[Niigata] Visit the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals! A recommended summer trip plan for 1 night and 2 days ♪

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals

The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is a fireworks festival that began with the purpose of "commemorating" and "praying for peace." It is held on a grand scale on the banks of the Shinano River on August 2nd and 3rd every year to commemorate those who died in the Nagaoka air raid on August 1st, 1945, and to pray for post-war reconstruction.

At the start of the event, pure white "Shiragiku" (white chrysanthemums) are launched into the sky in memory of the victims of the air raids, quietly lighting up the night sky. This is followed by a series of spectacular fireworks shows, captivating the audience for about two hours. The continuous fireworks, which instantly cover the night sky like "Niagara Falls," are like a giant bridge spanning the sky, and the spectacular spectacle is sure to become a lifelong memory!

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1. The impressive "Shosan-shakudama" with a diameter of 650 meters

The most representative traditional firework of Nagaoka is the "Shosan-shakudama." It is the largest firework ball currently permitted by law, with a diameter of 90cm, a weight of 300kg, and an explosive content of about 80kg. When launched, a gigantic firework with a diameter of about 650 meters will bloom in the night sky, and you will be left breathless by its scale.

"Phoenix Fireworks for Recovery" - a display of hopes for recovery

The "Phoenix Fireworks for Recovery" are 10-size fireworks inspired by the immortal bird, the phoenix. Set to the tune of Hirahara Ayaka's famous song "Jupiter," fireworks will spread simultaneously across the night sky from six launch points spread over a distance of about 2 km. The fantastical display, which looks like a phoenix taking flight, overwhelms all who see it, leaving them speechless. Due to its grandeur, many visitors come every year just to see it, making it one of the most popular programs at the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival.

A two-day, one-night tour from Shinjuku! Nagaoka Fireworks Festival + Tanbara Lavender Park + Kiyotsukyo Gorge + Yokoteyama Observatory + Kusatsu Onsen + Shiraito Falls

Tour code: CR-0083-02, CR-0084-02

Price: 65,000-75,000 yen per person for 2-5 people Set date: 8/2, 8/3

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Leaving Shinjuku by bus early in the morning, our first stop is the " Tanbara Lavender Park " spread across the plateau of Gunma Prefecture. The park, one of the largest in the Kanto region, is home to 50,000 lavender plants, making it the perfect spot to escape the heat in the summer. Next, we visit the " Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel ," a spectacular spot that is also a hot topic on social media. The tunnel, which is about 750 meters long, is dotted with artistic exhibits, and the mirror-like surface created by the water basins is particularly photogenic! This photogenic spot is sure to produce a photo that will be the envy of all visitors.

On the second day, we will go to Yokoteyama Manten View Terrace via Shiga Kogen in Nagano Prefecture. From the summit, you can see the vast nature of Shiga Kogen, and if the weather is good, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Japanese Alps. Then, we will go to Kusatsu Onsen , one of the three most famous hot springs in Japan. In the center of the hot spring town is the symbol of Kusatsu Onsen, the Yubatake, where you can experience the spring water and the unique water temperature adjustment technology up close. The last one we will introduce is Shiraito Falls, a tourist attraction that represents Karuizawa. The waterfall is about 3 meters high and 70 meters wide, and the countless delicate threads of water flowing down the rock walls create a fantastical landscape, almost like a natural curtain.

Travel by bus for easy access! From the spectacular views of the plateau to the historic hot springs, this is a luxurious two-day trip that allows you to enjoy everything efficiently.

1

Tanbara Lavender Park

Tanbara Lavender Park, one of the largest lavender fields in the Kanto region, is home to around 50,000 lavender plants, creating a fantastical landscape that makes you feel as if you've stepped into a storybook. Tanbara Highlands is a popular summer getaway, with an average high temperature of just 25°C. There are plenty of Instagram-worthy photo spots, such as Annabelle Hill, Ciel Hill, and Heart Field, so you can enjoy a special moment that can only be experienced here.

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2

Kiyotsu Gorge

Kiyotsukyo Gorge is a beautiful valley with majestic columnar jointed rocks and clear emerald green streams. There is also the "Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel" where you can enjoy the beauty of the valley up close, as well as facilities such as foot baths, cafes, and souvenir shops.

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3

Hotel Heights Shiga Kogen

Located in the Shiga Kogen highlands at an altitude of 1,700m in northern Nagano Prefecture, Hotel Heights Shiga Kogen is a highland resort where you can enjoy the great outdoors throughout the four seasons. In the green season, a variety of trekking and mountain climbing courses are available for beginners to advanced climbers, and you can enjoy the fantastic mountain scenery in the cool highlands surrounded by virgin forests.
In the white season, it is also ideal as a base for winter sports, with good access to surrounding ski resorts such as Yokoteyama, Kumanoyu, and Shibutoge. After your exercise, refresh your mind and body in the natural hot springs that flow directly from the source. In the open-air bath, you can enjoy the majestic nature of Shiga Kogen with your whole body while feeling the refreshing highland breeze. The spacious indoor bath has smooth, high-quality water flowing through it, allowing you to spend a relaxing time.
For meals, we offer seasonal dishes that change daily, mainly Japanese cuisine. After experiencing the nature of Shinshu with your body, please enjoy the charm of Shinshu to the fullest with your taste buds.

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4

Yokoteyama 2307 Sky View Terrace

The Manten View Terrace, which spreads out on the summit of Yokoteyama Shibutoge Ski Resort, the highest ski resort in Japan at an altitude of 2,307 meters, is a spectacular spot where you can see Shiga Kogen and the distant Japanese Alps. In winter, you can enjoy the frost-covered trees that are said to be the only ones in the Kanto and Koshinetsu regions, and in autumn, you can enjoy a magnificent sea of clouds and colorful autumn leaves. And the starry sky is the biggest attraction. Please experience the Milky Way and countless stars spreading out in the clear sky. The restaurant "Crapet" at the summit is also open according to the lift operating hours.
The outdoor moving walkway "Skylator", the "Sky Lift" and the "Shibutoge Romance Lift" are convenient for accessing the summit. The total length is 200 meters, and the height difference of 35 meters can be traveled in about 5 minutes, and the appeal is that you can enjoy the spectacular view without climbing. It is safe for the elderly and those with small children to use, and you can comfortably enjoy the nature of the four seasons such as the fresh greenery of spring, the cool breeze of summer, and the autumn leaves. The ride on the "inclined elevator," which is rare even in Japan, is sure to become a special memory of your trip.

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5

Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen, located in Agatsuma County, Gunma Prefecture, is known as one of Japan's three most famous hot springs, and is characterized by its abundant hot spring water, which gushes out at approximately 32,000 liters per minute. The spring water is highly acidic and has a strong bactericidal effect, and is said to be effective in curing anything except lovesickness. The Yubatake hot springs, located in the center of the hot spring town, are a famous landmark that symbolizes Kusatsu, and are also fantastically lit up at night. There are also Netsu-no-yu hot springs, where you can enjoy the unique Kusatsu "Yumomi Show," and a number of public baths that are free to enter, making it easy to enjoy the hot springs. In winter, ski resorts are nearby, so you can enjoy both the hot springs and winter sports together. It is easily accessible from Tokyo, and is a hot spring resort that can be easily visited in a two-day, one-night trip. (Photo by AC)

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6

Shiraito Falls

Shiraito Falls is one of Karuizawa's most famous tourist spots, and is known for its fantastical scenery. Countless delicate water streams, about 3 meters high and 70 meters wide, run down the rock face like threads, creating a beautiful, natural curtain of water.

Unlike ordinary waterfalls, the source of this waterfall is a spring that wells up from underground, and the way it flows quietly down the rock walls creates a soft and peaceful atmosphere, providing a special healing experience to all who visit.

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7

JR Shinjuku Station

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Nagaoka Fireworks Festival Viewing Spots

If you want to enjoy the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival comfortably, we strongly recommend watching it from a paid seat. Seats are allocated by lottery every year, and are known to be difficult to obtain. However, if you join a tour with a travel agency, you can be sure of securing a seat, and you don't have to worry about transportation. Another big attraction is that you can efficiently visit spots that are difficult to reach on your own. This is the perfect plan for those who want to enjoy a fulfilling trip without hassle!

summary

In recent years, with the increase in tourists from overseas, fireworks festivals, which can be said to be a seasonal feature of the Japanese summer, are becoming more and more popular all over the country. This summer, why not visit the venue of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, one of the most famous fireworks festivals in Japan, and have a moving experience with your family and friends that will be a lifelong memory?