Nagano
Local Guide
[2026 Edition] 5 Recommended Fireworks Displays to Enjoy in Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture is blessed with rich nature, historical buildings, and famous hot springs, and is a popular tourist destination. In fact, there are many fireworks festivals held in Nagano Prefecture, and from the end of July to mid-August, the night skies over the prefecture are decorated with large fireworks displays. We have carefully selected some of the most popular fireworks displays. Here we introduce the features and highlights of each, such as fireworks viewed against the backdrop of the Northern Alps, fireworks on a lake with great power, and fireworks enjoyed in the comfort of a riverside setting.

Watch the powerful wide starmine fireworks at close range

The fireworks display is held on the banks of the Chikuma River, about a 3-minute walk from Ueda Station. The fireworks are launched from the opposite bank of the river, which offers a good view, so you can enjoy the powerful fireworks and sound at a close distance. The highlight of the festival is the "Wide Starmine," which takes advantage of the wide riverbed. The scale of the fireworks is so large that they cannot be contained within the field of view, and the way they color the night sky in all directions is breathtaking. The "Music Starmine," which is synchronized with music, also brings a lot of excitement to the audience.
If you want to secure a seat, we recommend paying for bleacher seats. In addition to the pier seats, there is also a standing area suitable for those who want to take pictures.
Food stalls will also be set up at the venue. Enjoy watching the fireworks at your leisure with a gourmet food stall in hand.

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The venue can be reached on foot from Ueda Station, served by JR Hokuriku Shinkansen, Shinano Railway, and Ueda Electric Railway. Enjoy the fireworks in Shinshu, which is relatively cool even in summer, with the pleasant cool breeze of the Chikuma River.

Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival
  • Address Chikuma River riverbed (downstream of Tsuneda Shinbashi bridge), Ueda City, Nagano MAP
  • Business Hours Sat, August 29, 2026, 7:00 PM–
  • TEL 0268-22-4500（Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival Executive Committee (in Ueda Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
  • Parking Parking is available nearby.
  • Notes If the event is canceled, an announcement will be made at 3:00 PM on the day of the event.
    Paid Viewing Seats: Grandstand Seats (sold out; waitlist available), Photographer’s Area (formerly the standing area), Chairs (newly added)

Experience the great sound and power of a riverside mountainous area

(c)Shinshu Chikuma Tourist Bureau
(c)Shinshu Chikuma Tourist Bureau

This fireworks festival, held on the banks of the Chikuma River in Togura Kamiyamada, which is located near a hot spring, boasts a history of over 100 years. Since the fireworks are launched from the opposite bank of the Chikuma River—which flows right before your eyes—the spectacle is truly breathtaking. Furthermore, the terrain, surrounded by mountains, causes the sound of the fireworks to echo loudly, creating an exceptionally immersive experience.Approximately 10,000 fireworks, including star mines and music-synchronized displays, light up the sky.The “Niagara Falls”—a cascade of fireworks stretching approximately 300 meters from the Manyo Bridge—is a signature feature of the Chikuma River Summer Fireworks Festival, along with the spectacular, extra-large star mine that serves as the grand finale.There are both paid and free viewing areas, and while both offer a close-up view, we recommend purchasing advance tickets for the paid seats this year, as large crowds are expected since the event is being held on a weekend.
Nearly 100 food stalls line the riverbank and embankment, adding to the festive atmosphere and enhancing the fireworks experience.

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It is about a 25-minute walk from Togura Station on the Shinano Railway to the venue. Food stalls will be set up before the evening, so it is recommended to get there early to enjoy the food stalls at a leisurely pace.

Chikuma River Noryo Fireworks Festival in Chikuma City, Shinshu
  • Address Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture Togura-Kamiyamada hot spring Chikuma River bank (between Taishobashi Bridge and Manyo Bridge) MAP
  • Business Hours Fri, August 7, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
  • TEL 026-261-0300 (Shinshu Chikuma Tourist Bureau)
  • Parking Free *Ride together or use public transportation due to limited numbers.
  • Memo Number of shots: 10,000
    In principle, the festival will be held rain or shine (in case of cancellation, information will be posted on the website, etc.)

Enjoy the powerful fireworks that can only be seen in the city!

This popular fireworks display is a summer tradition in Matsumoto. With approximately 3,000 fireworks launched from the riverbank of the Susuki River in the city center, the experience is incredibly immersive. Because the viewing area is so close to the launch site, you’ll feel as if the fireworks are exploding right above your head.
The highlight, of course, is the finale. As numerous fireworks are fired in rapid succession, the atmosphere reaches its peak. The sight of fireworks filling the night sky all at once is truly breathtaking.

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3,000 fireworks light up the night sky, and the event attracts large crowds of local residents every year.

Susuki River Fireworks Festival
  • address (e.g. of house) Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture Susuki River riverbed (between Chikuma Bridge and Miharu Bridge, north side riverbed) MAP
  • Business Hours Sunday, August 9, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM (tentative)
  • Admission fee No
  • TEL 080-4923-8787 (Susuki River Fireworks Festival Executive Committee)
  • Memo Number of launches: approx. 3,000
    Estimated number of visitors in a typical year: approx. 20,000
    No paid seating, light rain, cancelled in case of stormy weather with no postponement

A popular fireworks display with paid seats and gourmet food available in the open air

This fireworks festival, held every year on August 14, has become a summer tradition in Azumino City. Since the venue—which features food stalls and food trucks—is a paid area, it’s easy to secure a spot, and its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years as visitors can relax and enjoy the fireworks against the backdrop of the Northern Alps.
The fireworks are launched from the banks of the Saigawa River. Because the viewing area is so close to the launch site, spreading out a blanket and gazing up at the night sky—combined with the sound of the fireworks echoing through the mountains—creates a truly spectacular experience.Kicking off with musical fireworks, the display features a diverse array of effects, culminating in a torrential barrage of fireworks and an extra-large star mine of unprecedented scale. The “Message Fireworks,” which feature personalized messages launched into the sky, are also a highlight.

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The finale is a super extra-large wide starmine! It is so powerful that you can't help but watch it with your mouth hanging open!

The 19th Azumino Fireworks Festival
  • Address Azumino City, Nagano MAP
  • Business Hours Friday, August 14, 2026, 7:00 PM –
    *Held on the same date every year, regardless of the day of the week
  • TEL 0263-71-2000（Azumino City Commerce, Industry, Tourism and Sports Department, Tourism Division, Executive Committee Secretariat)
  • Parking 5,000 yen *6,000 yen on the day of the event
  • Notes Annual number of fireworks: Approximately 4,000
    Estimated annual attendance: Approximately 20,000 people

Enjoy the overwhelming scale and power only possible on a lake

(c)Suwa City
(c)Suwa City

Lake Suwa, located in the center of Nagano Prefecture, is the stage for one of the largest fireworks displays in Japan. The overwhelming sense of scale and presentation that can only be achieved on a lake is a feature of the event, and the famous "Water Starmine," which causes semi-circular flowers to bloom one after another on the water, is a particularly impressive spectacle. The spectacular colors that decorate not only the night sky but also the surface of the lake are breathtakingly beautiful. The sound of the fireworks reverberates loudly as the area is surrounded by mountains on all sides, making the show even more powerful. There are also seats available for spectators for a fee.
Also, from late July to late August (except August 15), "Lake Suwa Summer Night Fireworks" is held every night for about 10 minutes, accompanied by music. Visitors can watch the fireworks at their leisure from the lakeside park, avoiding the crowds. Fireworks cruising is also available, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the large fireworks blooming in the night sky from the lake.

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From September through October, the “National New Fireworks Challenge Cup 2026”—a competition featuring new fireworks designs held in a decentralized tournament format—will also take place. You’ll be able to enjoy highly artistic fireworks created with innovative ideas and superior craftsmanship.

The 78th Suwa Lake Festival Lake Fireworks Display
  • Address Lakeside Park, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  • Business Hours Sat, August 15, 2026, 7:00 PM–
  • TEL 0266-52-4141 (Suwa Lake Festival Executive Committee Office <in Suwa City Hall Tourism Division>)
  • Parking Advance reservations are required.
  • Notes Held rain or shine
    Click here for details on the “Lake Suwa Summer Night Fireworks”
    Click here for details on the “National New Fireworks Challenge Cup 2026”

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.