[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

This service includes sponsored advertisements.
[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

The Katakai Fireworks Festival is a traditional fireworks festival held every September in Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture. For about two days, the night sky of Katakai Town is lit up with approximately 10,000 fireworks, including giant 13.5-inch fireworks and the world's largest 4-inch fireworks.

Latest update :
Travelex Tours Co., Ltd.

Written by

We offer a variety of travel services, mainly in the Kanto area, that allow you to enjoy the charms of each season, such as skiing, fireworks festivals, and experience plans. In the summer, tours of famous fireworks festivals around Japan and unique experience programs in Tokyo are popular. In the winter, we offer all-inclusive ski tours by bus from the Kanto region to popular ski resorts in Nagano and Niigata! If you're looking for a special trip to Japan, we'll suggest the perfect plan for you.

Required time

2 days/1 night

Transportation
directions_bus_filled Bus

The origins of Katakai Festival, one of the three major fireworks festivals in Echigo

The three major fireworks festivals in Echigo are Kashiwazaki by the Sea (July) , which has the vast ocean as a backdrop ; Nagaoka by the River (August) , where spectacular fireworks are launched from both banks of the Shinano River; and Katakai by the Mountains (September) , where the sound of fireworks reverberates and envelops the mountain town.

It is commonly known as the "Katakai Festival" or "Katakai Fireworks Display," but its official name is the " Asahara Shrine Autumn Annual Festival Dedication Fireworks ," and it is a religious ceremony centered around the dedication of fireworks to Asahara Shrine, the guardian shrine of Katakai Town.

The origins of fireworks displays in Katakai-cho date back to the early Edo period, about 400 years ago, during the Kannon-do festival. At this festival, local people would set off grand fireworks as an offering to the gods and Buddha, praying for bountiful harvests, safety in their homes, and good health. Later, when the Kannon-do was destroyed by fire, the fireworks offerings began to be held at the autumn festival of Asahara Shrine, the town's guardian shrine.

What's particularly important is that this fireworks display is not held for tourism purposes, but as an offering (i.e. prayer) to the gods. Even today, fireworks are donated by individuals, families, and companies with their wishes in mind, and the names and messages of the donors are read out in the program.

[Birthplace of Sanshakudama] The charm of Katakai Town, a town of tradition and power

Katakai Town, located in the northern part of Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture, on the border with Nagaoka City, is a small town with a population of about 4,000. However, every September the town changes completely. Tourists from all over the country visit the town, and the town is filled with excitement and excitement. There is no Katakai Station, and it is about a 20-minute drive from Ojiya Station. The nearest train station is Raigoji Station, but it is still far from there, so we recommend visiting by car or bus.

Asahara Shrine PHOTO BY WIKIPEDIA<br>
Asahara Shrine PHOTO BY WIKIPEDIA

Katakai Town is also known as the birthplace of the San-shakudama fireworks, and there are records of four San-shakudama being launched in the Meiji era (1891). Later, advances in technology allowed the launch of the world's largest Sei-shi-shakudama (120cm in diameter, 420kg in weight) , and Katakai fireworks became a special event nationwide.

[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

Festival Spirit

Nowadays, the Katakai Festival is held every September, and fireworks filled with the prayers and pride of each and every resident light up the night sky. The festival is not cancelled even in bad weather, as the traditional meaning of the fireworks as an offering to the gods is highly valued.

This year, 2025, the event will be held over two days, on September 12th and 13th, with approximately 15,000 fireworks illuminating the night sky.

[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

The biggest feature of the Katakai Festival is the splendor and scale of the fireworks that are launched. The most notable is the " Yon-shakudama ." It weighs 420 kg, is launched about 880 meters above the ground, and has a diameter of 800 meters when it blooms, making it one of the largest fireworks in the world. Another attraction is that a different version of the Yo-shakudama is displayed every year.

[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

In addition, the fireworks last for about three hours from 7:30 p.m. to just after 10 p.m., and the 3-meter-long fireworks and star mines are launched one after another, so the audience never tires of watching. There is also a rare display in which the " 3-meter-long fireworks at midday " are launched into the sky.

Katakai Midday Three-Shaku Ball PHOTOBY Katakai Festival<br>
Katakai Midday Three-Shaku Ball PHOTOBY Katakai Festival

The fireworks at the Katakai Festival are not just a tourist event, but have a deeper meaning as "offering fireworks" offered by local residents to Asahara Shrine. The spirit of the festival, which comforts the spirits of ancestors and prays for the safety and good harvest of the local area, is embodied in the fireworks that fill the night sky.

[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

In the fall of 2025, why not experience an unforgettable and moving moment at the Katakai Festival fireworks, which combine tradition and power?

Book here!

A popular photogenic spot: Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel

Kiyotsukyo Gorge is counted among the "Three Great Valleys of Japan," and is known for the dynamic natural beauty of its steep V-shaped rock walls and clear streams. The Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel, about 750 meters long, is built within the valley and has been developed as a safe walking course that allows visitors to enjoy the valley, and allows them to experience the beautiful scenery of the four seasons up close.

[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

In recent years, many contemporary art installations have been installed inside the tunnel, so you can experience something new every time you visit. Water is poured onto the floor, creating a fantastical landscape that beautifully reflects the scenery of the canyon.

[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

This photogenic place is popular as a spot where visitors can enjoy fantastical scenery and beautiful art, and they can't help but take photos. Many photos have been posted on social media, and it has become a hot topic, attracting attention as a "breathtaking spot that everyone wants to visit at least once."

[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

Please come and take your favorite photo here. It will surely become a wonderful memory.

Book here!

When you think of Niigata, you think of "Hegisoba"!

Hegi soba, a specialty dish of the Echigo region , is a type of soba that uses funori seaweed as a binder, giving it a unique firmness and smooth texture. It is served bite-sized on a cedar board called a hegi , and is both elegant in appearance and easy to eat. It is particularly popular in Ojiya, Uonuma, and Minamiuonuma, and is often served at celebratory occasions in the local area. It is a traditional taste that Echigo is proud of, shining with the bounty of nature and the skill of the artisans.

Photo by Wikipedia<br>
Photo by Wikipedia

Hegi soba is characterized by its neatly arranged bite-sized portions, making it easy to share even with a large group of people, and a visually appealing dish. The light soy sauce flavored dipping sauce, with the addition of spring onions and wasabi, further enhances the firmness and smoothness of the nori seaweed.

In the birthplace of hegi soba, such as Ojiya and Uonuma, traditional soba restaurants are dotted around, and you can easily enjoy the local flavor at places like the roadside station "Uono no Sato."

[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

Book here!

Head to Yuzawa Highlands, a soothing plateau where you can come into contact with nature

Yuzawa Kogen, located in Echigo Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, is a highland resort where you can enjoy nature and spectacular views throughout the seasons. The summit, about 1,000 meters above sea level, can be accessed by Japan's largest ropeway, which can carry 166 people .

[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

The seven-minute aerial ride from the gondola offers a panoramic view of the townscape and magnificent nature of Echigo Yuzawa. The spacious gondola is comfortable, and the ride can be enjoyed as a special part of your trip.

[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

The summit area is equipped with the spacious "Alp Village," flower fields, an observation deck, and walking trails, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring the seasonal flowers and beautiful mountain scenery. In summer, it is bustling with tourists seeking the coolness of the plateau, and in autumn, the area is filled with spectacular views of the autumn leaves, making it a spot where you can fully enjoy the beauty of nature.

[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

The " Ayamegaike Chair " near the entrance to Yuzawa Kogen Alps is a spot where you can enjoy taking photos with the expansive water surface as a backdrop. Surrounded by a tranquil pond and beautiful nature, this chair is perfect for creating memories with family and friends to commemorate your visit.

[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

In winter, Yuzawa Kogen becomes a very lively ski resort .

There is a wide range of courses available, from beginner-friendly to thrilling courses for advanced skiers, so anyone can enjoy skiing to their heart's content. In addition to skiing, there are also plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants, so even non-skiers can relax and unwind.

Surrounded by abundant nature in all four seasons, Yuzawa Highlands is a recommended spot for families, friends, and couples, and is a charming tourist destination full of fun.

[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!

Book here!

A trip to experience Katakai Festival and the charm of Niigata!

There are many things to see, such as the Katakai Festival in Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture, the surrounding attractions, the traditional fireworks festival that has been going on for over 400 years, delicious hegi soba noodles, and the nature-rich Yuzawa Plateau. There are also many photogenic spots, so if you visit with your family or friends, you're sure to make some wonderful memories!

After reading this article, have you become interested in Japanese fireworks, culture, and cuisine? Niigata's Katakai Festival is a place that is packed with all the attractions you need for such a trip. Be sure to include it in your next travel plans and have an unforgettable experience!

Book here!

[Departing from Shinjuku] 2 days to enjoy the "Katakai Fireworks Festival" which launches the world's largest 4-shaku fireworks and the spectacular views and gourmet food of Yuzawa and Uonuma ~ Staying at Naeba Prince Hotel ~

Tour code: CR-0053-02

Price (per person): 34,000-37,000 yen / 2-3 people per room

Day 1
directions_bus_filled
Meeting time: 13:15 Departure time: 13:30 Meeting place: In front of Shinjuku Chuo Building *Please arrive at the meeting place with plenty of time on the day of departure.
The meeting point is a parking lot for large buses near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, within walking distance of Shinjuku Station.
You can participate with peace of mind as a "TRAVEX TOURS" staff member will guide you on-site.

18:00 Arrive at "Katakai Fireworks Festival Venue" (free time, stay time approximately 5 hours 30 minutes)

2024 Games poster<br>
2024 Games poster

*If you have purchased a ticket with seating, an attendant will guide you to the seating after you arrive at the venue.
Afterwards, you are free to purchase dinner at a local food stall.

The Katakai Fireworks Festival will be held from 7:30 p.m. to around 10:20 p.m.

The world's largest fireworks, the "Yon-shakudama," are scheduled to be launched at around 10 p.m.

directions_bus_filled
After the fireworks display, we will return to the hotel by bus.
After the fireworks display, we stayed at Naeba Prince Hotel.
Naeba Prince Hotel is a large resort hotel perfect for those who want to enjoy skiing and nature, and is an accommodation facility where you can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year.

[Niigata] Katakai Fireworks Festival: a spectacular festival featuring the world's largest four-shaku fireworks!
Day 2
directions_bus_filled
Departure time: 10:30
Arrive at Kiyotsukyo Gorge at 11:30 (free time to explore, stay time approximately 1 hour 15 minutes)

1
Kiyotsu Gorge
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.

directions_bus_filled
Travel by bus
Arrive at Uono-no-Sato at 13:10 (lunch & free shopping, stay time approx. 50-60 minutes)

2
Uono Village
Uono Village

"Uono no Sato" is a comprehensive tourist center that is an ideal base for sightseeing in Minamiuonuma and a stopover point for visiting neighboring tourist destinations from Niigata Prefecture.

Inside the center, there is a restaurant where you can enjoy Uonuma's local cuisine, a rice shop that sells Minamiuonuma koshihikari rice directly delivered from local farmers, and a product hall that sells local specialty products from the prefecture. In addition, why not try tasting local sake at the "Jizakegura" that sells Niigata's local sake and find your favorite one? The fermented food hall "Kometohana", which was renovated and reopened in 2022, also sells fermented foods from the prefecture such as miso, koji, amazake, and kasuzuke.

directions_bus_filled
Travel by bus
Arrive at Yuzawa Kogen Pankei Park at 2:20 p.m. (Take the ropeway to the summit and then enjoy a leisurely stroll. Stay time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes)

3
Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort / Panorama Park

directions_bus_filled
Travel by bus
We will return to the Shinjuku Station area at 7:15pm.

4
JR Shinjuku Station
JR Shinjuku Station

Return to Shinjuku Station area and disband

Spots introduced in this itinerary

Travelex Tours Co., Ltd.

We offer a variety of travel services, mainly in the Kanto area, that allow you to enjoy the charms of each season, such as skiing, fireworks festivals, and experience plans. In the summer, tours of famous fireworks festivals around Japan and unique experience programs in Tokyo are popular. In the winter, we offer all-inclusive ski tours by bus from the Kanto region to popular ski resorts in Nagano and Niigata! If you're looking for a special trip to Japan, we'll suggest the perfect plan for you.

The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.

The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.