epic fireworks show. This Niigata gem isn’t just known for its legendary rice and fresh seafood (although those are worth the trip alone!); it boasts a fireworks festival that’ll leave you and many other people speechless.
How many other people do you ask? Over a MILLION! That’s right, over a million people gather yearly to witness the dazzling two-hour display of over 20,000 fireworks here. Settle in on the riverbank and prepare to be wowed as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors. The sky-high display shows off jaw-dropping shapes (like a replica of the famous Canadian landmark Niagara Falls!) and a show so spectacular that it’ll leave you starry-eyed and maybe even a little teary-eyed, too (more about that in a moment). This is not just a fireworks show, it’s an experience that will stay with you forever.
Using a unique arrangement of spectator seats on both sides of the Shinano River and massive mortars unique to this festival, you can witness large-scale fireworks that can be seen from all directions. This includes the emotional climax that leaves spectators in awe as the lights mimic a phoenix dancing across a vast 2 kilometers of sky. During this part of the performance, fireworks erupt in perfect time to the music as a tribute to the region’s resilience after a devastating earthquake. This powerful combination of music and light leaves many attendees teary-eyed in testament to this one-of-a-kind festival’s beauty and emotional depth.
During the day, the festival is also full of life. Taiko drums pound a rhythm, dancers move in a flurry of color, and elaborate floats weave through the streets. Don’t miss all the festival food, too! It’s a full-on cultural immersion that’ll have you moving your feet and snapping pics. Then, as night falls, the real magic begins!
History of the Festival
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival holds a profound and moving place in Japanese history. It wowed crowds for nearly 60 years back in the Meiji period until World War II forced its cancellation. Then, at the height of WWII in 1945, a brutal nighttime airstrike destroyed Nagaoka City. Over 1,400 lives were lost, and the city lay in ruins.
But Nagaoka’s spirit wouldn’t be extinguished! Just a year later, on the anniversary of the bombing, they held the “War Damage Restoration Festival.” It was a night to remember the fallen, a time to pray for healing, and ignited a spark of hope for rebuilding the city. The dazzling fireworks returned in 1947 as a symbol of resilience and have only grown bigger and better with each passing year.
Today, the Nagaoka Festival, as it’s now known, is an annual tradition. It honors war victims, prays for peace and prosperity, and commemorates the 2004 earthquake that struck the region. The spirit of this festival extends far beyond Japan’s borders, too. Every year, fireworks illuminate the Hawaiian sky on the same night, a powerful symbol of remembrance and the enduring bond between nations.
How to Get There
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival offers convenient access for both train and car travelers.
By Train:
This is the easiest and most recommended way to reach Nagaoka from Tokyo and beyond. The Joetsu Shinkansen goes from Tokyo Station directly to Nagaoka Station. The festival site is located within a 20-minute walk from the station.
By Car:
To drive, exit the Kanetsu Expressway at the Nagaoka interchange. While driving is an option, navigating festival parking can be challenging! Additionally, you can expect heavy traffic in and around the festival, especially after the fireworks display, so make sure to have lots of extra time if you’re coming by car.
How to Buy Tickets
Forget fighting for elbow room! The Nagaoka fireworks are legendary, and the crowds reflect that. To snag a free spot on the riverbank, be prepared to arrive early; people start claiming the best free seats hours before the official start.
Want the ultimate VIP experience? Score some Grand Tickets! These premium seats offer a comfortable and unobstructed view of the dazzling display. But be warned; these sell out fast, so snag yours from here as early as May to secure your spot.
Where to Stay
There are various accommodation options from business hotels around the train station to fancy onsen escapes. For a convenient and comfortable stay that lets you focus on the festival, we recommend the following:
Guest House Machiyado
This affordable and comfortable hostel has beds in shared dormitories, similar to a capsule hotel but with a little more breathing room. It’s close to the station, perfect for budget travelers or anyone curious about the capsule experience. Plus, they rent bikes to explore the city or zip to the festival.
Book here
Hotel New Otani Nagaoka
For more privacy, check out the Hotel New Otani Nagaoka, which has private rooms and bathrooms. It’s a business hotel, so the rooms aren’t huge or ultramodern, but they are comfortable and equipped with everything you need for an easy stay. The hotel is also a stone’s throw from Nagaoka station and has the added convenience of an onsite bar and restaurant.
Book here
Nagaoka Grand Hotel
Nagaoka Grand Hotel is a stone’s throw from the station and offers a slightly more all-encompassing stay with on-site restaurants, a beauty salon, and banquet halls. The hotel itself faces a park, which means a quiet rest. The rooms are similar to business hotel-sized but offer all the amenities for a comfortable crash pad before, during, and after the fireworks festival!
Book here
Other Facts about Nagaoka
There’s a lot going on in Nagaoka beyond the epic fireworks festival! With delicious cuisine, traditional crafts, stunning landscapes, historical sites, and plenty of culture, visitors can sink their teeth into a lot. Here are a few tidbits that any visitor to Nagaoka should know:
Resilience Runs Deep: Nagaoka rose from the ashes after a devastating earthquake in 2004. This spirit of perseverance is woven into the city fabric and celebrated in the fireworks festival.
Old Meets New: History buffs will love the traditional festivals and heritage sites. At the same time, tech enthusiasts will geek out over the innovative Nagaoka University of Technology, a hotbed for cutting-edge research and development.
Foodie Paradise: Nagaoka is known for its top-notch rice, sake breweries, and fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. Make sure to try local specialties like the Nagaoka ramen and Hagi soba.
Arts and Crafts Mecca: Nagaoka boasts a 400-year-old lacquerware and silk weaving tradition. It’s also a host city for the renowned Echigo-Tsumari Triennale, which showcases mind-blowing art installations throughout the region.
Stunning Nature: From the majestic Echigo Mountains to the calming Shinano River, Nagaoka offers an enchanting escape for nature lovers. Hike, bike, or simply soak in the serene beauty.
Other Festivals and Attractions: If you can’t make it to August’s fireworks festival, Nagaoka hosts the Nagaoka Snow Festival in winter! Admire the incredible snow sculptures and hit the slopes for some winter fun. History buffs can explore the Nagaoka Castle Ruins to glimpse into the city’s past, while beer lovers can raise a glass at the Nagaoka Grand Koshinetsu Brewery. Marine enthusiasts won’t want to miss The Teradomari Aquarium, teeming with underwater wonders.
There’s a lot to see and do in this charming city. Come to Nagaoka for the fireworks festival and stay for any of the above reasons!
Japan Wonder Travel Tours
Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!
In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help!
▶Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour
Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides!
▶Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.
▶Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo
Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.
▶Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured!
Happy traveling!
Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Every week we will introduce you to our latest content.
