2025 Nagaoka Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

The Nagaoka Grand Fireworks Festival, one of Japan's three major fireworks events, is held annually on August 2nd and 3rd in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. The festival originated as the "Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival" in 1946, commemorating the victims of the Nagaoka air raid on August 1, 1945, which devastated the city and claimed 1,488 lives. It serves as a memorial and a wish for recovery. Over the course of two days, approximately 20,000 fireworks are launched along the banks of the Shinano River. With a variety of fireworks on display, visitors are guaranteed a spectacular and satisfying experience. While the fireworks are breathtaking when viewed from the main venue, they can also be enjoyed from the Higashiyama Fureai Agricultural Park. This location offers a free and relaxed atmosphere to appreciate the beauty of the fireworks. Be sure to arrive early, as parking spaces fill up quickly! 📍 Location: Higashiyama Fureai Agricultural Park

#火火節 The 2024 Nagaoka Grand Fireworks Festival will be held on August 2-3. The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is held to comfort the dead and pray for the dead. All tickets are reserved. It is difficult to get tickets without asking Japanese friends. Most of the tickets were bought online in June and are hard to get. Fireworks festivals have different themes, and the fireworks are rich in color and size. The most distinctive feature is that there is usually an extra-large firework. In fact, I failed to buy a ticket, but there are many small parks around that can be enjoyed. Time: 19:20-21:20 📍Address: Shinano River Riverside, downstream of Nagasei Bridge, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture #trip #relax #Japan #JapanTravel #GlobalTravel

This is a fireworks display that you should see at least once in your life✨ The Phoenix Fireworks, which are up to 2km in length, are exceptional! Once you see the Nagaoka Fireworks, you'll want to go again next year! The fireworks are held at a Shinkansen station, so they are relatively easy to get to. If you're going by car, you should check their social media for parking information! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ticket lottery application for general order: around late May (Nagaoka citizens presale in April) Venue A [Nagaoka Station side (right bank)] ①Venue A mass seating: 6 people, 32,000 yen ②Bench-style mass seating: 8 people, 48,000 yen ③Bench seating: 5,000 yen per person ④Chair seating (Venue A): 1 seat, 5,000 yen ⑤Photographer seating: 1 seat, 12,000 yen ⑥Wheelchair seating (1 wheelchair user, up to 2 caregivers): 10,000 yen ⑦Disabled seating (4 people capacity, 1 parking space included): 10,000 yen ⑧Phoenix area seating: unreserved seating in designated area, 1 person, 4,000 yen ⑨Phoenix table seating: 1 seat, 7,000 yen yen ⑩Phoenix block reserved seats Free seats in reserved blocks 4,000 yen per person ⑪Sanjakudama block reserved seats [above the embankment, on the slope of the embankment] (Venue A) Free seats in designated blocks 4,000 yen per person ⑫Sanjakudama block reserved seats [below the embankment] (Venue A) Free seats in designated blocks 3,000 yen per person Venue B [Nagaoka Interchange side (left bank)] ⑬Masked seats (Venue B) Reserved seats 30,000 yen for 6 people ⑭Masked seats on the embankment 30,000 yen for 6 people ⑮Chair seats (Venue B) Reserved seats 5,000 yen per seat ⑯Table seats reserved seats 10,000 yen per person ⑰Photographer seats (Venue B) Reserved seats 12,000 yen for 2 people yen ⑱ Field seats at the athletics stadium (Venue B) Unreserved seats 4,000 yen per person ⑲ North area seats (Venue B) Unreserved seats 2,000 yen per person ⑳ West area seats (Venue B) Unreserved seats 4,000 yen per person ㉑ Starmine block reserved seats (Venue B) Unreserved seats within the reserved block 5,000 yen per seat ㉒ South area seats (Venue B) Unreserved seats 4,000 yen per person ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ Points🙌 ・Venue B may be easier to get to if you are driving ・Venue A may be easier to get to if you are taking the train ・Venue B may be better because it has a cinema food court until the fireworks start ※You cannot enter the venue without a ticket ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ※This information is current, so please check it out before you go! Photo date: 2024/8 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Right now! This moment! Enjoying the Maya trip to the fullest ✔︎A place I'm glad I went to after experiencing it for myself ✔︎I hope this will be helpful for your outings♫ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Display 📍Shinano, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Display Venue (Right Bank) 💺Venue A Paid seats Near Chosei Bridge 📷SONY α7c ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ #FreeTabi #FireworksFestival2024 #NagaokaFireworks #NiigataTourism #DomesticTravel #Fireworks #FireworksDisplay #NagaokaTourism

July is mid-month📅, and fireworks festivals are starting all over Japan. Don’t miss out on the hottest fireworks festivals from late July to August❗️ 1️⃣ Nagaoka Fireworks Festival 👉 Niigata Prefecture Date: August 2 (Friday) and 3 (Saturday), 2024 Location: Downstream of Chosei Bridge, Shinano River Riverside Time: 19:20～ Number of rounds: About 20,000 rounds (total for 2 nights) 2️⃣ Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival 👉 Shiga Prefecture Date: August 8, 2024 (Thursday) Location: Otsu City, Otsu Port, Otsu Waterfront Time: 19:30-20:30 Number of rounds: about 10,000 ⭐️Recommended to travel from Kyoto and Osaka 3️⃣ Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival 👉Osaka Prefecture Date: August 3, 2024 (Saturday) Location: From the Shin-Midosuji-Yodogawa Railway Bridge to the Yodogawa Riverbed downstream of National Route 2 Time: 19:30～ Number of issues: Undisclosed ⭐️ Available from Osaka and Kyoto 4️⃣ Sumida River Fireworks Festival 👉Tokyo Date: July 27, 2024 (Saturday) Venue: First venue: Downstream of Sakura Bridge ~ Upstream of Kototoi Bridge Second venue: Downstream of Komagata Bridge - Upstream of Umabashi Bridge Time: 19:00～ Number of rounds: about 20,000 ⭐️About 30 minutes from Tokyo Station, near Asakusa 5️⃣ Omagari Fireworks Festival 👉Akita Prefecture Date: August 31, 2024 (Saturday) Location: Omagari Fireworks Park Time: 17:10～ Number of rounds: about 18,000 ⭐️Tohoku, Japan 6️⃣ Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival 👉Nagano Prefecture Date: August 15, 2024 (Thursday) Location: On Lake Suwa in front of Lakeside Park Time: Undecided Number of rounds: about 40,000 ⭐️Recommended to travel from Nagoya or Tokyo 7️⃣ Yokohama Minato Mirai Smart Festival 👉 Kanagawa Date: August 5, 2024 (Monday) Location: Minato Mirai 21 Seaside Park, etc. Time: 19:30～ Number of rounds: about 20,000 ⭐️Recommended to travel from Yokohama and Tokyo 8️⃣ Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival 👉 Miyagi Prefecture Date: August 5, 2024 (Saturday) Location: Sendai West Park Time: 19:15～ Number of rounds: about 16,000 9️⃣ Abe River Fireworks Festival 👉 Shizuoka Prefecture Date: July 20, 2024 (Saturday) Location: Downstream of Anxi Bridge Time: 19:30～21:00 Number of rounds: about 10,000 to 15,000 rounds 🔟 Katsuki Fireworks Festival👉 Hokkaido Date: August 13, 2024 (Tuesday) Location: Near the Tokachi River Time: 19:30～ Number of issues: Not public ⭐️Recommended to go from Sapporo

The "Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Festival" was originally started to comfort the souls of the deceased and pray for peace. The end of World War II, August 1, 1945. On this day, more than 1,000 lives were lost due to bombs being dropped in Nagaoka. In order to restore the old town and make Nagaoka prosperous again, starting from the second year, the "Nagaoka Revival Festival", the predecessor of the Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Festival, was held. The opening ceremony was kicked off by the white "White Chrysanthemum" fireworks. They are fireworks that symbolize comfort for those who lost their lives in the Nagaoka air raid. The famous "Sansakudama" that represents "Nagaoka Fireworks": The size of the fireworks bloom itself is determined by the size of the fireworks ball. The firework in the picture above has a diameter of 90cm, a weight of 300kg, and the amount of gunpowder used is 80kg! This is the maximum weight allowed by law now. This firework ball reaches the sky and blooms into a huge flower with a diameter of 650m.

Contents: It's been a while since I've been to a fireworks festival, and my heart danced!! I was happy to see everyone cheering when the fireworks went off! I hope our normal lives return to normal soon! You must reserve a seat in advance on the website! If you're going by car, it's a good idea to reserve a parking spot as well 🎇 #fireworks#outdoors 　#summer weekend trip

Contents I went to the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival for the first time in 3 years!! I was very satisfied with the sound of the fireworks, the atmosphere unique to summer festivals, and the feeling of summer! It was my first time to see the Nagaoka Fireworks, and it was really impressive and wonderful 🎇 I want to go again next year~ #fireworks#summer weekend trip#camping #outdoors

Nakanoshima Museum of Art is a five-minute walk from Keihan Watanabe Station. Just opened on February 2nd, Nakanoshima Museum of Art has a distinctive black cube-like shape. The interior of the museum has a unique silence that can make you feel tense. The long, large escalator inside the building took my breath away. You can go up to the second floor without purchasing a ticket. It's definitely worth a visit. #museum#nakanoshima

Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. Inside Nagaoka Station, there is a place called Ponshukan where you can compare different types of sake for just 500 yen 🍶 I was there on a business trip so I couldn't drink it lol It was fun just looking around! There were all kinds of sakes on display and explanations. It felt like a sake museum. #museum

Settaya is the atmospheric center of Nagaoka City. Just walking around will make you feel like you've traveled back in time!

Strolling around Nagaoka Station I walked around the station to get the Niigata Albirex BB manhole card on the first floor of Nagaoka Civic Center. As soon as you leave Nagaoka Station's main entrance (north exit), you will see the stone monument of the remains of the main citadel of Nagaoka Castle and the Nagaoka fireworks launcher monument. The Flame Pottery Manhole Cards distributed at the Nagaoka Civic Collaboration Center were temporarily suspended due to lack of stock and were scheduled to resume in September, but I was able to see the Flame Pottery Monument up close on Ote-dori. #Niigata #Local Card #Summer Trip

AORE Nagaoka From the Nagaoka Station ticket gate, you can walk directly to the Citizen Exchange Hall and Arena on the 3rd floor of AORE Nagaoka in about 3 minutes without getting wet in the rain or snow. Address: 1-4-10 Ote-dori, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture This is the first complex in Japan to combine an arena that can accommodate 5,000 people, an open-feeling Netsuki Plaza, and a city hall. Designed by one of Japan's leading architects, Kengo Kuma, this free space is filled with the warmth of wood. Please check the official website for event information. On the premises, the site of the Ninomaru of Nagaoka Castle is on the west side of National Route 351 on Ote-dori, and there is a stone monument on the premises. #SummerShortTrip

The Nagaoka Firework is one of the 3 grand Firework festivals🎆 in Japan and is normally held in summer for 2 days in Nagaoka city, Niigata, at the end of July. During the Firework festival, there will be around 1 million people💑👨‍👩‍👧👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 come to Nagaoka to experience the magnificent Firework, and the show will start at sunset time and will last for around 1.5 hours. If there is chance, it is strongly recommended to experience the superb atmosphere in person, as the passion and movement you can feel at scene is unparalleled💗 Tips: 💡 If it is part of your journey, it is strongly recommended to prepare as early as possible as during the Firework festival, there is few hotels available in Nagaoka, even in Niigata. 💡To book a ticket in advance is recommended. Even there are free areas to watch the show, it requires to arrive 4-6 hours before to secure the place, thus a ticket can save more time and energy. #nightphotoguide#summervacation#hikingtrails

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Hotel New Green is just a minute's walk from Nagaoka Station 🏨 It's close to the station, so you can go out drinking sake in Nagaoka at night and come back right away.😍 And even though it's quite reasonably priced, the rooms are spacious, which is nice 🥹✨ The bath is a unit bath, so it's small, but you can ignore that 😌 I only stay at the hotel to sleep, so I want to stay cheap and spend my money on other things! This is a highly recommended hotel for people like that ⭐️ 📍Address: 1-2-9 Jonaicho, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture 940-0061 #Niigata #DomesticTrip #Hotel

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip I heard there was a place in front of Nagaoka Station where I could drink Niigata's delicious sake "Senshin", so I was taken to the second place, Izakaya Daichi 🍶 It was a small shop, but there was a counter and two tatami tables in the back. I was guided to the counter and had a special seat right in front of the owner! The appetizers were made with wild vegetables that the owner had picked, and they were all delicious!! 🌿 I chose grated nameko mushrooms, which were the best snack 😍 First, I had the sake Senshin that I had been craving! We were very lucky because it was the last drink each✌️ The customers drinking on both sides of the counter were very kind and told us about various delicious sakes from Niigata🤩 The bartender also served us rare aged sakes, and all the conversations at the bar were fun and valuable🩷 There were also many rare dishes such as fried whale meat! I was full at the first bar, so I ordered snacks here, but I had a local Niigata dish called "ego" that I had been curious about✨ It looks like konnyaku, but when I ate it, it was even crispier and tasted like agar with vinegar miso. I tried a lot of recommended sakes and discovered many new things, and I liked this shop so much that I thought how nice it would be if this shop was nearby! ! I definitely want to come back🫶🏻 📍Location: 1-7-4 Tonomachi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture #Domestic travel #Gourmet trip

Arriving in Nagaoka via Shinkansen, my journey through Japan's Tohoku region begins. This is my first time in Niigata Prefecture, where the air seems to carry the fragrance of rice—this is Japan’s famed rice-producing region, and I’m here, above all, for the food. In the evening, we chose a highly rated local classic: Kappo Uosen (うおせん). This century-old establishment, operating since the Taisho era (about 100 years ago), sits quietly on a street corner in Nagaoka’s Tonocho district, its unassuming entrance easy to miss. Inside, the warm wooden counter and traditional seating instantly put you at ease. 🍽️ Must-try: Uosen’s Special Tochio Aburaage (Tochio Deep-Fried Tofu) We ordered the signature "Special Aburaage," and to our surprise, it arrived looking like premium "Wagyu tofu"—golden and crispy outside, tender and juicy inside, with a rich soybean aroma that melts in your mouth like delicate fried meat. Drizzled with soy sauce, sprinkled with scallions and bonito flakes, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch. One bite reveals a perfect contrast of crispiness and softness, the deep soybean flavor lingering on your palate. The frying is masterfully balanced—rich but not greasy, leaving you craving more. 👀✨ This Tochio aburaage is a staple home-style dish in Niigata’s Tochio region, but only at Uosen can you taste this elevated, refined version! 🐟 More Than Tofu: Exquisite Sake and Fresh Delicacies Of course, Uosen’s appeal goes beyond aburaage. The sashimi platter, featuring fish delivered fresh from Niigata, is expertly sliced and refreshingly tender. The menu also boasts hidden gems like "Katsuo Namero" (pounded bonito) and "Shirayaki Unagi" (salt-grilled eel). Though the handwritten menu is mostly in Japanese, the friendly staff patiently explain each dish. 📍 Restaurant Info 🏠 Address: 2-2-9 Tonocho, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture (3-min walk from Nagaoka Station) 💰 Avg. cost: ~¥4,000 (incredible value!) 🕰 Hours: Lunch and dinner (reservations recommended)

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip I went to this Italian restaurant, which is said to be the soul food of Niigata residents, because I saw it on TV before and wanted to try it! Friend🍝 It was in the station building CoCoLo, which is directly connected to Nagaoka Station✨ It looks like yakisoba noodles, and the meat sauce is brown... And it's pretty cheap! 😳 When I tried it, it had a strange taste, like a cross between pasta and yakisoba noodles... . . 🤔 But it was addictive and I couldn't stop eating!! ! It's kind of addictive lol If you're interested, please give it a try👏🏻 I was happy to be able to try Niigata soul food for the first time♡ 📍Location: Nagaoka Station Building CoCoLo, 1-611-1 Jonaicho, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture #GourmetTrip #DomesticTrip

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Paris Pie, one of Tabelog's top 100 restaurants, is located in front of Nagaoka Station 🥧 It was close to the hotel where I stayed this time, so I stopped by 😀 It's really close to Nagaoka Station, so it's easy to find 🙌🏻 When I entered the store, the smell of pies was amazing and they looked delicious 💓 I heard that they were popular and would sell out in the afternoon, so I went in the morning, but I was able to buy them as usual! On the first day, I bought chocolate, strawberry whipped, plain, Mont Blanc, and two small pies as souvenirs. They also included an ice pack in a cute pink box 🩷 The strawberry one seems to be limited to the season 🍓 Everything is slightly sweet, so you won't get tired of it! The dough is crispy and has many layers of mille-feuille, so it spills out a lot when you eat it (lol) It was so delicious that on the second day I bought a freshly baked limited edition apple pie, chocolate, strawberry whipped cream, and rum raisin to take home🍎 It was a very cute shop that would definitely make a great souvenir🏠 📍Location: 1-5-7 Ote-dori, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture #Domestic travel #Gourmet trip

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Echigo Nagaoka Kojimaya, a famous Hegi soba restaurant in front of Nagaoka Station 🥢 It's no exaggeration to say that I chose the Nagaoka hotel because I wanted to eat Hegi soba! The restaurant has a splendid appearance, and a guide was already standing in front of the restaurant, and he immediately showed me around ✨ The restaurant was spacious and clean, and seemed to have two floors. Although it had only just opened, there were already several groups of customers, which shows how popular it is 😆 The menu is extensive, and they also had their specialty sauce cutlet set. But I wanted to eat tempura, so I ordered the tempura heki 🫶🏻 It had a chewy texture and the noodle soup was excellent! 😋 The tempura batter was light and crispy and delicious!!! 🍤 This crispy texture definitely needs more salt than tempura soup! I wish I had ordered a large portion, but I still ate so much more (lol) It's great to be able to eat delicious soba in a restaurant-like atmosphere 💓 📍Location: 2-2-9 Tonomachi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture #DomesticTravel #Niigata #GourmetTrip

The National Echigo Hillside Park, located in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, is a healing space surrounded by seasonal flowers and rich nature. Tulips in spring, roses in summer, cosmos in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter - every time you visit, you'll see a different side to the park🌸❄️ The park has wooden playground equipment, a water play area, an observation deck, and an experiential museum, so you can relax while interacting with nature. I also recommend having a picnic on the vast lawn or taking a break at the cafe🍃☕ I visited on a solo trip, and just taking a deep breath in the quiet forest made my heart feel lighter. It's also perfect for a stroll with your partner. Admission is 450 yen for adults and free for children, so it's a great spot for "absolutely free trips." Please try Echigo Hillside Park for a trip surrounded by nature and the beauty of the seasons. [Access] 📍About 40 minutes by bus from JR Shinetsu Main Line "Nagaoka Station" 📍Car: About 10 minutes from Kanetsu Expressway "Nagaoka IC" 📍Address: 1950-1 Mitsumata, Miyamoto Higashikata-cho, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture 🕒Opening hours: 9:30-17:00 (varies depending on the season) 🎫Admission fee: 450 yen for adults / Free for junior high school students and younger / 210 yen for those 65 and older 🚗Parking: 320 yen for regular cars (about 1,000 spaces) Domestic travel #Couple travel #Solo travel #Absolutely free travel #Echigo Hillside Park #Niigata sightseeing #Seasonal flowers #Nature walk #Relaxing holiday

Prayers and hopes bloom in the night sky. Heart-shaking summer memories at the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival 🎆 The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, held in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, is one of the three major fireworks festivals in Japan. In 2025, the fireworks will be launched from 7:20 pm to 9:10 pm on the Shinano River riverbed for two days, August 2nd (Friday) and 3rd (Saturday) 🎇 This fireworks festival, which began as a memorial to the victims of the air raids and a prayer for reconstruction, is still passed down as an event that symbolizes "prayers for peace". The "Phoenix Fireworks" in particular are a spectacular production that colors the night sky with music, deeply moving the hearts of those who watch them 🕊️ I visited on a solo trip, but I was moved to tears by the quietly launched white chrysanthemum fireworks and spent a time that cleansed my heart. It's also perfect for couples to share the excitement. Paid seat tickets are required, but it's well worth it. Please come and experience the moving soulful fireworks that color Niigata's summer. [Access] 📍About 30 minutes walk from JR Nagaoka Station (venue: Shinano River riverbed) 📍Joetsu Shinkansen available/Special trains and shuttle buses available 📍Temporary parking available by reservation if traveling by car (beware of traffic regulations) 📍Date: August 2nd and 3rd, 2025/Time: 19:20-21:10 (scheduled) Domestic travel #couples' travel #solo travel #absolutely free travel #Nagaoka fireworks festival #Phoenix fireworks #Niigata summer #prayer for peace #soulful fireworks #fireworks festival #fireworks

Enjoy seasonal flavors at Teradomari Fish Market Street, surrounded by the scent of the sea and the lively atmosphere 🐟 Teradomari Fish Market Street, located along the Sea of ​​Japan in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, is a lively seafood market so much that it is called "Ameyoko of Fish" by locals. Fresh seafood from Teradomari Port and Izumozaki Port are lined up, and you can enjoy seasonal flavors such as beach-grilled fish, sashimi, and dried fish on the spot 🦑 The time spent stuffing your cheeks with freshly grilled squid and scallops while being blown by the sea breeze is truly the best part of traveling. There is also a restaurant on the second floor of the market, so you can enjoy a relaxing meal 🍽️ I visited on a solo trip, but I was soothed by the conversations with the locals and the scent of the sea, and it was a time that relaxed my mind. It's also perfect for a couple's drive trip. Admission is free, so it's also recommended as an "absolutely free trip" 🚗 Please experience such a trip that touches the sea and human kindness of Niigata. [Access] 📍About 60 minutes by Echigo Kotsu bus from JR Shinetsu Main Line "Nagaoka Station" 📍About 35 minutes by car from Hokuriku Expressway "Nakanoshima Mitsuke IC" 📍Parking: 800 regular cars, 30 large cars (free) 📍Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 (open all year round) Domestic travel #Couple travel #Solo travel #Absolutely free travel #Teradomari Fish Market Street #Ameyoko Fish #Niigata gourmet #Hamayaki #Seafood

🚡A moment to satisfy your five senses on the spectacular journey that connects the sky and the sea, the "Yahiko Mountain Ropeway" The "Yahiko Mountain Ropeway" in Yahiko Village, Niigata Prefecture, is a spectacular aerial walk that offers a panoramic view of the Echigo Plain, the Sea of ​​Japan, and even Sado Island. The author rode it in autumn and was captivated by the mountain surface dyed in autumn leaves and the silhouette of Sado floating in the distance. The summit also has an observation restaurant and a 100m-tall panoramic tower, perfect for creating travel memories. You can also enjoy forest bathing on the way to the "Manyo Road" that continues from Yahiko Shrine, which has a great healing effect. Whether you are traveling alone or as a couple, you can spend a luxurious time surrounded by the beauty of nature and the sky. 🚃Access: ・20 minutes walk from Yahiko Station on the JR Yahiko Line ・15 minutes walk from Yahiko Shrine / 3 minutes by free shuttle bus 🚗By car: 25 minutes from Sanjo-Tsubame IC on the Hokuriku Expressway 📍Address: 2898 Yahiko, Yahiko-mura, Nishikanbara-gun, Niigata Prefecture 🕒Opening hours: April to November 8:40-17:30 / December to March 9:00-16:30 (closed on Tuesdays) [1] [2] #Domestic travel #Couple travel #Solo travel #Absolutely free travel #Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel #Niigata sightseeing #Nature and art #Breathtaking views

Summer to autumn is the most brilliant season for Japanese fireworks festivals! Wear a yukata, taste the food on the yakiniku, and experience the most romantic Japanese summer under the dazzling fireworks~ The following is a list of must-see fireworks festivals in the second half of 2025, including dates, locations, features and transportation information. Save them and plan your trip! 🥳🥳🥳 --- 🔥 Japan's Three Major Fireworks Festivals (Second Half of the Year) 1. Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Festival (Niigata Prefecture) - Date: August 2-3, 2025 - Time: 19:20-21:10 - Features: 20,000 fireworks, Phoenix Rebirth Fireworks, simultaneous launches on both sides of the Shinano River - Transportation: 30-minute walk from JR Nagaoka Station - Recommended: Must-see "Sho Sanshakudama" and "Kaleidoscope" fireworks 2. Omagari Fireworks (Akita Prefecture) - Date: August 30, 2025 - Time: Daytime fireworks 17:15 / Nighttime fireworks 18:50 - Features: Japan's only daytime fireworks competition, the best fireworks artists in the country compete - Transportation: 30-minute walk from JR Omagari Station 3. Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition (Ibaraki Prefecture) - Date: November 1, 2025 - Time: 17:30-20:30 - Features: The largest fireworks competition in autumn, the 320-meter diameter "No. 10" shocked the audience - Transportation: Transfer to the shuttle bus at JR Tsuchiura Station for 10 minutes --- 🎆 Other must-see fireworks festivals (second half of 2025) 4. Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Tokyo) - Date: July 26, 2025 - Time: 19:00-20:30 - Features: The oldest fireworks festival in Tokyo, the Tokyo Skytree background is super dreamy - Transportation: 15-minute walk from Asakusa Station 5. Suwako Festival Lake Fireworks Festival (Nagano Prefecture) - Date: August 15, 2025 - Time: 19:00-20:45 - Features: 40,000 fireworks, 2km "Niagara Falls in the Sky" - Transportation: 10-minute walk from JR Kamisuwa Station 6. Yodogawa Fireworks Festival (Osaka) - Date: October 18, 2025 (scheduled) - Time: 19:30-20:30 - Features: The largest scale in Osaka, with a spectacular night view of the city - Transportation: Transfer bus at JR Shin-Osaka Station 7. Lake Toya Fireworks Festival (Hokkaido) - Date: April 28-October 31, 2025 (every night) - Time: 20:45-21:05 - Features: Half-year-long fireworks on the lake, watch while soaking in a hot spring hotel - Transportation: 5-minute bus ride from JR Toya Station 8. Kumano Grand Fireworks Festival (Mie Prefecture) - Date: August 17, 2025 - Time: 19:30～21:30 - Features: Sea fireworks, self-explosion "ghost town fireworks" are super shocking - Transportation: Transfer bus at JR Kumanoshi Station --- 💡 Viewing tips ✅ Reserve seats in advance: Popular conferences (such as Sumida River) need to reserve seats 3-4 hours in advance ✅ Wear yukata: Many conferences have rental services around them to experience Japanese style ✅ Download the official APP: Some conferences provide real-time fireworks information (such as Nagaoka Fireworks APP) ✅ Prepare cash: Most food stalls only accept cash --- 📌 For a complete map of fireworks festivals, please refer to: [Japan Fireworks Festival 2025 Schedule] Quickly mark your travel companions and plan this summer fireworks trip together! ✨ #日本火火 #夏日祭 #2025旅行计划 #Register for June Hotel Test Sleeper 2025

Niigata offers breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan, snowy landscapes, and a rich natural environment that nurtures premium rice and sake✨ From winter skiing and summer beaches to relaxing hot springs, this area is packed with seasonal charm! 📍Top 3 Recommended Spots 🌊 Sasagawa Nagare • Address: Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture • Access: About 40 minutes by bus from Murakami Station • Highlights: A stunningly clear coastline stretching along the Sea of Japan. Enjoy a leisurely sightseeing cruise 🚢 The sunset views are particularly breathtaking! ⛩ Yahiko Shrine • Address: 2887-2 Yahiko, Yahiko Village, Nishikanbara District, Niigata Prefecture • Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Yahiko Station • Highlights: A revered power spot known as Echigo Ichinomiya✨ Especially popular during autumn foliage and New Year’s visits. Don’t miss the spectacular view from the mountaintop via ropeway! 🎿 Echigo Yuzawa Onsen • Address: Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture • Access: Right near Echigo Yuzawa Station (about 1.5 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo) • Highlights: A classic resort where you can enjoy both skiing and hot springs♨️ At "Ponshukan," you can sample a variety of Niigata’s local sake🍶✨ 🌾 Niigata’s Charm in a Nutshell • Glossy Niigata rice and fresh seafood are simply exquisite🍚🦑 • Experiencing hot springs amidst snowy landscapes is unparalleled♨️ • A perfect balance of food, nature, and culture makes it a destination anyone can enjoy!

🇯🇵 2025 Nagaoka Fireworks Festival The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (長岡まつり大花火大会), held annually in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region, is one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals. With a spectacular display of 20,000 fireworks and a variety of festival-themed delicacies, it attracts massive crowds every year, including many international tourists eager to witness the dazzling show! The festival takes place in early August along the banks of the Shinano River. Its main highlights include the gigantic "Sanjakudama" fireworks with a diameter of 650 meters and the "Phoenix Revival Fireworks" launched simultaneously from six locations. The breathtaking and magnificent scenes make it a must-visit event. However, keep in mind that tickets are required for on-site viewing seats. It's recommended to book early, and since the festival is held outdoors by the riverside, don't forget to prepare for mosquitoes! Date: August 2-3 Time: 19:20-21:10

#EnjoyJapan I went to Ponshukan, which is directly connected to Nagaoka Station and I've always wanted to go to. 🍶 You get 5 coins for 500 yen at the entrance, but you can buy coins in multiples of 5 from 500 yen. For now, we bought 10 coins for two people. 🪙 Some types of sake require 1-3 coins. There are machines that dispense sake from 1 to 89, and you can try a variety of sake to your liking, but there were so many that I couldn't see them all 😳 So I chose a sweet one based on the store's recommendations 🫶🏻 If you think you can enjoy such delicious sake for just 100 yen, it's a great deal ✨ You can also get a coin by following or posting on social media 🙌🏻 They are open until 7:00 p.m., so I had some coins left over, but they say I can use them again on another day 😆 They also have water, and they even have happi coats so you feel like you're at a sake brewery 👘 This is a must-visit tourist spot for sake lovers 🥰 📍Location: 2F CoCoLo Nagaoka, 1-611-1 Jonaicho, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture #Domestic travel #Gourmet trip #Niigata

#EnjoyJapan I went to the highly rated Japanese restaurant [Uosen] in front of Nagaoka Station in Niigata Prefecture😆 I was really looking forward to the sake tasting set🍶 I'm also happy that it's right near the station! The restaurant has a long counter, a tatami room, and a semi-private room, and it's larger than I expected🙌🏻 There happened to be a large event called KOME Festival, where popular artists were performing, so there seemed to be a lot of customers from Tokyo. I was shown to a seat at the counter and was surprised at the number of menu items. There were so many things I wanted to order that I couldn't decide😳 When I come to a restaurant like this, I feel like I'm on a trip! I want to open a bottle of beer first, so I started with a beer🍻 The sashimi platter had a lot of white fish, and there were many types, and it was thick and delicious! I was surprised that I could get my favorite high-class fish, fried blackthroat seaperch, at a very reasonable price!! 🐟 As expected of Niigata! There are many different types of sake, so I didn't know what to order, so I ordered the chef's choice tasting set⭐️ It was a refreshing and easy-to-drink sake that was great✨ The simmered monkfish liver, flatfish, and crab were also excellent🦀 I was able to enjoy fresh seafood and mountain produce, and the chef behind the counter was also very friendly and we had a great time🥰 It's a highly recommended restaurant that is reasonably priced and leaves you full and satisfied!!! 📍Location: 1-3-4 Tonomachi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture #DomesticTravel #Niigata #Nagaoka #GourmetTrip