Nagaoka Fireworks Festival - Japan's Premier Fireworks Display

The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, held annually on August 2nd and 3rd in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, is one of Japan's most spectacular fireworks displays set along the Shinano River. This festival, which began in 1879, has evolved as a symbol of post-war reconstruction and holds special meaning as a tribute to memorial, reconstruction, and peace. The main highlight is the massive Sansya-kudama firework, measuring approximately 90cm in diameter and weighing about 300kg. When launched to heights exceeding 600 meters, it creates a magnificent display with a diameter of approximately 650 meters, presenting the iconic spectacular sight that symbolizes Nagaoka. The recovery prayer firework "Phoenix" is a beloved emotional presentation launched across an ultra-wide scale of approximately 2km, synchronized to Ayaka Hirahara's "Jupiter," touching the hearts of many visitors. The bridge-based "Niagara" creates cascading waterfalls of fire flowing down to the river surface, while music and fireworks weave together story-rich programs that illuminate the night sky for approximately 110 minutes. From the memorial white chrysanthemums at the beginning to the Kome-hyappyo fireworks and 100 consecutive large fireworks, the festival features an array of fireworks filled with scale, technique, and deep sentiment, providing visitors with a special experience that conveys both emotion and prayers for peace.