Written by Aarohi Narain
This may just be Niigata’s most spectacular summer display.
What happens?
Set against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan, the Gion Kashiwazaki Festival Sea Fireworks is a showstopper in Niigata’s summer calendar. Known as one of the top three fireworks festivals in the region, this seaside display features a 600-metre-wide starmine, back-to-back launches of massive shells, and the simultaneous firing of 100 fireworks across the water. There will be around 15,000 fireworks over the course of the evening.
Schedule
This fireworks show takes place on the same date every year, July 26 from 7:30 to 9:10 p.m.
Tickets 2025
Box seats can accommodate up to 5 people and cost ¥25,000. For a chair and table, also accommodating up to five people, the cost is the same. For tiered seats and bench seats for up to two people, tickets cost ¥11,000 and ¥12,000 respectively.
Pro tip: If you want to take the stress out of planning, this convenient two-day tour departing from Shinjuku combines the seaside fireworks display with scenic nature walks around Kiyotsu Gorge, relaxing hot springs and sweeping mountain views from Japan’s highest altitude ski resort. At ¥58,000 for the entire package, it’s kind of a steal.
How to get there
The venue, Central Coast and Minatomachi Kaihin Park, Kashiwazaki City, is about a 20-minute walk from Kashiwazaki Station. To get there, you’ll need to take the Jōetsu bullet train from Tokyo Station to Nagaoka Station (about 1.5 hours), then switch to the local Shin-Etsu Line headed for Naoetsu and alight at Kashiwazaki (45 minutes). The whole journey should take around 2.5 hours and cost around ¥10,000 (one-way).
The organizers recommend taking public transport to avoid traffic congestion.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.