【Japan|Niigata】Japan's Three Great Fireworks-Nagaoka Fireworks Festival & Togakushi Shrine|2-Day Tour|Depart from Shinjuku
Limited-Time Offer! Guaranteed Seats for the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival! Guaranteed Departure!
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Special chartered transport to one of Japan’s top three fireworks events — Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, a once-in-a-lifetime dream experience!
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Visit the sacred Togakushi Shrine, where nature and spirituality intertwine. Explore Chusha, Okusha, and Kuzuryusha, and walk through the ancient cedar-lined sacred path for a deeply spiritual experience.
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Stay at the premium Hotel Kokusai 21 in Nagano. Enjoy a late check-out the next morning so you can rest and recharge!
Day 1 Itinerary: Japan’s Grand Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is one of Japan’s top three fireworks events, with a long-standing tradition dating back to the early 20th century. In 1951, it became a memorial event held annually on August 2 and 3 to honor the victims of the Nagaoka air raid on August 1, 1945, and to pray for post-war recovery.
Held along the Shinano River, the event begins with white “White Chrysanthemum” fireworks to mourn the deceased. The highlight is the massive Sanjakudama, which explodes into a dazzling 650-meter diameter bloom — the largest legal firework size in Japan.
Another breathtaking spectacle is the “Niagara Falls Fireworks,” a rapid, dense barrage of fireworks that lights up the night sky like a grand bridge suspended in the air.
The finale is the iconic “Phoenix of Recovery”, a symbolic display launched simultaneously from six different points, creating an awe-inspiring phoenix soaring across the sky — a truly unforgettable moment that leaves the audience in silent wonder.
Notes:
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Upon arrival near the venue, a guide will lead you to your reserved seat.
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Free time is available before the fireworks begin — feel free to explore the nearby night market and try local delicacies.
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Due to the crowd, please keep your valuables with you at all times.
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Seats: Area B — August 2: Lawn Seating, August 3: Table & Chair Seating.
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After the show, the bus departs for the hotel. Expected arrival: around 12:30 AM the next day. In case of heavy congestion, arrival may be delayed — thank you for your understanding.
Day 2 Itinerary: Mystical Togakushi Shrine Among Ancient Cedars
Tucked in the forests of Nagano, Togakushi Shrine is a sacred place with over 2,000 years of history. Visiting this shrine feels like stepping through time into a divine realm. The shrine complex consists of five main shrines: Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Hinomikosha, and Kuzuryusha. On this tour, we will visit three of the most iconic ones: Chusha, Okusha, and Kuzuryusha.
Chusha – The Central Shrine of Togakushi
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Dedicated to Ame-no-Uwaharu-no-Mikoto, the god of wisdom and knowledge.
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Surrounded by majestic cedar trees, creating a solemn and mystical atmosphere.
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The “Three Great Cedars” in front of the shrine are believed to hold powerful spiritual energy.
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A unique blend of natural beauty and sacred architecture.
Okusha & Kuzuryusha – A Deeply Spiritual Pilgrimage
Okusha Shrine
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Dedicated to Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-Mikoto, the deity of strength and breakthroughs.
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Features towering sacred trees and a grand main hall that inspires awe.
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The impressive approach path and Zuishinmon Gate are perfect photo spots.
Kuzuryusha Shrine
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Located right next to Okusha, dedicated to the Nine-Headed Dragon God, patron of water, fortune, and relationships.
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Small but spiritually powerful, it’s a hidden energy spot popular among locals and worshippers.
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Especially favored by those praying for good fortune in love and career.
Tips for Visiting Chusha:
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Lunch is not included on this day. Many restaurants near Chusha offer Nagano's famous dishes.
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Togakushi is one of Japan’s top three soba-producing areas. Try handmade soba noodles served in the local “bocchi mori” (five bundled piles) style.
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Refreshing in summer, often served with cold dipping sauce. Local shops also offer soba-based desserts like soba tea ice cream and soba cookies.
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Recommended soba shop: Uzuraya, located right in front of Chusha. It's popular and often has a line — plan your meal time accordingly.
Tips for Visiting Okusha & Kuzuryusha:
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The path to Okusha is about 2 kilometers.
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From the entrance to the Zuishinmon Gate (midpoint): gentle slope, approx. 15-minute walk.
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From Zuishinmon to the shrine: steeper path through the cedar forest, with natural stone steps, approx. 20–25-minute walk.
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Please pace yourself according to your fitness level.
Accommodation: HOTEL KOKUSAI 21
Located within walking distance of Zenkoji Temple, one of Nagano’s key historic landmarks.
This premier hotel offers 157 spacious, scenic rooms and served as the IOC headquarters during the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Facilities & Amenities:
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Free Wi-Fi throughout
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Complimentary 500ml bottled water
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Air purifiers in all rooms
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Non-smoking throughout the building
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Upper floors offer panoramic views of Nagano City and the surrounding nature
Dining:
Buffet breakfast includes local specialties such as oyaki (stuffed dumplings) and sanzoku-yaki (fried chicken cutlet).
Fireworks Highlights (Illustration captions)
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Niagara Falls-style fireworks barrage
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San-shaku-dama (650m-wide fireworks shell)
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Togakushi Shrine with giant cedar trees
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Togakushi Shrine Okusha
Day 1 Schedule
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11:30 Meet at the designated location, look for the “TRAVEX TOURS” sign
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11:50 Depart from Shinjuku to the fireworks venue
Two rest stops en route. Please purchase light meals in advance, as venue shopping time is limited due to large crowds.
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17:00 Arrive at Nagaoka Fireworks Festival venue (free time for shopping and dining)
20–30 minutes walk from parking to seating area; please follow the guide's instructions.
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19:20–21:10 Nagaoka Fireworks Display
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22:00 After the show, follow the guide to board the bus
Depending on crowd conditions, you may be asked to return to the bus on your own.
Network signal may be poor due to the large crowd — keep track of the guide’s location.
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~00:30 (next day) Expected arrival at hotel
Overnight at HOTEL KOKUSAI 21
Day 2 Schedule
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11:00 Depart hotel (please gather 15 minutes early)
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11:50 Arrive at Togakushi Shrine – Chusha area (free time and lunch, approx. 100 minutes)
Plenty of nearby restaurants offering local specialties — watch the time.
Chusha to Okusha trailhead: 5-minute bus ride
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13:35 Arrive at Togakushi Shrine – Okusha trail entrance (free time, approx. 95 minutes)
2km trail to Okusha; one-way walk takes 30–40 minutes depending on pace.
① Entrance to Zuishinmon Gate: gentle uphill, ~15 minutes walk
② From gate to Okusha & Kuzuryusha: steeper slope with stone stairs, ~20–25 minutes walk
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19:50 Return to Shinjuku, near the central building
Reservation Notes
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Minimum group size is 20 people. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum required, the tour will be cancelled. A cancellation notice will be sent via email 14 days prior to departure.
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In case of delays caused by uncontrollable factors such as traffic or weather that lead to the cancellation of some attractions, please contact customer service for a partial refund.
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In the event of poor weather conditions such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether the tour will be cancelled will be made by 5:00 PM (local time) one day before departure, and updates will be sent via email.
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Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes in advance. To avoid delaying the schedule, latecomers will not be waited for.
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In principle, participants for the fireworks festival must be aged 3 and above. Children under 3 are not allowed to join.
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The fireworks event will be extremely crowded. Please allow ample time for the activities and avoid being late.
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Due to the crowd at the fireworks festival, please follow the tour leader’s instructions at all times.
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If you miss the start of the fireworks show due to traffic delays, no refunds will be issued.
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On the first day, the itinerary will prioritize arriving at the fireworks venue on time. Stop durations at attractions may be adjusted accordingly. Please be punctual.
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According to Japanese transportation regulations, bus drivers must have at least 10 hours of rest. If traffic around the fireworks venue causes delays in arriving at the hotel, the next day's departure time will be postponed.
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If you have special requests such as smoking/non-smoking rooms or allergy-related requirements, please note them in advance. We will try to accommodate but cannot guarantee fulfillment.
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Room assignments will be based on the number of participants per booking. Guests will not be placed with members of other groups.
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Room types cannot be guaranteed. Requests can be noted but are subject to the company’s arrangements.
Fireworks Festival Participation Notes
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For first-time attendees of a Japanese fireworks festival, please consider the following tips:
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The festival is held in summer, and there will be free time before it begins. We recommend preparing sun protection.
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The venue is by a river and may involve entering grassy areas, so insect repellent is recommended.
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Although trash bins are available at the venue, large crowds make it advisable to bring your own trash bags, tissues, and wet wipes.
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The event continues into the night, so bringing a flashlight or portable light source is recommended.
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Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking.
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As the event may attract hundreds of thousands of people, mobile networks might be disrupted. Your understanding is appreciated.
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Due to the large crowd and heavy traffic, arrival after the event has started may occur. Your understanding is appreciated.
Confirmation Details
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This product requires double confirmation. After booking, you will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours. Please check your inbox promptly.
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If the minimum group size is not met, a cancellation notice will be sent via email 4 days prior to departure.
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If you do not receive the email within the specified time frame (including your spam folder), please contact us by email or call our travel consultants at +852 2152-3599 during office hours.
How to Use
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You must present a printed voucher or a digital version on your phone to participate in the activity.
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Meeting details: Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes in advance.
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If you arrive early, please wait patiently near the designated location.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
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Once the booking is confirmed, it cannot be changed or refunded.