Why the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is worth checking out

I'm usually a fan of smaller festivals, both to avoid massive crowds and just for a more intimate, connected experience. One big one that I think is worth it, though, is the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival. Night one was last night, and it continues this evening. If you've never been, I'll try and persuade you with this blog post!

First of all, it's one of Japan's largest fireworks festivals. Even if you've been to fireworks events before, I think the sheer scale of this event makes it worth the visit. (If you're curious, the other two major fireworks events here are the Omagari National Fireworks Competition in Akita, and the Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition in Ibaraki).

Secondly, even though it's a major festival and draws in the crowds, I don't feel like it ever feels crammed. Because there are lots of vantage points where you can appreciate the fireworks from, I think people just spread out a bit more.

Third, there's a story of recovery and rebuilding behind it. Since Nagaoka was one of the cities attacked in World War II, the event started out as a way to cheer up citizens and help the area get back on its feet again.

Have you ever been to the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival?