Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

Background

The Nagaoka fireworks began in the Taishō era. The Nagaoka air raid of 1 August 1945 took about 1,500 lives, and after the war citizens revived the display in 1946 to console the dead and rebuild; ever since, 'remembrance, recovery and prayers for peace' have been its soul. The 'Phoenix fireworks praying for recovery', born after the 2004 Chūetsu earthquake, light up the night sky with a 2-km-wide barrage set to Ayaka Hirahara's 'Jupiter', a symbol of rebirth after disaster. 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the first successful shōsanjakudama launch.

Local customs

At the opening the whole crowd observes a silent prayer for the 'Shiragiku' (white chrysanthemum) memorial fireworks — a solemn ritual unique to Nagaoka, and anyone making noise draws disapproving looks. The event promotes the 'NAGAOKA HANABI GOOD ACTION!' etiquette campaign, encouraging consideration for others and staggered departures. Local high-school volunteers guide visitors around the venue, and spectators usually leave in an orderly way. Singing along to the music and waving light sticks is a common sight, but avoid blocking the view of those behind. Rubbish sorting and recycling are strictly enforced.

Religion & beliefs

In essence it is a memorial: the opening 'Shiragiku' shells were named by the late fireworks maker Kase Seiji, who nurtured the Nagaoka fireworks, in memory of comrades who died in the war, and are launched at the opening on both days to express grief. Though it isn't a festival of any particular shrine or temple, the religious feeling of 'consoling the spirits' runs throughout, and the Phoenix fireworks are seen as comfort for the dead and a blessing for the living — a great civic ceremony of mourning and prayer.

Travel tips

• The best viewing spots are the paid viewing seats on both banks of the Shinano River (Venue A on the right bank, Venue B on the left), sold each spring through official channels by lottery or first come, first served — highly sought after, so watch the official website months ahead. In free areas, claim a spot as early as possible on the day. There are large-scale traffic restrictions around Nagaoka Station and the venue, so take the Shinkansen or train
• drivers must book an official car park (about 2,500 spaces in 2026, bookable through akippa from mid-July). Held rain or shine
• cancelled in stormy weather.

2026 schedule

[to verify] Sunday 2 and Monday 3 August 2026, two days. Source: foundation materials published by Nagaoka City (https://www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/shityo/kaiken_i/file/20260717-2-2.pdf, '8月2日（日）・3日（月）の両日、慰霊・復興・平和への祈りを込めて長岡花火を打ち上げます'). Roughly fixed each year on 2 and 3 August.

Maps & transport notes

'長岡まつり大花火大会 会場（信濃川河川敷）' (Nagaoka Festival Fireworks venue, Shinano River riverbed), or search '信濃川河川敷 長岡市'. Venue A (right bank) is near 'Nagaoka City Athletics Stadium' (長岡市営陸上競技場), and Venue B (left bank) is on the opposite bank.