Japan Top 3 Fireworks 2026 | Omagari, Nagaoka & Tsuchiura

*This article was created for travelers planning to visit Japan, but readers in Japan may also find it useful.

Among the "Omagari Fireworks" in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, the "National Fireworks Games" held Aug., the "Nagaoka Fireworks Festival" in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, and the "Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition" in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, are must-see events that you should visit at least once if you want to appreciate Japanese Fireworks.
There are various theories about its origin and selection, but due to its long history and advanced launch technology, it came to be called one of the 'Three Great Fireworks Festival of Japan.'
Its scale and beauty are among the best in Japan, making it a high-level event worth watching.

The "Omagari Fireworks" held in Omagari, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, is Japan's most prestigious competitive Fireworks Festival.
The term refers collectively to the three competitions held in spring, summer, and autumn, with the "National Fireworks Games," held annually in late Aug., a historic event that has been ongoing since 1910.
Additionally, 'Sozo Fireworks,' which became the first official competition in Japan in 1964, is synonymous with the 'Fireworks of Omagari' and is internationally acclaimed.

Winning at the summer "National Fireworks Competition" is the highest honor for Fireworks teachers. For the audience, it is also a rare opportunity to witness the skills and works honed by Fireworks masters from across the country competing in their craft. If you want to see Japan's finest Fireworks, you could say Omagari.

The "National Fireworks Competition" is divided into two parts: the "Day Fireworks" and the "Evening Fireworks" division.
This is the only place in Japan where the 'Daytime Fireworks' competition is held. The colors and changes in the smoke are unique highlights of daytime Fireworks.

The 'Night Fireworks Division' was judged in three categories. The challenge of pursuing perfection in traditional Fireworks Fireworks freedom Fireworks that demands precision and creativity. Both are one-shot 10-ball battles, making it a thrilling moment.
Additionally, the creative Fireworks, which expresses the worldview embedded in the Fireworks jewel name in 2 minutes and 30 seconds through color, sound, rhythm, and three-dimensionality, is a masterpiece that symbolizes the "Fireworks of Omagari." A key feature is being the first to see this year's new releases.
Then, from the outstanding works in each category of day and night, the overall winner, the Prime Minister's Award, is selected.
The competition reaches its climax with special programs for winners who won the title of "Best Fireworks Teacher" the previous year, as well as a grand Starmine fireworks, music, and themed competition Fireworks that will be vibrating.

Omagari Fireworks attracts about 700,000 spectators from both inside and outside Japan every year, so choosing the right designated viewing area is crucial.
There are various types, including "table seats" for four people where you can enjoy food and drinks in a group and leisurely watch, and "chair seats" that can be easily used by solo guests.
Online lottery sales usually start around mid-Jun. each year, but ticket multipliers are very high and hard to obtain.
A recommended option is to use a tour with designated viewing area. Not only are you getting tickets for the fierce battles, but you can also secure transportation and Accommodation facilities that are difficult to arrange all at once, so you can enjoy your Fireworks with peace of mind.

At the 'Food Stalls Village' inside the paid designated viewing area, you can enjoy unique Akita dishes and desserts, allowing you to fully enjoy gourmet food while savings Fireworks.

Kiritanpo, with its exquisite combination of fragrant rice and sweet and savory miso, is famous as an ingredient in hot pot dishes, but at festivals, it can be easily enjoyed with one hand. There are various flavors and variations, from simple versions to hearty "pork-wrapped miso tanpo."

This beautifully presented ice cream is piled up like a rose. It's sold along national highways within the prefecture, easily identifiable by its pink parasol. It's a refreshing strawberry and banana flavored ice cream.

■ Event Date and Time
Saturday Aug. 29, 2026
17:10~18:00 (Day Fireworks) / 19:00~21:30 (Night Fireworks)
■ Venue
" Omagari Fireworks" Park (Daisen City, Akita Prefecture Omagari Omono River Riverside)
■ Access
About a 30-minute walk from JR Omagari Station
■ Parking
Available (paid, reservation required in principle)

The 'Omagari Fireworks,' where Japan's top Fireworks masters compete, is a major event visited by about 700,000 people every year.
Tickets are sold by lottery on the official website, but the competition is high, and Accommodation facilities are often fully booked around the event before and after the tournament, making individual booking quite challenging.

With Club Tourism tours, you can eliminate all these hassles by providing Reserved seating tickets, round-trip transportation, and Accommodation as a set.
Tokyo offers departures from various destinations nationwide, including Osaka, and Nagoya, and a major reassurance is that you can safely return home by dedicated bus late at night after the tournament.
We have received the following feedback from customers who actually participated.

" Fireworks conference was truly spectacular and impressive, and the itinerary is definitely worth attending."
"This time, I mainly wanted to join the Omagari Fireworks. Your travel agency happened to provide all the arrangements, so I am very satisfied."

Considering the difficulty of securing tickets, joining a tour is probably the most reliable way to truly experience the "Fireworks of Omagari."

"Nagaoka Fireworks Festival" is held every year on the 2nd and 3rd of Aug. in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. Its history dates back to the Nagaoka air raid on Aug. Day 1, 1945.
To rise from the devastation of air raids, the 'Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival' was held on Aug. 1 of the following year, and every year on Aug. 1st, a pure white 'white chrysanthemum' is launched for memorial service, followed by full-scale Fireworks Festival on the 2nd and 3rd.

The highlight is the massive wide Starmine fireworks "Phoenix," stretching 2 km in length that cannot be fully visible in view.
Nagaoka City suffered severe damage in the 2004 Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake. Reconstruction support was received from all over Japan, and in 2005, as a token of gratitude for the support, the recovery prayer Fireworks "Phoenix" was launched, marking the beginning of the event.
2026 marks the 20th anniversary since then, and a special version of the launch is scheduled.

The tournament begins with three solemn white chrysanthemums that fill the night sky. It is launched with prayers for war dead and world peace.
Climax Recovery Prayer Fireworks "Phoenix" is about 2 km wide and launched simultaneously from nine locations to match the song.
In recent years, true to its name Fireworks, there has been a performance where Fireworks modeled after a phoenix flutter its wings. While following tradition, the "Phoenix" production evolves every year. It is a very popular program.

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival There are venues like A, which are on the right bank of the river, and Venue B, which is on the left bank. There are many types of seats, but the most popular are Venue A's 'Phoenix Swiss Seats,' where you can see the Phoenix up close, and Venue A's '3 shakudama (36-inch firework shell) Chair Seats,' where you can enjoy 3 shakudama (36-inch firework shell).
The online lottery sales will begin as follows.
First draw: May. 25th, 12:00 PM
Second draw: Jun. 18th, 12:00 PM
Lottery for residents outside Japan: May. 25th, 12:00 PM

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival The merchandise tents inside the venue offer a full range of classic Japanese Summer festival gourmet dishes, but you also shouldn't miss the local specialties. Here are some recommended gourmet foods you can enjoy at street stalls and commercial facilities around Nagaoka Station.

This local specialty originated in Niigata Prefecture and features a unique style of yakisoba (fried noodles) topped with tomato sauce.
It contains lots of vegetables such as bean sprouts and cabbage.

This soba noodle is characterized by its smooth texture and firm bite, achieved by using "funori" seaweed as a binder.
It's recommended to dip the noodles generously in cold soba dipping sauce and enjoy them with chopped green onions as a garnish.

■ Event Date and Time
2026 Aug. 2 (Sun) & 3 (Mon)
(Reference for 2025) 19:20~21:10
■ Venue
Niigata Prefecture, Nagaoka City, 940-0000 Niigata Prefecture, below Choseibashi Riverbank of Shinano River
■ Access
About a 30-minute walk from JR Nagaoka Station
■ Parking
Available (paid)

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is known for its overwhelming scale, including the 2-kilometer-long 'Phoenix' that colors the night sky.
Club Tourism serves as the official sponsor of the tournament and consistently secures a certain number of premium seats every year.
The paid designated viewing area arranged by Club Tourism is located in the central area near the Fireworks launch site, allowing you to enjoy the powerful Fireworks from the front without looking from the side or from afar.

Additionally, we offer a variety of courses that can be started from all over Japan, including Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kanagawa. After the tournament, you don't need to worry about transportation back. You can leave the venue without crowds on a dedicated bus and head to your accommodation with peace of mind.
Here are some feedback from participating customers.

"The seats on the fireworks tour offer excellent views—an unforgettable journey in my life."
"A must-see for Fireworks festivals, and the group area is spacious enough to enjoy up close."
"The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is truly worth visiting, and with tour groups handling transportation, tickets, seats, and accommodation, everything was so easy!"
「Significantly save my time to schedule everything for the firework event.」
「The Nagaoka fireworks was spectacular. Worth the long journey to and fro Sendai station.」
"I joined here for Nagaoka Fireworks, which is very convenient and reassuring for overseas travelers."
"For those unfamiliar, this is a huge luck. For such a large event, you have to buy tickets, book, accommodation, and get transportation, which is extremely difficult. Plus, our location for the fireworks was fantastic! With the guide's guidance, you never have to worry about getting lost!"

The "Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition" held in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is usually held on Nov. each year. Its history is long, beginning in 1925 with the Fireworks Festival held in response to the recession following the Kanto Great Earthquake.
About 20,000 Fireworks, showcasing the finest techniques of Japanese Fireworks masters, are displayed, but the highlight is undoubtedly the high level of Starmine fireworks. The diverse variety, combining hundreds of diverse Fireworks and launching at perfect timing, is truly breathtaking.
In the No. 10 ball category, enjoy chrysanthemum-shaped Fireworks and multi-core techniques, while in the Creative Fireworks section, enjoy new technologies like creativity and original ideas.

Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition is characterized by being divided into three sports: the Starmine fireworks division, the 10th size ball, and the Creative Fireworks division. It is also said to be a tournament that determines the "Starmine fireworks best in Japan." Each Fireworks craftsman arranges tubes in a 40-meter-wide section with creative arrangements, competing in the launch techniques for 2.5~4 size balls.
Also, in Creative Idea Competition Fireworks, you launch seven No. 5 balls to create various patterns such as numbers, letters, and popular characters floating in the night sky. This is a tournament that captivates both children and adults with Fireworks.

"Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition" has booth seats (full square, half square, table seats) and chair seats (A, B, and C).
Online lottery sales are available from 10:00 AM on the 12th of Aug. ~ 11:59 PM on the 7th Sep.. The lottery odds are high, and since tickets are mailed, it is difficult to obtain them unless you live in Japan. If you want to be sure of your visit, we recommend joining a tour.

Japanese street food stalls line up, including yakisoba, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, candy apples, and baby castella. Among them, the gourmet dishes made with Tsuchiura 's specialty ingredients are not to be missed.

Tsuchiura is one of Japan's leading lotus root-producing regions. There are various variations such as tempura, fried chicken scissors, and sweet and spicy chips.

You can enjoy the bounty of Lake Kasumigaura, such as salt-grilled sweetfish and smelt, as well as fried or skewered fish.

■ Event Date and Time
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
17：30～20：00
■ Venue
285 Sanoko, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 300-0803
■ Access
About a 30-minute walk from JR Tsuchiura Station
■ Parking
Available (paid)

"Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition" is a festival of competitive Fireworks held in Nov. where the air is clear.
Unlike summer Fireworks Festival, Fireworks launched in the cool, clear autumn air stand out for their vibrant colors and beautiful contours.
If you join a Club Tourism tour, you'll definitely be guided to a bar-side or chair seat.

After the tournament, it becomes late at night, so you may not be able to get home on nearby trains.
With the tour, you can safely take you to Tokyo and Tsukuba by dedicated bus, so you can fully enjoy the last Fireworks without worrying about the last train.
Here are some feedback from participating customers.

"Shuttle bus watching the fireworks is really convenient and relaxing."
"The guide was enthusiastic, carefully arranged, and proactively helped find seats. The fireworks location was fantastic."
"This tour is very difficult for foreigners to arrange on their own, but it was truly wonderful that it included Fireworks tickets, transportation, and meals. Even if I couldn't Japanese it, the guide was very kind and attentive."
"Thank you, Mr. Wang, for your enthusiastic introduction to Japanese scenery and for guiding us to our destination all the way. We were worried about not finding the tour bus on the way back, but Mr. Wang personally came to our seating area to help us board. We really appreciate his service. Next time, I will definitely recommend friends to join your company's events."

On all three tournaments—" Omagari Fireworks 2026," "Nagaoka Fireworks Festival 2026," and "Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition 2026," trains and roads will experience severe congestion from around 3 p.m. on the day.
When joining, it's best to plan the day considering the crowd conditions on site. Here, we will also introduce the crowd trends for each of the three tournaments.

To ease congestion, trains run with additional trains scheduled. If you are driving, traffic jams occur around National Routes 13 and 105 and Omagari IC from noon until around 2 to 3 a.m.

The area around the venue is extremely crowded on the bridge. Even places that normally take 15~20 minutes on foot from JR Nagaoka Station to the venue can take up to 30 minutes. If you come by car, the Nagaoka I.C becomes crowded around 11:00, and the 17:00~18:00 hour is the most congested time.

JR Tsuchiura Station gets so crowded that it could be like a shogi knockout. If you come by car, it gets crowded from the morning, and the peak congestion reaches around 3 p.m.

A tip that applies to all three tournaments is to arrive at the venue around lunchtime if you are participating individually.
Furthermore, after the event ends, a large crowd is expected as spectators will move all at once. It is necessary to plan your movements to avoid congestion, such as leaving during the finale or heading home 1-2 hours after it ends.
If you're worried about crowds, we recommend a tour where you can leave the day's itinerary, including the timing of your arrival and departure, to the tour company.

In areas near the Fireworks Festival venue, most hotels can be fully booked by the 2~ Apr. period. If you are arranging for yourself, you need to plan ahead and make your reservation early.

The nearest station to the venue is JR Akita Shinkansen, Tazawako Line, and Ou Main Line 'Omagari Station.' In the Accommodation area, the area around Omagari Station and the areas around Yokote Station and Kakunodate Station, which are about 20~30 minutes away by train, are the best places to target. Recommended spots include Tazawako Station, two stops from Omagari Station, and Yukawa Onsen, located in Akita city and on the border between Akita and Iwate prefectures.

The nearest station is JR Joetsu Shinkansen, Joetsu Line, and Shinetsu Main Line 'Nagaoka Station.' Accommodation The area is Niigata Station and Echigo-Yuzawa Station, which can be reached in about 20 minutes by Shinkansen. At Echigo-Yuzawa Station, you can also enjoy hot springs and sightseeing. The area around Mitsuke Station on the Shinetsu Main Line is also recommended.

The nearest station is JR Joban Line 'Tsuchiura Station.' You can travel to Tokyo Ueno without transfers, so you can use Tokyo as your base.

About the Tour
Q: Can children and seniors participate?
A: Yes. People of all ages can participate. Since you travel by bus during the tour, you won't walk for long. We warmly welcome children and seniors to join us.

About Meeting and Departure
Q: After booking, how can I check the Meeting point and time?
A: After booking, you can check "Meeting point," "meeting time," and "emergency contact" on My Page. Before departure, you can also view "旅のしおり    Travel Guide" online.

About luggage
Q: Can I bring my suitcase to participate?
A: If you are traveling by bus, we have space for luggage, so you can bring your suitcase. However, please limit yourself to two large suitcases per person.

Language support
Q: Can I participate even if I don't speak Japanese?
A: Yes, you can. The tour is operated in Japanese, but important information is available in English and Chinese (Traditional) using AI translation equipment and written information. Tour conductors and drivers also use translation apps, so there is no need to worry about the language.

About payment
Q: What is the payment method? What is the currency?
A: Payment is made online in Japanese yen (credit card). The exchange rate is subject to the rules of the credit card company. Instant payment is required at the time of booking.

About local support
Q: Do you have physical stores in Taiwan or overseas?
A: In Taiwan, KNT Taiwan is the sole distributor of Club Tourism. For on-site consultations, please contact KNT Taiwan.

Passengers in Taiwan, please contact "Taiwan General Agent, Taiwan Kansai International Travel Agency" to register.
Online Registration https://www.knt-taiwan.com/contact.php
Call to register 02-87717551 (Mon~Fri 09:15~18:00 (excluding holidays))
Email info@knt-taiwan.com

With a long history and showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of Japanese Fireworks, the "Three Great Fireworks Festival of Japan" are popular both in Japan and abroad. Because of that, securing seats and moving around without crowds is also a fact. Take advantage of tours that have seats and transportation options such as buses secured in advance, so be sure to fully enjoy your Fireworks.