Live camera of Miyauchicho, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture
Live camera in Taniuchi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture
Discover Nagaoka: A City of Resilience, Fireworks, and Sake
Nagaoka (長岡) is the second-largest city in Niigata Prefecture. While often overshadowed by tourist hotspots like Kyoto or Tokyo, it offers a deeply authentic Japanese experience. Famous for hosting one of Japan’s most spectacular fireworks festivals, it is also a hub for history, top-tier sake, and breathtaking scenery.
Here are the highlights of what to see, do, and eat in Nagaoka.
1. The Main Event: Nagaoka Grand Fireworks Festival
If you are in Japan in early August, this is unmissable. It is considered one of the Three Great Fireworks Festivals of Japan.
- Dates: August 2nd and 3rd (Every year).
- The Significance: Unlike other festivals that are purely for entertainment, this festival began as a prayer for peace and recovery following the 1945 air raids and the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake.
- The “Phoenix”: Look out for the “Phoenix” firework—a massive, tear-jerking 5-minute continuous display set to the song “Jupiter,” symbolizing the city’s rebirth.
- Location: Along the banks of the Shinano River (Japan’s longest river).
Pro Tip: Tickets sell out months in advance. However, you can view the fireworks from a distance for free, or book a tour package that includes seating.
2. History & Culture
Nagaoka is a castle town with a history of samurai spirit and modern resilience.
- Nagaoka War Damage Exhibit Hall: A somber but meaningful museum detailing the destruction of the city during WWII and its recovery. It offers a glimpse into the “Nagaoka spirit” of never giving up.
- Yamamoto Isoroku Memorial Museum: Dedicated to Isoroku Yamamoto, the Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet during WWII. He was born in Nagaoka, and the museum presents a nuanced look at his life and his personal opposition to the war with the US.
- Nishikigoi (Carp) History: The Yamakoshi area of Nagaoka is the birthplace of Nishikigoi (brocaded carp). You can visit the Ojiya Nishikigoi no Sato (nearby) or various breeders in the mountains to see these “swimming jewels.”
3. The Sake Capital
Niigata is famous for its rice and water, making it the premier sake region in Japan. Nagaoka alone has 16 sake breweries.
- Asahi Shuzo (Kubota): One of the most famous sake brands in Japan. Their brewery is located in a scenic forest setting. You can visit their shop, Sake Raku no Sato Asahi, for tasting and purchases.
- Yoshinogawa Brewery: The oldest brewery in the region (established in 1548). They have a museum called Sake Museum “Jo-gura”.
- Ponshukan (Nagaoka Station): Located right inside the CoCoLo building at the station. For 500 yen, you get 5 coins to use in vending machines that dispense different types of local sake. It is a fun and cheap way to taste test!
4. Nature & Scenery
If you rent a car, the areas surrounding the city center are stunning.
- Yamakoshi Village: A village in the mountains famous for its terraced rice fields and Alpaca Ranch. It is incredibly photogenic.
- Teradomari Fish Market Street: Located on the coast (Sea of Japan). It is a bustling street lined with fish vendors. You can buy fresh seafood and have it grilled right there on the spot.
5. Local Gastronomy (What to Eat)
You cannot visit Nagaoka without trying these local specialties:
| Dish | Description |
| Hegi Soba | Buckwheat noodles bound with funori (seaweed). They have a unique smooth texture and are served in large wooden trays called “hegi.” |
| Tochio Aburage | A gigantic, thick piece of deep-fried tofu. It is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Usually eaten with green onions and soy sauce. |
| Italian Yakisoba | A local soul food. Stir-fried noodles topped with tomato meat sauce. It sounds strange, but it is delicious! |
| Kaki-no-tane | The famous crescent-shaped rice cracker peanut snack originated in Nagaoka. |
6. Access: How to Get There
Nagaoka is very accessible from Tokyo.
- By Train: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Tokyo Station to Nagaoka Station.
- Time: Approximately 90–100 minutes.
- Cost: Covered by the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass).