Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks: One of Japan's Three Great Fireworks Events

Held every year on August 2 and 3 in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks is one of Japan's three great fireworks displays, alongside Omagari in Akita and Tsuchiura in Ibaraki. Imbued with prayers for recovery from war damage and the Chuetsu Earthquake and for peace, these fireworks are not merely spectacular but strike deep into the hearts of those who watch. Set against the broad riverbed of the Shinano River, the sight of great blossoms of fire filling the night sky is overwhelming.

Fireworks Symbolising Recovery from War Damage

At the origin of the Nagaoka fireworks lies the air raid on Nagaoka of August 1, 1945. In this city where many lives were lost, fireworks began to be launched the following year in memory of the victims and with wishes for recovery. The all-white firework called "Shirogiku" (white chrysanthemum), which rings out before the main launches, is a symbol of repose for the souls of those who died in the war. The greatest distinguishing feature of this event is that it offers not only the "enjoyment" of fireworks but time to reflect on the preciousness of peace.

The Famous "Phoenix" and the Shosanshakudama

What best represents the Nagaoka fireworks is the "Recovery Prayer Fireworks Phoenix," which began with wishes for recovery from the Chuetsu Earthquake. Launched across a width of roughly 2 kilometres as though a phoenix were spreading its wings, its magnificent staging set to music draws great cheers from the crowd. In addition, the "shosanshakudama," which opens to a diameter of about 650 metres, is a giant shell unique to Nagaoka, filling the night sky along with a roar that shakes the air.

Viewing from Both Banks of the Shinano River

The venue is the riverbed near the Chosei Bridge and the Ote Ohashi Bridge over the Shinano River, with viewing seats set up on both the left and right banks. Paid viewing seats are often allocated by advance lottery and sale, so if you want to be sure of seeing the display, securing seats early is recommended. The view in which the fireworks reflected on the water answer those in the sky is something only Nagaoka can offer, and the way the silhouettes of the bridges emerge in the display is another highlight.

Best Season and Access

The display is held on the nights of August 2 and 3 every year, and as a rule goes ahead in the rain. For access, it is about an hour and a half from Tokyo to Nagaoka Station on the JR Joetsu Shinkansen, and about 30 minutes on foot from the station to the venue. On the day, roads in the area are subject to large-scale traffic restrictions and become extremely congested, so using public transport is essential. Return Shinkansen seats and accommodation fill up months in advance, so planning early is the safe approach. Sitting on the riverbed in a yukata and looking up at the summer night sky makes a memory for a lifetime.

Festival Practical Information (2026)

• Dates and times: Sunday, August 2 and Monday, August 3, 2026 / 19:20-21:25 on both days
• Venue: The riverbed of the Shinano River (Venue A = Nagaoka Station side, right bank / Venue B = Nagaoka Interchange side, left bank)
• Nearest station: About 30 minutes on foot from Nagaoka Station to the venue
• Parking: All temporary car parks are reservation-only: Yukyuzan Park about 760 spaces / Echigo Kyuryo Park about 1,800 spaces / Nanbu Industrial Park about 1,500 spaces. Reservations are limited to purchasers of viewing seat tickets (a dedicated reservation code is required)
• Shuttle and special buses: Yukyuzan Park <-> Nagaoka Station East Exit, about 15 minutes / Echigo Kyuryo Park <-> Kusuri no Aoki Oshima store, about 25 minutes / in front of Niigata Ajinoren <-> Municipal Theatre, about 10 minutes
• Paid viewing seats: All seats within the venue are paid; there are no free seats. At Venue A: masu box seats (6 people) 32,000 yen, bench-style masu seats (8 people) 48,000 yen, chair seats and bench seats 5,000 yen each, table seats 10,000 yen, Phoenix area seats 4,000 yen and others. At Venue B: masu box seats (6 people) 30,000 yen, chair seats 5,000 yen, table seats 10,000 yen and others (advance prices for Nagaoka residents are set separately). Sales run as advance sales for residents in April, a first general lottery from May 25 to June 8, and a resale from July 6; the 2026 allocation has already sold out
• Congestion and getting home: The organisers advise that on the 4.4km section around Nagaoka Interchange it can take up to around three hours or more. Using nearby interchanges such as Sakae Smart, Nishiyama, Ojiya and Echigo-Kawaguchi is recommended

📚 Sources

Nagaoka Festival official website, Nagaoka Fireworks official website

*The above is based on information published by each facility and local government. Hours and fees are subject to change, so please check official sources before visiting.*