[Guaranteed Departure] Niigata, Japan | 2-Day Tour of Japan's Three Great Fireworks Festivals: Nagaoka Fireworks Festival & Togakushi Shrine | Departing from Shinjuku

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-Tour Highlights-

The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, known as one of Japan's "Three Great Fireworks Festivals" and also one of the "Three Great Fireworks Festivals of Echigo," is held annually on August 2nd and 3rd. It's arguably one of Japan's grandest summer fireworks displays. Travel by private car from Shinjuku to Nagaoka City to witness this once-in-a-lifetime spectacular fireworks display! Special seating arrangements ensure a comfortable viewing experience without the hassle of crowds! For guests on the 2-day tour: After the fireworks festival, transfer to your hotel by private car. The next day, visit the sacred and spiritually significant Togakushi Shrine on Mount Togakushi, steeped in history and legend. Along the approach to the inner shrine, you'll be greeted by rows of ancient, towering cedar trees, creating a breathtaking spectacle of light and shadow – a truly unique and soul-cleansing experience!

-Day 1 Itinerary -

• One of Japan's three major fireworks festivals – Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

The local fireworks festival has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century. In 1951, to commemorate the survivors of the Nagaoka air raid on August 1, 1945, and to pray for the post-war reconstruction of the area, a grand fireworks festival was held annually on August 2nd and 3rd, a tradition that continues to this day. The festival takes place along the Shinano River, opening with white "Hakukiku" (white chrysanthemum) fireworks to honor the spirits of those who perished in the air raid. The most famous feature of the Nagaoka fireworks festival is the enormous "Sanshaku-dama" (three-foot-long pyrotechnica), which, after exploding high in the sky, reaches a diameter of 650 meters—currently the largest fireworks ever permitted! Furthermore, the sea of ​​fireworks, exploding rapidly and densely like Niagara Falls, is breathtakingly powerful, like a magnificent bridge suspended in the sky, illuminating the night sky and leaving an unforgettable impression. Finally, there is the "Revival Prayer Fireworks Phoenix," symbolizing revival. Fireworks are launched simultaneously from six locations, blooming in the sky like a phoenix spreading its wings. Those present are so shocked that they are speechless and immersed in the magnificent space constructed by the fireworks!

*Upon arrival near the venue, a tour guide will lead you to your assigned seats.

* You are free to explore before the fireworks display begins. You can visit the nearby night market to buy local food.

*The fireworks display will be very crowded, so please keep your valuables with you at all times.

* We have arranged viewing seats in Venue B for you. Seating arrangements will be made by our company. Please be aware of this.

[Important Notes for Attending a Fireworks Display]

If this is your first time attending a Japanese fireworks festival, please refer to the following suggestions:

*The fireworks festival is held in the summer. There is free time before the festival starts. Since it is summer, it is recommended to prepare for sun protection.

*The fireworks display will be held along the riverbank and will take place in the riverside meadows. Please bring insect repellent spray.

* Although there are trash cans in the venue, the event attracts a large number of people every year, so please be sure to bring your own trash bags and cleaning supplies such as toilet paper and wet wipes.

*The fireworks display will continue into the evening. The lighting in the venue will be insufficient. Please bring flashlights or other lighting equipment just in case.

* Please wear clothing and shoes that allow for easy movement on the day of the fireworks display.

* Although the ground at the fireworks venue will be covered with plastic mats, they may not be very comfortable to sit on. You may bring your own cushion if needed.

*Please note that folding chairs, simple chairs, tripods, and other similar items are strictly prohibited from being brought into the venue.

* Umbrellas are not allowed inside the venue. In case of sudden weather changes, it is recommended to bring a lightweight raincoat.

*On the day of the fireworks display, the venue will be packed with hundreds of thousands of people. There is a high chance that network equipment will be unusable. We appreciate your understanding.

* Once everyone has assembled, the bus will depart for the hotel. Arrival time is approximately 0:30-1:30 the next day, but may be significantly delayed due to road conditions and other factors.

- Day 2 Attractions Introduction -

A mysterious haven nestled in a tranquil cedar forest – Togakushi Shrine.
Togakushi Shrine, located in Nagano Prefecture, is a sacred space hidden deep in the mountains, transcending a thousand years of history. Legend has it that this ancient shrine boasts over 2,000 years of history; stepping inside is like traveling through time and entering a "divine realm" isolated from the present world. The entire shrine complex consists of five main shrines: Okusha, Chusha, Hōkōsha, Hinomikosha, and Kuzuryusha. On this trip, we will visit three of the most representative shrines: Chusha, Okusha, and Kuzuryusha.

【Central Shrine】—The center of Togakushi Shrine

The central shrine is the five shrines of Togakushi Shrine, and its chief deity is "Ama-hachi-no-Kane-no-Mikoto," the god of wisdom and learning.

• The approach to the temple is lined with magnificent cedar trees, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.
• The "Sanbonsugi" in front of the shrine is said to be a sacred tree with particularly powerful energy.
• Here you can feel the unique atmosphere of the shrine being closely integrated with nature.

【Okusha and Kuzuryusha】—A sacred worship experience deep within the sacred mountain

Okusha

• The chief deity is Amaterasu no Mikoto, the god who opened the Ama-Iwato (Heavenly Rock Cave), symbolizing "power and breakthrough".
• The massive sacred tree in front of the shrine and the imposing shrine hall are awe-inspiring.
• The majestic approach to Okami Shrine and the Suishin Gate are definitely worth taking photos of.

Kuzuryusha (九頭龍社)

• Located next to the Osaka Shrine, the main deity worshipped is the Nine-Headed Dragon God, who is in charge of water sources, wealth, and good marriages.
• Although small in size, it is extremely spiritual and is a secret energy site for locals and believers.
• It is especially popular among those who hope to find a good match or pray for the smooth development of their careers.

Precautions when visiting the Central Shrine

Lunch is not included in the itinerary for the day. There are many restaurants around Zhongshe that sell local specialties.

Passengers are responsible for handling this themselves.

Togakushi is one of Japan's three major soba producing regions, renowned for its hand-threshed soba and its unique "bocchimori" (five bundles arranged side by side) style. The soba has a rich aroma and a smooth texture, making it a popular summer choice when paired with a refreshing dipping sauce. Some soba shops also sell unique desserts such as soba tea ice cream and soba-yaki (steamed soba sweets), perfect after-dinner treats.

• Recommended buckwheat noodle shops, for example: Uzuraya: A very popular shop directly opposite the middle shrine, there is often a queue, so please pay attention to the dining time.

Important notes when visiting Okusha and Kuzuryusha

• The Oksha approach is approximately 2 kilometers long.

• From the entrance to the approach to the "Suishinmon Gate" (about the midpoint): It is a gentle uphill section, about a 15-minute walk.

• From the gate to the octagon: After entering the cedar forest area, the slope gradually becomes steeper. The last section is a path of natural stones mixed with stone steps, which takes about 20 to 25 minutes to walk.

• The time required is for reference only. Please plan your walking schedule according to your physical strength and health condition.