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This article introduces the highlights and appeal of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival.
If you want to know how to secure tickets in today’s fierce competition or understand the background and solutions to the current situation, check the article below.
For guaranteed ticket acquisition without a lottery, refer to the article below.
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is a traditional event held annually in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. It is considered one of the three major fireworks festivals in Japan.
| Venue | Riverside area of Shinano River in Nagaoka City |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 2nd & 3rd |
| Time | 7:20 pm - 9:10 pm (scheduled) |
| Nearest Station | JR Nagaoka Station |
| Parking | Parking provided by the organizer or private providers |
| Official Website | https://nagaokamatsuri.com |
Over two days, approximately 20,000 fireworks are launched, coloring the night sky. They are set off simultaneously across a vast area stretching about 2km, creating a truly spectacular sight.
The highlight of Nagaoka is the enormous “Sanjakudama,” one of the largest fireworks in Japan, with a diameter of about 90cm and a bloom width of around 650m. When launched, it creates a ground-shaking roar and brilliantly illuminates the sky. When viewed up close, it’s too massive to fit entirely into view.
The Phoenix Fireworks is a grand performance crafted to symbolize recovery and hope.
True to its name, this show evokes the image of a phoenix rising. Over about three minutes, dazzling fireworks in red, blue, green, yellow, and other colors paint the sky in a captivating and emotional display.
On August 1, 1945, near the end of World War II, Nagaoka City suffered devastating damage in an air raid. The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival was first held the following year, in 1946, to honor the memory of those who perished.
(On August 1st each year, at 22:30—the time the air raid began—a white chrysanthemum firework is launched to commemorate the victims.)
At the same time, the festival is a gesture of gratitude for the city’s reconstruction after the destruction. It commemorates the story of Nagaoka’s recovery, achieved through the efforts of its citizens, and has become a symbol of hope for the future.
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival carries messages of remembrance for the tragedy of war, a commitment to never repeat it, and a heartfelt wish for lasting peace. The lights of the fireworks symbolize the preciousness of peace, conveying this message to people around the world.
These intentions are embedded in the festival’s core themes: “Prayers for Peace,” “Gratitude for Reconstruction,” and “Remembrance for the War Dead.”
This is not just a fireworks event—it’s a powerful, meaningful ceremony that passes on the lessons of history and the value of peace.
Another key feature of the festival is community involvement. Volunteers help manage the event, provide launch sites, and support its operations, making it a truly local, united effort.
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is held every year on August 2nd and 3rd, regardless of the day of the week.
Unlike most fireworks events in Japan, which are typically scheduled for weekends, the Nagaoka festival is fixed on these dates to honor those who died in the August 1st air raid of 1945.
The festival takes place along the banks of the Shinano River, located about a 30-minute walk from JR Nagaoka Station.
Although it’s a bit of a walk from the station, the route is straightforward. Just follow the crowd and you won’t get lost.
This is the South Area of Venue A.
Food stalls, toilets, smoking areas, and first aid stations are available in each area.
Food stalls offer dishes like yakisoba, takoyaki, rice balls, and fried chicken, as well as alcoholic beverages like beer and chu-hi, and soft drinks.
Toilets are also provided in each area, but expect some lines. Depending on timing, it’s best to allow for around 15 minutes of waiting.
Smoking areas are designated in each zone.
If you feel unwell or get injured, visit a first aid station. Each area has one.
The walk from Nagaoka Station to the venue takes about 30 minutes, but a taxi ride will get you there in 5 to 10 minutes.
Since the event is held in August during peak summer heat, if you’re not used to walking long distances in the sun, it’s highly recommended to take a taxi. The fare is around 1,000 yen, so weigh it against your energy level and condition.
Note that traffic restrictions are in place on the day, so if you plan to take a taxi, aim to arrive early—preferably before evening.
Designated parking lots for the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival are available. These include both organizer-provided and privately-run parking areas. Advance reservations are required for all of them.
Organizer-provided parking is generally cheaper, so it is recommended. However, both types tend to sell out quickly—especially those closest to the venue.
Organizer-provided parking lots tend to be more affordable than privately-operated ones. Some are even free of charge.
There are both first-come-first-served and reservation-based parking lots.
| Location | Address | Capacity | Fee (JPY) | Opening Time | Access to Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Echigo Hillside Park | 1950 - 1 Mitsumata, Miyamoto - Higashigata - cho, Nagaoka City, Niigata | 1,850 | 2,000 | 1:00 pm | Free shuttle bus from the parking lot to both A and B venues. Walk to the venue from the drop - off point. |
| Nagaoka City Hall Koshiji Branch | 715 Ura, Nagaoka City, Niigata | 150 | Free | 10:00 am | Walk to JR Raikoji Station from the lot, take a train to JR Nagaoka Station, then walk to the venue. |
| Koshiji Gymnasium | 885 Raikoji - ko, Nagaoka City, Niigata | 300 | Free | 10:00 am | Walk to JR Raikoji Station from the lot, take a train to JR Nagaoka Station, then walk to the venue. |
| Nanbu Industrial Park | 1 - 1027 - 5 Nanyo, Nagaoka City, Niigata | 1,100 | Free | 3:00 pm | Free shuttle bus from the parking lot to both A and B venues. Walk to the venue from the drop - off point. |
| Yukyuzan Park | 80 - 5 Oyama - cho, Nagaoka City, Niigata | 810 | Free | 10:00 am | Free shuttle bus from the parking lot to both A and B venues. Walk to the venue from the drop - off point. |
| Location | Address | Capacity | Fee (JPY) | Opening Time | Access to Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kurashiki Machinery | 1 - 430 - 1 Joka, Nagaoka City, Niigata | 95 | 1,000 | 10:00 am | Walk to JR Kita - Nagaoka Station, take a train to JR Nagaoka Station, then walk to the venue. |
| Nagaoka City North Gymnasium | 2 - 2-72 Higashi - Zao, Nagaoka City, Niigata | 150 | 1,000 | 10:00 am | Walk to JR Kita - Nagaoka Station, take a train to JR Nagaoka Station, then walk to the venue. |
| Nagaoka Institute of Design | 4 - 197 Senshu, Nagaoka City, Niigata | 120 | 4,000 | 10:00 am | Close to Venue B. Walk to the venue from the parking lot. |
| Nagaoka Lyric Hall | 3 - 1356 - 6 Senshu, Nagaoka City, Niigata | 361 | 4,000 | 10:00 am | Close to Venue B. Walk to the venue from the parking lot. |
| Saiwai Plaza | 2 - 1-1 Saiwai - cho, Nagaoka City, Niigata | 300 | 4,000 | 10:00 am | Close to Venue A. Walk to the venue from the parking lot. |
Nagaoka Fireworks Festival Parking [PDF]
Since Nagaoka Institute of Design, Lyric Hall, and Saiwai Plaza are located close to the fireworks venue, attendees can walk directly from the parking lot to the site. These lots are very popular and tend to sell out immediately after reservations open.
A reservation code is required to book parking. This code is included with the mailed viewing ticket.
To reserve a parking space, visit Nokisaki Parking.
Organizer-provided parking (such as public facility lots) is not enough to meet demand, so private businesses and even individual homeowners offer parking spaces. All of these are reservation-only and paid. They tend to be more expensive than organizer-provided lots.
Reservations for these spaces can also be made via Nokisaki Parking.
Typical prices range from 4,000–8,000 yen in distant areas, 10,000–17,000 yen near Nagaoka Station, and 20,000 yen or more for lots close to the venue—making them significantly pricier than public options.
All seats at the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival are paid. There are no free seating areas. To watch the fireworks at the venue, you must purchase a viewing ticket.
Tickets are distributed through a lottery-based online application system. If you win the lottery, you can then proceed to purchase the tickets.
| April 10 〜 April 30 | Advance Lottery for Nagaoka Citizens Application Method: By designated postcard only (Postcard included with the April city bulletin) |
|---|---|
| 〜May 23 (Fri) | Notification of lottery results |
| May 26 (Mon) 〜 June 6 (Fri) | General Lottery Application Online only |
| June 17 (Tue) | Notification of lottery results |
| June 30 (Mon) 〜 July 11 (Fri) | If any tickets remain First - come, first - served online sales |
| From July 4 (Fri) | Official Resale Online |
| April 10 〜 April 30 | Advance Lottery for Nagaoka Citizens By designated postcard only |
|---|---|
| From late May | Notification of lottery results |
| May 27 〜 June 7 | General Lottery Application Online only |
| After 18:00 on June 17 (Mon) | Notification of lottery results |
| June 27 (Thu) 〜 July 12 (Fri) | First - come, first - served online sales |
| July 8 (Mon) 12:00 〜 July 24 (Wed) 23:59 | Official Resale Online |
| April 10 〜 April 28 | Advance Lottery for Nagaoka Citizens Online or by designated postcard |
|---|---|
| 〜May 26 | Notification of lottery results |
| May 29 〜 June 9 | General Lottery Application Online only |
| 〜June 16 | Notification of lottery results |
| June 19 〜 June 23 | If any tickets remain First - come, first - served online sales |
| June 26 〜 July 14 | Official Resale Online or by phone |
Tickets | Nagaoka Fireworks Official Website (Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation)
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The Nagaoka fireworks blaze across the summer night sky like blooming flowers, instantly captivating viewers and leaving them deeply moved.
Each firework launched paints the sky like a stunning piece of artwork. The vivid and delicate colors enchant the audience and stir the soul.
The Sanjakudama is particularly breathtaking. Accompanied by a thunderous roar, the massive firework bursts into the sky, leaving a lasting impression. Its beauty is truly beyond words.
Another highlight is the synchronized fireworks set to music. Fireworks launch in harmony with the soundtrack, making the experience a feast for both the eyes and ears—almost like the fireworks are dancing to the rhythm.
Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is not just a festival—it’s a meaningful event imbued with prayers for peace, gratitude for recovery, and remembrance for the war dead.
Each firework carries a heartfelt message. This emotion resonates with viewers, reminding them of the importance of peace.
The Nagaoka fireworks are beams of hope lighting up the summer sky. Their glow will remain in your heart forever.
This experience might just change your life. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness it for yourself—visit the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival.
