Experience the enchanting Gion Kashiwazaki Festival 2024, a dazzling fireworks extravaganza set against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan.
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About Gion Kashiwazaki Festival
As the name suggests, the Gion Kashiwazaki Festival Sea Fireworks Festival is a fireworks festival that takes place over the Sea of Japan.
This historic fireworks festival began at the end of the Edo period (1600-1868) and attracts over 170,000 people every year.
In addition, it is one of the three major fireworks festivals that represent Niigata Prefecture and is considered the most beautiful fireworks festival in Japan.
You can enjoy unique fireworks here, such as a wide range of fireworks launched from Kashiwazaki's 600-meter embankment and semicircular fireworks created by throwing fireworks into the ocean.
The three major fireworks festivals in Niigata Prefecture are the Gion Kashiwazaki Festival Sea Fireworks Festival in July, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival in August, and the Katakai Fireworks Festival in September.
Highlights of the Festival
Beautiful sunset and fireworks display
During the opening of the fireworks festival, visitors can enjoy the combination of the beautiful sunset over the Sea of Japan and the fireworks display.
Extra Large Fireworks
A massive firework, 600 meters in diameter, explodes 600 meters in the air with a resounding roar.
Fireworks launched simultaneously from a 600-meter-long embankment
The spectacle of fireworks launched simultaneously from a 600-meter-long embankment extending into the Sea of Japan is truly breathtaking.
Best Viewing Spots
There are paid seating areas and free areas at the Gion Kashiwazaki Fireworks Festival venue. There are two free areas where you can secure your spot starting at 7 a.m. on both the day before and the day of the fireworks display. However, these areas become very crowded. If you're unable to line up in the morning, we recommend considering the following locations.
All paid seating areas for the 2024 event are sold out.
Coastal Park Sports Square (Boys Square)
It's located about 3 minutes from the fireworks display venue, allowing you to enjoy the impressive fireworks. However, due to potential crowding, we recommend securing your spot early.
Access: 5-55 Higashiminatocho, Kashiwazaki, Niigata 945-0068, Japan
Akasakayama Park
Despite being a 15-minute walk from the fireworks venue, this park is situated on a hill, providing excellent views of the fireworks.
Access: 3 Midoricho, Kashiwazaki, Niigata 945-0841, Japan
Shiokaze Park
This location is near the Gion Kashiwazaki fireworks display venue and is quite popular. The park is covered in grass, so you can sit and watch the fireworks.
Access: 19 Kitazonocho, Kashiwazaki, Niigata 945-0061, Japan
Getting there from Tokyo
From Tokyo, you can easily reach Niigata Prefecture, the site of the Gion Kashiwazaki Festival 2024, by Shinkansen.
Shinkansen
Jōetsu Shinkansen
- Tokyo Station -> Nagaoka Station
- Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 39 minutes
Local Train
- Nagaoka Station -> Kashiwazaki Station
- Travel time: Approximately 44 minutes
Walk
- Kashiwazaki Station -> Minatomachi Seaside Park
- Travel time: Approximately 20 minutes
Gion Kashiwazaki Festival 2024 Event Schedule
Dates: 2024 July 26th (Fri)
Time: 19:30 ~ 21:10
Number of launches: Approximately 16,000
Venue: 3 Chome-20 Nishihoncho, Kashiwazaki, Niigata 945-0066, Japan
Entry: Free
Official Website: Gion Kashiwazaki Festival (Japanese)