2025 Nagaoka Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

It is often said that we should go to Japan to see the fireworks festival in summer, but there are over 1000 flower festivals in Japan every year. Which one is the best? 🎆 Now let me introduce you to the three major fireworks festivals in Japan! P.S. All of them are still in a hurry to see! ! 🎉 "Nagaoka Festival Fireworks" Held from August 2 to 3 every year, it carries the citizens’ deep attachment to the vision of peace. Special viewing seats are set up on both sides of the Shinano River (the river section that flows through the city), which is a rare two-sided viewing experience in Japan. The conference ingeniously used multiple pieces of "ruler jade" to create a majestic three-dimensional fire curtain, which is a unique example of Japanese fireworks art. Date: August 2 (Saturday) to August 3 (Sunday), 2025 Hours: 19:20 - 21:10 (fireworks show time) Address: Shinano River area, Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture Highlights: 🔸A three-foot jade with a diameter of about 650 meters (this is a large spherical firework with a diameter of about 90cm) 🔸The unique fireworks "Revival Prayer Phoenix" with a diameter of about 2 km of the Immortal Bird soaring 🎈 "Fireworks of Daqu" It has been passed down since 1910 (Meiji 43) and has been based on the national pyrotechnics craftsman competition system. Participants must make their own and bring their work to the venue, with the judges focusing on design, color and innovation. Date: August 30, 2025 (Saturday) Hours: 17:10 - 18:00 (daytime fireworks session);18:50 - 21:30 (nighttime fireworks session) Address: On the banks of the Ogaku-Homemonogawa River (“Oku’s Fireworks” Park), Osei-shi, Akita Prefecture Highlights: 🔸 Rare "daytime fireworks" - not relying on light but relying on smoke to compete for beauty 🔸Creative Fireworks - Experience a unique "Music Fireworks Journey" with a high degree of synchronization between music and fireworks 🎊 "Topo National Fireworks Competition" The traditional fireworks competition inherited from 1925, bringing together fireworks craftsmen from all over the world to compete. The competition is divided into three major competitive events: "Star Dance" - the continuous firing of hundreds of fireworks; "No. 10 Specification Jade" - the shape and color effect of astral arrangement as the key to judging; and "Creative Fireworks" - showing novel ideas that break through the traditional framework. Date: November 1, 2025 (Saturday) Time: 17:30 - 20:00 Address: Sakuragawa-side, Toura-shi, Toura-shi, Ibaraki Prefecture (near Gakuen-Ohio Bridge) Highlights: 🔸Creative competitive fireworks 🔸 Large star dance array covering a wide night sky In addition to the "Three Great Fireworks Festival", there are many fun attractions and events waiting for you in Japan! You can find the "Local Guide" on the Trip.com app - planning your trip is super easy! Share this post with your family and friends and go watch fireworks in Japan! 🎇 #Japan #JapanTravel #Japan Attractions #Japan's Wonderful Scenery #Japan Summer Travel #FireworksContest #FireworksContest

🇯🇵 2025 Nagaoka Fireworks Festival The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (長岡まつり大花火大会), held annually in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region, is one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals. With a spectacular display of 20,000 fireworks and a variety of festival-themed delicacies, it attracts massive crowds every year, including many international tourists eager to witness the dazzling show! The festival takes place in early August along the banks of the Shinano River. Its main highlights include the gigantic "Sanjakudama" fireworks with a diameter of 650 meters and the "Phoenix Revival Fireworks" launched simultaneously from six locations. The breathtaking and magnificent scenes make it a must-visit event. However, keep in mind that tickets are required for on-site viewing seats. It's recommended to book early, and since the festival is held outdoors by the riverside, don't forget to prepare for mosquitoes! Date: August 2-3 Time: 19:20-21:10

The Nagaoka Grand Fireworks Festival, one of Japan's three major fireworks events, is held annually on August 2nd and 3rd in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. The festival originated as the "Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival" in 1946, commemorating the victims of the Nagaoka air raid on August 1, 1945, which devastated the city and claimed 1,488 lives. It serves as a memorial and a wish for recovery. Over the course of two days, approximately 20,000 fireworks are launched along the banks of the Shinano River. With a variety of fireworks on display, visitors are guaranteed a spectacular and satisfying experience. While the fireworks are breathtaking when viewed from the main venue, they can also be enjoyed from the Higashiyama Fureai Agricultural Park. This location offers a free and relaxed atmosphere to appreciate the beauty of the fireworks. Be sure to arrive early, as parking spaces fill up quickly! 📍 Location: Higashiyama Fureai Agricultural Park

#火火節 The 2024 Nagaoka Grand Fireworks Festival will be held on August 2-3. The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is held to comfort the dead and pray for the dead. All tickets are reserved. It is difficult to get tickets without asking Japanese friends. Most of the tickets were bought online in June and are hard to get. Fireworks festivals have different themes, and the fireworks are rich in color and size. The most distinctive feature is that there is usually an extra-large firework. In fact, I failed to buy a ticket, but there are many small parks around that can be enjoyed. Time: 19:20-21:20 📍Address: Shinano River Riverside, downstream of Nagasei Bridge, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture #trip #relax #Japan #JapanTravel #GlobalTravel

This is a fireworks display that you should see at least once in your life✨ The Phoenix Fireworks, which are up to 2km in length, are exceptional! Once you see the Nagaoka Fireworks, you'll want to go again next year! The fireworks are held at a Shinkansen station, so they are relatively easy to get to. If you're going by car, you should check their social media for parking information! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ticket lottery application for general order: around late May (Nagaoka citizens presale in April) Venue A [Nagaoka Station side (right bank)] ①Venue A mass seating: 6 people, 32,000 yen ②Bench-style mass seating: 8 people, 48,000 yen ③Bench seating: 5,000 yen per person ④Chair seating (Venue A): 1 seat, 5,000 yen ⑤Photographer seating: 1 seat, 12,000 yen ⑥Wheelchair seating (1 wheelchair user, up to 2 caregivers): 10,000 yen ⑦Disabled seating (4 people capacity, 1 parking space included): 10,000 yen ⑧Phoenix area seating: unreserved seating in designated area, 1 person, 4,000 yen ⑨Phoenix table seating: 1 seat, 7,000 yen yen ⑩Phoenix block reserved seats Free seats in reserved blocks 4,000 yen per person ⑪Sanjakudama block reserved seats [above the embankment, on the slope of the embankment] (Venue A) Free seats in designated blocks 4,000 yen per person ⑫Sanjakudama block reserved seats [below the embankment] (Venue A) Free seats in designated blocks 3,000 yen per person Venue B [Nagaoka Interchange side (left bank)] ⑬Masked seats (Venue B) Reserved seats 30,000 yen for 6 people ⑭Masked seats on the embankment 30,000 yen for 6 people ⑮Chair seats (Venue B) Reserved seats 5,000 yen per seat ⑯Table seats reserved seats 10,000 yen per person ⑰Photographer seats (Venue B) Reserved seats 12,000 yen for 2 people yen ⑱ Field seats at the athletics stadium (Venue B) Unreserved seats 4,000 yen per person ⑲ North area seats (Venue B) Unreserved seats 2,000 yen per person ⑳ West area seats (Venue B) Unreserved seats 4,000 yen per person ㉑ Starmine block reserved seats (Venue B) Unreserved seats within the reserved block 5,000 yen per seat ㉒ South area seats (Venue B) Unreserved seats 4,000 yen per person ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ Points🙌 ・Venue B may be easier to get to if you are driving ・Venue A may be easier to get to if you are taking the train ・Venue B may be better because it has a cinema food court until the fireworks start ※You cannot enter the venue without a ticket ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ※This information is current, so please check it out before you go! Photo date: 2024/8 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Right now! This moment! Enjoying the Maya trip to the fullest ✔︎A place I'm glad I went to after experiencing it for myself ✔︎I hope this will be helpful for your outings♫ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Display 📍Shinano, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Display Venue (Right Bank) 💺Venue A Paid seats Near Chosei Bridge 📷SONY α7c ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🫧~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ #FreeTabi #FireworksFestival2024 #NagaokaFireworks #NiigataTourism #DomesticTravel #Fireworks #FireworksDisplay #NagaokaTourism

July is mid-month📅, and fireworks festivals are starting all over Japan. Don’t miss out on the hottest fireworks festivals from late July to August❗️ 1️⃣ Nagaoka Fireworks Festival 👉 Niigata Prefecture Date: August 2 (Friday) and 3 (Saturday), 2024 Location: Downstream of Chosei Bridge, Shinano River Riverside Time: 19:20～ Number of rounds: About 20,000 rounds (total for 2 nights) 2️⃣ Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival 👉 Shiga Prefecture Date: August 8, 2024 (Thursday) Location: Otsu City, Otsu Port, Otsu Waterfront Time: 19:30-20:30 Number of rounds: about 10,000 ⭐️Recommended to travel from Kyoto and Osaka 3️⃣ Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival 👉Osaka Prefecture Date: August 3, 2024 (Saturday) Location: From the Shin-Midosuji-Yodogawa Railway Bridge to the Yodogawa Riverbed downstream of National Route 2 Time: 19:30～ Number of issues: Undisclosed ⭐️ Available from Osaka and Kyoto 4️⃣ Sumida River Fireworks Festival 👉Tokyo Date: July 27, 2024 (Saturday) Venue: First venue: Downstream of Sakura Bridge ~ Upstream of Kototoi Bridge Second venue: Downstream of Komagata Bridge - Upstream of Umabashi Bridge Time: 19:00～ Number of rounds: about 20,000 ⭐️About 30 minutes from Tokyo Station, near Asakusa 5️⃣ Omagari Fireworks Festival 👉Akita Prefecture Date: August 31, 2024 (Saturday) Location: Omagari Fireworks Park Time: 17:10～ Number of rounds: about 18,000 ⭐️Tohoku, Japan 6️⃣ Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival 👉Nagano Prefecture Date: August 15, 2024 (Thursday) Location: On Lake Suwa in front of Lakeside Park Time: Undecided Number of rounds: about 40,000 ⭐️Recommended to travel from Nagoya or Tokyo 7️⃣ Yokohama Minato Mirai Smart Festival 👉 Kanagawa Date: August 5, 2024 (Monday) Location: Minato Mirai 21 Seaside Park, etc. Time: 19:30～ Number of rounds: about 20,000 ⭐️Recommended to travel from Yokohama and Tokyo 8️⃣ Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival 👉 Miyagi Prefecture Date: August 5, 2024 (Saturday) Location: Sendai West Park Time: 19:15～ Number of rounds: about 16,000 9️⃣ Abe River Fireworks Festival 👉 Shizuoka Prefecture Date: July 20, 2024 (Saturday) Location: Downstream of Anxi Bridge Time: 19:30～21:00 Number of rounds: about 10,000 to 15,000 rounds 🔟 Katsuki Fireworks Festival👉 Hokkaido Date: August 13, 2024 (Tuesday) Location: Near the Tokachi River Time: 19:30～ Number of issues: Not public ⭐️Recommended to go from Sapporo

The "Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Festival" was originally started to comfort the souls of the deceased and pray for peace. The end of World War II, August 1, 1945. On this day, more than 1,000 lives were lost due to bombs being dropped in Nagaoka. In order to restore the old town and make Nagaoka prosperous again, starting from the second year, the "Nagaoka Revival Festival", the predecessor of the Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Festival, was held. The opening ceremony was kicked off by the white "White Chrysanthemum" fireworks. They are fireworks that symbolize comfort for those who lost their lives in the Nagaoka air raid. The famous "Sansakudama" that represents "Nagaoka Fireworks": The size of the fireworks bloom itself is determined by the size of the fireworks ball. The firework in the picture above has a diameter of 90cm, a weight of 300kg, and the amount of gunpowder used is 80kg! This is the maximum weight allowed by law now. This firework ball reaches the sky and blooms into a huge flower with a diameter of 650m.

Contents: It's been a while since I've been to a fireworks festival, and my heart danced!! I was happy to see everyone cheering when the fireworks went off! I hope our normal lives return to normal soon! You must reserve a seat in advance on the website! If you're going by car, it's a good idea to reserve a parking spot as well 🎇 #fireworks#outdoors 　#summer weekend trip

Contents I went to the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival for the first time in 3 years!! I was very satisfied with the sound of the fireworks, the atmosphere unique to summer festivals, and the feeling of summer! It was my first time to see the Nagaoka Fireworks, and it was really impressive and wonderful 🎇 I want to go again next year~ #fireworks#summer weekend trip#camping #outdoors

Nakanoshima Museum of Art is a five-minute walk from Keihan Watanabe Station. Just opened on February 2nd, Nakanoshima Museum of Art has a distinctive black cube-like shape. The interior of the museum has a unique silence that can make you feel tense. The long, large escalator inside the building took my breath away. You can go up to the second floor without purchasing a ticket. It's definitely worth a visit. #museum#nakanoshima

Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. Inside Nagaoka Station, there is a place called Ponshukan where you can compare different types of sake for just 500 yen 🍶 I was there on a business trip so I couldn't drink it lol It was fun just looking around! There were all kinds of sakes on display and explanations. It felt like a sake museum. #museum

Settaya is the atmospheric center of Nagaoka City. Just walking around will make you feel like you've traveled back in time!

Strolling around Nagaoka Station I walked around the station to get the Niigata Albirex BB manhole card on the first floor of Nagaoka Civic Center. As soon as you leave Nagaoka Station's main entrance (north exit), you will see the stone monument of the remains of the main citadel of Nagaoka Castle and the Nagaoka fireworks launcher monument. The Flame Pottery Manhole Cards distributed at the Nagaoka Civic Collaboration Center were temporarily suspended due to lack of stock and were scheduled to resume in September, but I was able to see the Flame Pottery Monument up close on Ote-dori. #Niigata #Local Card #Summer Trip

AORE Nagaoka From the Nagaoka Station ticket gate, you can walk directly to the Citizen Exchange Hall and Arena on the 3rd floor of AORE Nagaoka in about 3 minutes without getting wet in the rain or snow. Address: 1-4-10 Ote-dori, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture This is the first complex in Japan to combine an arena that can accommodate 5,000 people, an open-feeling Netsuki Plaza, and a city hall. Designed by one of Japan's leading architects, Kengo Kuma, this free space is filled with the warmth of wood. Please check the official website for event information. On the premises, the site of the Ninomaru of Nagaoka Castle is on the west side of National Route 351 on Ote-dori, and there is a stone monument on the premises. #SummerShortTrip

The Nagaoka Firework is one of the 3 grand Firework festivals🎆 in Japan and is normally held in summer for 2 days in Nagaoka city, Niigata, at the end of July. During the Firework festival, there will be around 1 million people💑👨‍👩‍👧👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 come to Nagaoka to experience the magnificent Firework, and the show will start at sunset time and will last for around 1.5 hours. If there is chance, it is strongly recommended to experience the superb atmosphere in person, as the passion and movement you can feel at scene is unparalleled💗 Tips: 💡 If it is part of your journey, it is strongly recommended to prepare as early as possible as during the Firework festival, there is few hotels available in Nagaoka, even in Niigata. 💡To book a ticket in advance is recommended. Even there are free areas to watch the show, it requires to arrive 4-6 hours before to secure the place, thus a ticket can save more time and energy. #nightphotoguide#summervacation#hikingtrails

The largest fireworks festival in Japan that you must experience at least once in your life 🎆 "Nagaoka Grand Fireworks Festival" Join the Japanese in wearing yukata to watch the fireworks and enjoy the most beautiful summer ☀️ Yukata is so cute ( ˊ̱˂˃ˋ̱ ) This was my first time attending such a grand fireworks festival. It was truly a sea of people, even more crowded than a New Year's Eve event. We had reserved seats in Section B, but when we entered the venue around 5 PM, Section B was already packed, making it extremely difficult to find a spot. Many people had arrived early with picnic mats to secure their places. The restrooms were also very crowded, so I recommend using the restroom before entering the venue. Overall, the experience was fantastic. The Japanese were very orderly, and no one stood up to block the view. The fireworks were absolutely stunning!～～～

This isn't just a fireworks festival. Fireworks that touch the heart, launched into the skies of Nagaoka with prayers and peace. Phoenixes, three-foot fireworks...their power and emotion are unforgettable. This is my fourth time, but I'll definitely go back next year! 🎆 📝What's it like? The Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Display, one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals, is held annually on August 2nd and 3rd in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. For two days, spectacular fireworks, filled with prayers for "commemoration," "reconstruction," and "peace," are launched over the Shinano River riverbed. The highlight is the staggering scale of the display, including the approximately 650-meter diameter three-foot fireworks and the Phoenix fireworks over 2 kilometers in length. Paid viewing seats are highly sought after every year, and with many repeat visitors from far and wide, securing a hotel and transportation is key! ⸻ 📌Basic Information Item Details Name: Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Display Date: August 2nd and 3rd (rain or shine) Time: 7:20 PM to 9:10 PM on both days Location: Shinano River riverbed, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture (between Ote-Ohashi Bridge and Chosei Bridge) Access: 20-minute walk from JR Nagaoka Station / Temporary shuttle bus service available Seating: Paid seating available (advance lottery or resale) / Free viewing available in some areas 2025 Ticket Information: Lottery application in mid-June → Tickets to be issued in mid-July (see official website) ⸻ 🌟Recommended Points • 💥 Spectacular Phoenix Fireworks (prayer for recovery) 　⇒ Continuous fireworks spanning 2 km in width, set to Ayaka Hirahara's "Jupiter" • 🎆 The thunderous sound and power of 3-foot fireworks 　⇒ The sound and vibrations of the massive fireworks, over 650 meters in diameter, will resonate throughout your body. • 🎶 Program fireworks with background music 　⇒ The synchronized music and fireworks will bring tears to your eyes. • 🍧 The main "Nagaoka Festival" is also held in front of the station and surrounding area. 　⇒ Floats, lanterns, and street stalls create a festive atmosphere throughout the town! ⸻ 📷 Tips for Photography and Viewing • 📸 Paid viewing seats (right bank near Nagaoka Station) offer a front-on view of the fireworks. • 🕐 Recommended to arrive at the venue by 4:00 PM: The station and surrounding areas will be extremely crowded. • 🌡 Heatstroke prevention essential: Bring a drink, parasol, hat, and fan! ⸻ 🏷️Hashtags #NagaokaFireworks #NagaokaFestival #Japan'sTopThreeFireworks #NiigataTourism #SummerFestivalTrip #TripMoments #PhoenixFireworks #3-ShakudamaFireworks #SummerMemories #StunningFireworksSpots #Fireworks

It was my first time watching the fireworks. I was overwhelmed by the scale of them. My seat was in the box seats in Hall A. It was close and the impact was amazing, but I had to keep turning my head up and down, left and right to watch. The image didn't fit in the camera's field of view at all. I feel like I could get a better view of the whole thing from the seats on the bank at the back.

When I attended one of Japan's top three fireworks festivals, the "Nagaoka Fireworks Festival," I traveled from Kanagawa using the Seishun 18 Ticket, which took about 7 to 8 hours. Along the way, there was an unexpected train stoppage, which delayed the trip significantly and made it even more exhausting. However, I was able to see the fireworks safely, and it was such a moving experience that it left a lasting impression on me. While I don't think I'll use the Seishun 18 Ticket to go again, this is definitely a fireworks festival that every fireworks enthusiast should see at least once in their lifetime. There are both paid and free seating options, and even the free seats offer a great view. I recommend watching from the left side of the bridge near the toilets, where you can lie down and enjoy the show. On the other hand, the slopes near the embankment aren't very comfortable for sitting and tend to be crowded, so I wouldn't recommend them. If you leave a little before the finale, you can avoid the heavy crowds. I was so moved that I ended up crying.

The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival 🎇, renowned as one of Japan's three major fireworks events, is held annually on August 2nd and 3rd. With approximately 20,000 fireworks launched, it has become a quintessential summer tradition in Nagaoka. The highlight of the event is undoubtedly the Phoenix 🐦🔥. This breathtaking display was first launched in 2004 to pray for the recovery from the Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake. The wide starmine fireworks spread across the sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Accompanied by Ayaka Hirahara's song "Jupiter," the fireworks evoke chills and awe 🤍. Another must-see is the "Sanjakudama" (Three-Shaku Firework). First launched in 1926, this historic firework blooms into a massive flower with a diameter of 650 meters in the sky. Its slow-motion-like ascent and thunderous sound make for an incredibly powerful experience 🎇. Before the pandemic, spectators could enjoy the fireworks for free from the riverside, but since 2022, all seats have become paid, requiring advance ticket reservations. General ticket sales typically begin in late May and may continue until early July, depending on availability. While tickets for this year are no longer available, it's a good idea to check the official website early next year to secure your spot! Tickets come in various options, ranging from single seats to group seating for up to eight people, including table and chair arrangements. Make sure to visit the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival next year! ✈︎---------------------------------------------✈︎ 📍: Nagaoka Fireworks, Niigata 📸: iPhone, GoPro HERO7 Black ✈︎---------------------------------------------✈︎

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Hotel New Green is just a minute's walk from Nagaoka Station 🏨 It's close to the station, so you can go out drinking sake in Nagaoka at night and come back right away.😍 And even though it's quite reasonably priced, the rooms are spacious, which is nice 🥹✨ The bath is a unit bath, so it's small, but you can ignore that 😌 I only stay at the hotel to sleep, so I want to stay cheap and spend my money on other things! This is a highly recommended hotel for people like that ⭐️ 📍Address: 1-2-9 Jonaicho, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture 940-0061 #Niigata #DomesticTrip #Hotel

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip I heard there was a place in front of Nagaoka Station where I could drink Niigata's delicious sake "Senshin", so I was taken to the second place, Izakaya Daichi 🍶 It was a small shop, but there was a counter and two tatami tables in the back. I was guided to the counter and had a special seat right in front of the owner! The appetizers were made with wild vegetables that the owner had picked, and they were all delicious!! 🌿 I chose grated nameko mushrooms, which were the best snack 😍 First, I had the sake Senshin that I had been craving! We were very lucky because it was the last drink each✌️ The customers drinking on both sides of the counter were very kind and told us about various delicious sakes from Niigata🤩 The bartender also served us rare aged sakes, and all the conversations at the bar were fun and valuable🩷 There were also many rare dishes such as fried whale meat! I was full at the first bar, so I ordered snacks here, but I had a local Niigata dish called "ego" that I had been curious about✨ It looks like konnyaku, but when I ate it, it was even crispier and tasted like agar with vinegar miso. I tried a lot of recommended sakes and discovered many new things, and I liked this shop so much that I thought how nice it would be if this shop was nearby! ! I definitely want to come back🫶🏻 📍Location: 1-7-4 Tonomachi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture #Domestic travel #Gourmet trip

Arriving in Nagaoka via Shinkansen, my journey through Japan's Tohoku region begins. This is my first time in Niigata Prefecture, where the air seems to carry the fragrance of rice—this is Japan’s famed rice-producing region, and I’m here, above all, for the food. In the evening, we chose a highly rated local classic: Kappo Uosen (うおせん). This century-old establishment, operating since the Taisho era (about 100 years ago), sits quietly on a street corner in Nagaoka’s Tonocho district, its unassuming entrance easy to miss. Inside, the warm wooden counter and traditional seating instantly put you at ease. 🍽️ Must-try: Uosen’s Special Tochio Aburaage (Tochio Deep-Fried Tofu) We ordered the signature "Special Aburaage," and to our surprise, it arrived looking like premium "Wagyu tofu"—golden and crispy outside, tender and juicy inside, with a rich soybean aroma that melts in your mouth like delicate fried meat. Drizzled with soy sauce, sprinkled with scallions and bonito flakes, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch. One bite reveals a perfect contrast of crispiness and softness, the deep soybean flavor lingering on your palate. The frying is masterfully balanced—rich but not greasy, leaving you craving more. 👀✨ This Tochio aburaage is a staple home-style dish in Niigata’s Tochio region, but only at Uosen can you taste this elevated, refined version! 🐟 More Than Tofu: Exquisite Sake and Fresh Delicacies Of course, Uosen’s appeal goes beyond aburaage. The sashimi platter, featuring fish delivered fresh from Niigata, is expertly sliced and refreshingly tender. The menu also boasts hidden gems like "Katsuo Namero" (pounded bonito) and "Shirayaki Unagi" (salt-grilled eel). Though the handwritten menu is mostly in Japanese, the friendly staff patiently explain each dish. 📍 Restaurant Info 🏠 Address: 2-2-9 Tonocho, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture (3-min walk from Nagaoka Station) 💰 Avg. cost: ~¥4,000 (incredible value!) 🕰 Hours: Lunch and dinner (reservations recommended)

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip I went to this Italian restaurant, which is said to be the soul food of Niigata residents, because I saw it on TV before and wanted to try it! Friend🍝 It was in the station building CoCoLo, which is directly connected to Nagaoka Station✨ It looks like yakisoba noodles, and the meat sauce is brown... And it's pretty cheap! 😳 When I tried it, it had a strange taste, like a cross between pasta and yakisoba noodles... . . 🤔 But it was addictive and I couldn't stop eating!! ! It's kind of addictive lol If you're interested, please give it a try👏🏻 I was happy to be able to try Niigata soul food for the first time♡ 📍Location: Nagaoka Station Building CoCoLo, 1-611-1 Jonaicho, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture #GourmetTrip #DomesticTrip

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Paris Pie, one of Tabelog's top 100 restaurants, is located in front of Nagaoka Station 🥧 It was close to the hotel where I stayed this time, so I stopped by 😀 It's really close to Nagaoka Station, so it's easy to find 🙌🏻 When I entered the store, the smell of pies was amazing and they looked delicious 💓 I heard that they were popular and would sell out in the afternoon, so I went in the morning, but I was able to buy them as usual! On the first day, I bought chocolate, strawberry whipped, plain, Mont Blanc, and two small pies as souvenirs. They also included an ice pack in a cute pink box 🩷 The strawberry one seems to be limited to the season 🍓 Everything is slightly sweet, so you won't get tired of it! The dough is crispy and has many layers of mille-feuille, so it spills out a lot when you eat it (lol) It was so delicious that on the second day I bought a freshly baked limited edition apple pie, chocolate, strawberry whipped cream, and rum raisin to take home🍎 It was a very cute shop that would definitely make a great souvenir🏠 📍Location: 1-5-7 Ote-dori, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture #Domestic travel #Gourmet trip

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Echigo Nagaoka Kojimaya, a famous Hegi soba restaurant in front of Nagaoka Station 🥢 It's no exaggeration to say that I chose the Nagaoka hotel because I wanted to eat Hegi soba! The restaurant has a splendid appearance, and a guide was already standing in front of the restaurant, and he immediately showed me around ✨ The restaurant was spacious and clean, and seemed to have two floors. Although it had only just opened, there were already several groups of customers, which shows how popular it is 😆 The menu is extensive, and they also had their specialty sauce cutlet set. But I wanted to eat tempura, so I ordered the tempura heki 🫶🏻 It had a chewy texture and the noodle soup was excellent! 😋 The tempura batter was light and crispy and delicious!!! 🍤 This crispy texture definitely needs more salt than tempura soup! I wish I had ordered a large portion, but I still ate so much more (lol) It's great to be able to eat delicious soba in a restaurant-like atmosphere 💓 📍Location: 2-2-9 Tonomachi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture #DomesticTravel #Niigata #GourmetTrip

The National Echigo Hillside Park, located in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, is a healing space surrounded by seasonal flowers and rich nature. Tulips in spring, roses in summer, cosmos in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter - every time you visit, you'll see a different side to the park🌸❄️ The park has wooden playground equipment, a water play area, an observation deck, and an experiential museum, so you can relax while interacting with nature. I also recommend having a picnic on the vast lawn or taking a break at the cafe🍃☕ I visited on a solo trip, and just taking a deep breath in the quiet forest made my heart feel lighter. It's also perfect for a stroll with your partner. Admission is 450 yen for adults and free for children, so it's a great spot for "absolutely free trips." Please try Echigo Hillside Park for a trip surrounded by nature and the beauty of the seasons. [Access] 📍About 40 minutes by bus from JR Shinetsu Main Line "Nagaoka Station" 📍Car: About 10 minutes from Kanetsu Expressway "Nagaoka IC" 📍Address: 1950-1 Mitsumata, Miyamoto Higashikata-cho, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture 🕒Opening hours: 9:30-17:00 (varies depending on the season) 🎫Admission fee: 450 yen for adults / Free for junior high school students and younger / 210 yen for those 65 and older 🚗Parking: 320 yen for regular cars (about 1,000 spaces) Domestic travel #Couple travel #Solo travel #Absolutely free travel #Echigo Hillside Park #Niigata sightseeing #Seasonal flowers #Nature walk #Relaxing holiday

Prayers and hopes bloom in the night sky. Heart-shaking summer memories at the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival 🎆 The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, held in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, is one of the three major fireworks festivals in Japan. In 2025, the fireworks will be launched from 7:20 pm to 9:10 pm on the Shinano River riverbed for two days, August 2nd (Friday) and 3rd (Saturday) 🎇 This fireworks festival, which began as a memorial to the victims of the air raids and a prayer for reconstruction, is still passed down as an event that symbolizes "prayers for peace". The "Phoenix Fireworks" in particular are a spectacular production that colors the night sky with music, deeply moving the hearts of those who watch them 🕊️ I visited on a solo trip, but I was moved to tears by the quietly launched white chrysanthemum fireworks and spent a time that cleansed my heart. It's also perfect for couples to share the excitement. Paid seat tickets are required, but it's well worth it. Please come and experience the moving soulful fireworks that color Niigata's summer. [Access] 📍About 30 minutes walk from JR Nagaoka Station (venue: Shinano River riverbed) 📍Joetsu Shinkansen available/Special trains and shuttle buses available 📍Temporary parking available by reservation if traveling by car (beware of traffic regulations) 📍Date: August 2nd and 3rd, 2025/Time: 19:20-21:10 (scheduled) Domestic travel #couples' travel #solo travel #absolutely free travel #Nagaoka fireworks festival #Phoenix fireworks #Niigata summer #prayer for peace #soulful fireworks #fireworks festival #fireworks