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Giant 650 Meter Fireworks! Niigata's Nagaoka Firework Festival 2024
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The Nagaoka Firework Festival is one of the Three Great Fireworks Festivals of Japan. We introduce the festival's schedule in 2024, along with features and highlights.
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「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。
Fireworks color the summer night sky in Japan. Have you ever heard of Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, one of the Three Great Firework Festivals in Japan?
Today we'll be introducing the firework culture unique to Japan and the Nagaoka Festival Fireworks that take place in early August.
Originally a "Memorial"
The Nagaoka Festival Fireworks originally started as a memorial and as a sign of peace.
Just before the end of World War II, on August 1, 1945, Nagaoka was bombed and more than 1000 people lost their lives. The Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival, which later became the Nagaoka Festival Fireworks, was started the following year to revive Nagaoka.
The opening starts with white shiragiku (chrysanthemum) fireworks. These fireworks are a memorial for the victims of the Nagaoka bombing.
From here, we'll introduce our three especially recommended fireworks that appear after the shiragiku.
1. A Huge 650 Meter Diameter Firework
The Nagaoka Fireworks are famous for the sanjakudama, which are a special kind of huge fireworks.
The size of a firework depends on the size of the shell that is shot into the air. This firework shell has a diameter of 90 centimeters and weighs 300 kilograms using a whopping 80 kilograms of explosives. This is the maximum weight allowed by law. This huge shell explodes into a 650-meter-diameter flower in the sky.
2. Various Themed Fireworks
There are various ways that the fireworks shoot up. For example the "Niagara Extra-Large Starmine" in this photo.
The fireworks are set up on a huge bridge and come pouring down from the sky, like a fiery Niagara Falls.
Tenchijin Fireworks
There are also fireworks that are associated with the drama "Tenchijin", which depicts Nagaoka's famous generals, or fireworks commemorating the movie "Kono Sora no Hana - Nagaoka Hanabi Monogatari". At this festival, they strive to create fireworks that are in line with the times.
3. The Heart of the Citizens: Fukkō Kigan Phoenix
In 2004, the Niigata Chūetsu Earthquake hit this area. The Fukkō Kigan Phoenix (Reconstruction Prayer Phoenix) is made in prayer for the reconstruction and revitalization of the area.
True to its name, the phoenix-like fireworks leave a light trail, as they are shot up from six different lined-up launch pads. Along with music that will make you feel like you're in outer space, your vision is completely covered in grains of light.
Dos and Don'ts at the Nagaoka Firework Festival
If you want to get the best view of the fireworks, it's best to watch from the viewing seats. But these tickets require reservations, so they might be hard to get. Around the Chōseibashi Bridge and Ōte Ōhashi Bridge, you can generally get a good view without purchasing a viewing seat ticket, so you don't need to worry if you don't get a reservation beforehand.
Fireworks are crucial to the summer season in Japan. We highly recommend stopping by the Nagaoka Festival Fireworks, feeling the warmth of the citizens, and thinking about the stories that each firework has.
FAQ
How much are the fireworks at Nagaoka?
Attending the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show in Nagaoka City typically does not have a specific cost associated with just viewing the fireworks, as the event is usually open to the public for free. Spectators can gather at various vantage points along the river and in designated viewing areas to watch the fireworks display without having to pay an admission fee specifically for viewing the fireworks.
While there may not be a direct cost to see the fireworks at the Nagaoka Festival, attendees should consider other expenses such as transportation, food and drinks, accommodations if staying overnight, and any optional purchases like souvenirs or merchandise. Planning for these additional costs can help ensure an enjoyable and budget-friendly experience at the festival.
What is the biggest firework show in Japan?
The Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, is considered one of the largest and most famous firework shows in Japan. This festival typically takes place in early August and is renowned for its grand scale, impressive fireworks displays, and innovative pyrotechnic performances. The Nagaoka Festival attracts spectators from all over Japan and beyond to witness the breathtaking fireworks that light up the night sky over the city.
With tens of thousands of fireworks launched during the show, the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show is a significant cultural event in the region and stands out as one of the major fireworks festivals in Japan known for its spectacular and awe-inspiring displays.
What is the history of the Nagaoka fireworks?
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival traces its origins back to the Edo period, with roots in a festival organized by the feudal lord of Nagaoka to pray for rain during a drought. Evolving over the years, the festival grew in scale and significance, becoming a symbol of cultural celebration and resilience in the region. Following the devastation of World War II, the fireworks display took on new meaning, embodying the city's spirit of recovery and hope. Today, the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show showcases innovative pyrotechnic displays while symbolizing unity, renewal, and the enduring cultural traditions of Nagaoka City, illustrating a legacy that intertwines history, creativity, and the city's indomitable spirit.
Where is the best place to see fireworks in Japan?
In Japan, several iconic locations stand out as prime spots to witness breathtaking fireworks displays. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo enthralls millions with its grandiose showcase over the river, while the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show in Niigata boasts unparalleled artistry and scale, drawing visitors from far and wide. Osaka's Yodogawa Fireworks Festival along the Yodo River offers a lively atmosphere and impressive pyrotechnics, capturing the hearts of both locals and tourists. For a showcase of skill and competition, the Omagari Fireworks Competition in Akita pits top pyrotechnicians against each other in a dazzling spectacle. Meanwhile, the Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival in Nagano presents a serene lakeside setting, creating a picturesque backdrop for enjoying the magic of fireworks. These standout locations cater to diverse preferences, whether one seeks the grandeur of a massive display, the spirit of competition, or the tranquil beauty of fireworks against nature's canvas, providing unforgettable experiences for fireworks enthusiasts in Japan.
Where is the nagaoka fireworks festival?
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, known as the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show, takes place in Nagaoka City, which is located in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Nagaoka City is situated along the coast of the Sea of Japan in the central region of Niigata Prefecture. This festival is one of the most famous and grand fireworks displays in Japan, drawing visitors from all over the country to witness the spectacular pyrotechnic performances set against the backdrop of Nagaoka's scenic surroundings.
Nagaoka Festival Fireworks 2024
Address: Niigata, Nagaoka City, Choseibashi Bridge downstream the Shinanogawa riverbed
Hours: Early evening (see website for details)
Date: August 2 -3 (Friday and Saturday), 2024
Nearest station: JR Nagaoka Station
Access: 20-minute walk from Ote Exit, walk along Ote-dori
Website: Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
「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。
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