Start planning your trip
{{ inputValue.start }} - {{ inputValue.end }}
With:
Giant 650 Meter Fireworks! Niigata's Nagaoka Firework Festival 2025
This service includes sponsored advertisements.
The Nagaoka Firework Festival is one of Japan's Three Great Fireworks Festivals. We introduce the festival's schedule for 2025, along with features, highlights, and access tips.
Written by
「ありあけのハーバー」の街で育ち、「とおりもん」の街で暮らしています。 いわゆる観光地ではなく、なかなかスポットの当たりづらい場所の魅力を、探して、知って、好きになって、誰かに伝えたいです。飛行機の機内誌とカレーとチキン南蛮が好きです。よろしくおねがいいたします。
Nagaoka Fireworks Festival Guide
1. Nagaoka Fireworks Festival: History and Concept
2. Nagaoka Fireworks Festival 2025 Schedule
3. How to Access to Venues
4. Highlights of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
5. Important Notes about the Nagaoka Fireworks
6. Hidden Viewing Spots for the Nagaoka Fireworks
7. FAQ
Nagaoka Fireworks Festival: History and Concept
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals. At its origins a memorial, it's a festival born out the locals's wishes for peace.
On August 1, 1945, before the end of World War II, Nagaoka was bombed, and as much as 80% of the city was destroyed, resulting in 1,488 casualties. To comfort the grieving citizens, the "Nagaoka Revival Festival," which is the predecessor of the Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Festival, was held starting the following year.
This article will introduce the dates, access, highlights, hidden spots, and Japan's unique fireworks culture of the Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Festival held annually in early August in Niigata's Nagaoka City.
Schedule of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival in 2025
Dates: August 2 - August 3, 2025
Hours: 19:20 - 21:10
For details, please visit the official website of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival.
Number of launches: 20,000
Location: Shinanogawa Riverbed, downstream of Chosei Bridge, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture
How to Access the Venues
Nagaoka is a stop on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line, which means that it can be accessed directly from Tokyo Station, with no transfers needed. The ride takes about one hour and 39 minutes and costs 8,580 yen.
We recommend using the JR East Nagano / Niigata Area Pass to save on travel expenses while exploring Nagaoka and its surroundings.
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is held at the Shinanogawa Riverbed, downstream of Chosei Bridge in Nagaoka.
From the East Exit of JR Nagaoka Station, you can walk straight along Otemachi, which is directly opposite, for about 30 minutes to reach the right bank's Venue A viewing area. Many visitors walk to the venue, but there are also buses and taxis available.
*Due to traffic restrictions, buses and taxis only provide one-way service.
Access to Venue A
- 30 minutes on foot from Nagaoka Station (JR Echigo Line)
- 20 minutes by car from Kanetsu Expressway Nagaoka IC
Venue B
- 60 minutes on foot from Nagaoka Station (JR Echigo Line)
- 20 minutes by car from Kanetsu Expressway Nagaoka IC
Additionally, since Venue B requires crossing Ote Bridge or Chosei Bridge, please plan your entry time in advance.
*Please check the venue map here.
Highlights of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
At the opening of the festival, a fully white firework known as Shiragiku ("White Chrysanthemum") will be launched. This serves as a memorial firework for those who lost their lives in the Nagaoka bombing.
Below we feature three other very special fireworks for which the Nagaoka event is renowned.
1. Giant Firework with a Diameter of 650 Meters
Nagaoka Fireworks in 2015
The traditional firework that represents Nagaoka fireworks is the Sanshakudama. The size of the fireworks is based on the diameter of the launching fireball.
This fireball has a diameter of 90 centimeters and weighs 300 kilograms, with a powder usage of up to 80 kilograms! This is currently the maximum weight allowed by law.
This giant fireball blossoms in the sky, creating a magnificent flower with a diameter of up to 650 meters.
2. Diverse Themed Fireworks
Nagaoka Fireworks in 2015
These fireworks are set off from a massive bridge, cascading down the night sky like the Niagara Falls, creating a powerful visual impact.
Additionally, there are fireworks themed around the Nagaoka warlords, such as the Tenchijin fireworks, as well as fireworks commemorating the screening of the movie Flowers in the Sky - The Story of Nagaoka Fireworks, which present challenges that align with contemporary themes.
3. Revival Prayer Fireworks Phoenix
Nagaoka Fireworks in 2015
In 2004, the Nagaoka area was struck by the Chuetsu Earthquake. To pray for recovery, this Revival Prayer Fireworks Phoenix was created.
True to its name, the characteristic light trails resemble a phoenix, launched successively from six parallel launch pads, filling the scene with brilliance in sync with the music performance.
Notes for Viewing the Nagaoka Fireworks
To enjoy the most beautiful fireworks, it is recommended to view them from the designated viewing areas.
All viewing areas for the Nagaoka Fireworks are paid, and there are no free viewing seats.
Without a ticket, you cannot enter the venue, so please take note. Those wishing to watch the fireworks must purchase tickets for the paid viewing areas. For details, please check the ticket information.
You may also consider joining a two-day bus tour, which includes reservations for the fireworks viewing seats, transportation, and accommodations—just show up, making it super convenient!
Hidden Viewing Spots for the Nagaoka Fireworks
However, since the tickets are reserved, there may be some barriers for travelers visiting Japan. Below are some hidden viewing spots where you can enjoy the fireworks, even if these locations are slightly further away from the main venue.
North Right Bank, Waterway Park Area
If you were unable to purchase tickets for the Nagaoka Fireworks, you can try heading to the area from Entrance 16 on the North Right Bank to Waterway Park.
This area generally does not require reserved seating, so you don’t have to worry about showing up last minute. It is worth noting that this is a very popular hidden viewing spot, so finding a good position in advance is crucial.
Waterway Park
About a 15-minute walk from JR Nagaoka Station, Waterway Park is a hidden viewing spot located further downstream from Ote Bridge, perfect for easily enjoying the fireworks.
Echigo Hillside Park
In this vast land with lush grass, Echigo Hillside Park provides a place rich in natural environments for viewing the fireworks. This is a perfect hidden viewing spot for families with children or couples.
Read also
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nagaoka Fireworks
When is the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival held?
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is usually held on August 2nd and 3rd.
Scheduled dates for the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival 2025: August 2 - 3, 2025. For details, please check the official website of the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Festival.
Why is it held every year on August 2nd and 3rd?
The Nagaoka Festival originated in 1946 as a "Nagaoka Revival Festival" to commemorate the recovery from the Nagaoka air raid on August 1, 1945. Therefore, the Nagaoka Festival starts on August 1st, followed by the grand fireworks festival on the 2nd and 3rd.
Reference: https://nagaokamatsuri.com/faq/
What happens if it rains on the day of the event? Will it be canceled?
The official policy states that it will be held even in rain. If there are only light showers, the fireworks will proceed as planned.
Are there parking lots around the venue?
There are almost no parking lots near the venue.
The official recommendation is to make a reservation in advance for Kensaki Parking.
Are there restrooms and washrooms at the venue?
Temporary restrooms and washrooms will be set up on the day, but please be aware that their number is very limited.
Enjoy the Nagaoka Fireworks
Fireworks are an indispensable part of summer in Japan, and the country’s most impressive Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is worth experiencing at least once!
Read also
All pictures from Pixta
「ありあけのハーバー」の街で育ち、「とおりもん」の街で暮らしています。 いわゆる観光地ではなく、なかなかスポットの当たりづらい場所の魅力を、探して、知って、好きになって、誰かに伝えたいです。飛行機の機内誌とカレーとチキン南蛮が好きです。よろしくおねがいいたします。
Top Articles
There are no articles in this section.
Related Article
Special Features
More
![[Shiga 0003_FH] Shiga 1-day tour: A trip to old castle towns and delicious sweets in the midst of nature](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2024/12/12-214904.webp)
