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Fireworks · Chubu & Hokuriku

Katakai Festival Fireworks (Asahara Shrine Autumn Festival Offering Fireworks)

Katakai-machi, Ojiya, Niigata🎆 Every year on the second Saturday of September and the Friday before (Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12 in 2026)About 15,000 shells over 2 days (planned for 2026, official)
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Overview

Overview

A fireworks festival offered to Asahara Shrine during its autumn festival in Katakai-machi, Ojiya, Niigata. A 4-shaku shell, said to be the largest in the world, closes both days, opening into a burst about 800 m across. Daytime fireworks are also launched on the second day.

The 4-shaku shell, weighing 420 kg and opening to about 800 m across, appears at 22:00 on both days. In the daytime on the second day, a midday 3-shaku shell and daytime star mines are also launched.

Venue
Launch site behind Asahara Shrine (Katakai-machi, Ojiya)
Visitors
About 180,000–200,000 every year (official)
Official website
https://katakaimachi-enkakyokai.info/
When

When it’s held

Typical date
Every year on the second Saturday of September and the Friday before (Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12 in 2026)
Time
19:30–22:20 (2026 example; daytime fireworks also on day 2 from 13:00 to 14:00)
Number of shells
About 15,000 shells over 2 days (planned for 2026, official)
In bad weather
Held rain or shine. If a warning for wind speeds of 10 m/s or more is issued due to a typhoon or similar, postponed to the next day or later (the launch order stays the same and sajiki tickets remain valid)

Dates and times change every year. Always check the organizer’s official website for the latest information.

☁ Weather in September →
Where to Watch

Where to watch

📍 Sajiki seats

Reservation-only wooden-floored viewing seats close to the launch site. Up to 8 people per box.

📍 Asahara Shrine grounds

The grounds of the shrine to which the fireworks are offered. Viewing spot sold on the day.

Paid Seats

Paid viewing seats

Reservation-only sajiki seats (2-day passes and 1-day tickets). Apply to the Katakai-machi Fireworks Association by sending an application form by fax or post, and pay by bank transfer. No refunds after payment. The seats are wooden-floored, so bring something to sit on. Shrine grounds sold on the day

Example prices: Sajiki seat per box: 2-day pass ¥33,000, 1-day ticket ¥25,300 (2026 example)

Crowds

Crowds and getting home

Crowds
Traffic restrictions from 13:00 each day, and cars coming from Nagaoka and Koshiji may need to detour
Tips
If driving, use the temporary parking lots (some free, some paid including the shuttle bus fare). For the return trip, use the special bus to Nagaoka Station East Exit or the shuttle bus; there is no special bus to Ojiya Shako
Rules

Venue rules

  • !Pets, chairs and similar items, and smoking (including e-cigarettes) are prohibited in the sajiki seats
  • !Overnight parking in the temporary parking lots is prohibited
Tips

Good to know

  • ✓The 4-shaku shell is at around 22:00 on both days, so watch to the end before heading to the return bus
  • ✓The midday 3-shaku shell in the daytime program (day 2 from 13:00) is also a highlight
  • ✓The shuttle buses are cash only, so have small change ready
Access

Access

Nearest station
  • Ojiya Station (JR Joetsu Line)About 20 min by express bus bound for Nagaoka via KatakaiShuttle buses also run on the day between Ojiya City General Gymnasium and Katakai (paid, cash only)
  • Nagaoka Station (JR Joetsu Shinkansen, Shinetsu Main Line)About 30 min by express bus bound for Ojiya via KatakaiSpecial buses from Katakai Gonocho to Nagaoka Station East Exit around the end of the fireworks (paid cooperation fee)
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Travel Passes

Travel passes for getting there

🚄 JR

JR EAST PASS

Tohoku ・ 5 or 10 consecutive days from the first day of use

From ¥35,000

🏨 Hotels nearby fill up quickly on festival days. Book early.

Fireworks

Fireworks festivals in Chubu & Hokuriku

🎆 August

Nagaoka Festival Fireworks

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagaoka, Niigata

🎆 Every year on August 2 and 3 (August 2 (Sun) and 3 (Mon), 2026)

Paid seats
See all fireworks festivals →

Typical dates, number of shells, paid seats and venues are based on official information from organizers, municipalities and tourism associations. Events can change or be cancelled, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-09

PRKlookJR EAST PASS (unlimited-ride pass for JR East)A JR East unlimited-ride pass you can use to travel to Nagaoka Station or Ojiya Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen and Joetsu Line.View