Central Japan · Niigata · Nagaoka

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

長岡まつり大花火大会

A fireworks display over the Shinano River, held in memory of those killed in the 1945 air raid on Nagaoka and as a prayer for peace. Known for its giant shōsanshakudama shells and the Phoenix display, it is counted among Japan’s three great fireworks festivals. Held every year on 2 and 3 August.

2–3 August 2027

275 days away

Every year, 2 August, for 2 days

Future dates: 2 August 2027 · 2 August 2028 · 2 August 2029

Origin

On the night of 1 August 1945 an air raid burned 80 per cent of central Nagaoka and killed many of its people. The Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival held on 1 August the following year began what is now the Nagaoka Festival; the fireworks returned in 1947, and the 2nd and 3rd later became the fireworks days. After the 2004 Chūetsu earthquake, the Phoenix display was created in 2005 as a prayer for recovery.

What to look for

The stars are the shōsanshakudama, shells that open about 650 metres wide, and the Phoenix, a display spreading some 2 km along the river. Both nights begin with Shiragiku, pure-white shells in memory of the dead, and end with the Komehyappyō display of 100 shells. On the night before, 1 August, Shiragiku is also fired at 10:30 p.m., the hour the air raid began, as temple bells toll across the city.

How to watch

Every seat is paid for, and you cannot enter the venue without a ticket bought in advance (both nights sold out in 2026). Tickets carry the buyer’s name, and resold tickets are void. Wear your ticket round your neck, and do not watch from walkways or empty spaces. There are seats for photographers with tripods and for wheelchair users. The display goes ahead in light rain, but flooding at the launch sites or strong winds can postpone or cancel it (in 2026 the fallback dates were 16 and 17 August).

If you go

The display is staged over the Shinano River below Chōsei Bridge, with seating on both banks, about 30 minutes’ walk from Nagaoka Station. In 2026 both nights began at 7:20 p.m., with shōsanshakudama at 8:30 and 9:00 and the Phoenix at 8:45; times change from year to year. All official car parks must be booked in advance.

Where

Shinano River banks below Chōsei Bridge

Nagaoka, Niigata

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Sources

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