Niigata – July 26 Gion Kashiwazaki Matsuri Sea Fireworks Festival

Access

By Train

The nearest station is Kashiwazaki Station on the JR Shinetsu Main Line. It takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes to walk from Kashiwazaki Station to the venue. The route is lined with shopping streets, and many food stalls usually set up along the way, making it possible to enjoy the festive atmosphere as you walk.

Important Notes During Peak Congestion and Alternative Routes: JR Kashiwazaki Station is expected to be extremely crowded after the fireworks, with entry restrictions in place for several hours. To avoid the worst of the crowds, consider walking a little farther to Higashi-Kashiwazaki Station or Ibarame Station and boarding the train there. This may help you avoid being held up inside the station.

Be Careful Not to Miss the Last Train: The fireworks are scheduled to end at 21:10, but station congestion and the operation of extra trains may mean that getting home takes longer than expected. We strongly recommend checking the last train times in advance, including temporary services toward Nagaoka and Niigata, Naoetsu, and Yoshida, on the JR East website or another reliable source.

By Car

The venue area is approximately 20 minutes by car from either the Kashiwazaki IC or Yoneyama IC on the Hokuriku Expressway.

However, extensive traffic restrictions will be implemented around the venue on the day of the fireworks. Roads near the venue will be closed to vehicles after 5:00 PM, making it difficult to drive close to the event site.

Using Park & Rail Ride: Park & Rail Ride is an effective way to avoid traffic jams and road closures. Park your car at a station near Kashiwazaki, such as Ibarame Station, Kujiranami Station, or Raihai Station, and take the train from there to Kashiwazaki Station. In particular, Ibarame Station has approximately 1,200 parking spaces available at Satoike Baseball Stadium and official reserved parking lots.

Paid Seating and Tickets

The Gion Kashiwazaki Matsuri Sea Fireworks Festival offers paid viewing areas where visitors can enjoy the fireworks up close and in comfort. The main seating options include masu-seki box seats, Chair & Table seats, Stair seats, and Bench seats.

2026 Ticket Prices: Official prices for paid seating for 2026 have not yet been announced. For reference, the 2025 prices were as follows.

• Masu-seki (capacity: 5 people): ¥30,000
• Chair & Table seats (capacity: 6 people): ¥36,000
• Stair seats (capacity: 2 people): ¥13,000
• Bench seats (capacity: 2 people): ¥14,000 ※Elementary school students and older count as 1 person toward the capacity. Preschool children are not counted toward the capacity when they watch from an accompanying adult’s lap or similar arrangement.

How to Purchase Tickets: Applications for paid seating generally include an advance reservation period for local residents and a general reservation period. If applications exceed the number of seats available for each category, tickets are allocated by lottery. Applications can be submitted online, by fax, by mail, or at the reservation center counter. As of July 16, 2026, applications for paid seating are likely to have already closed. Check the official Gion Kashiwazaki Matsuri website for the latest information.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

For those who want to enjoy the fireworks while avoiding the crowds, here are several recommended lesser-known viewing spots.

1. 潮風公園 (Shiokaze Park) Located relatively close to the venue, this spot lets you watch the fireworks in a relaxed setting from the lawn or embankment. It is also suitable for families with children, but it is popular, so arriving early to claim a spot is recommended. The free viewing area opens for spot reservations at 7:00 AM on Saturday, July 25, so please follow the rules when using it.

2. 御野立公園 (Onodate Park) Although somewhat farther from the venue, this park offers views of the fireworks from points overlooking the sea. Its observation deck provides a 180-degree view of the ocean, making it ideal for visitors who prefer to watch the fireworks in a more peaceful atmosphere. The park has approximately 200 parking spaces and restrooms.

3. 東柏崎駅・茨目駅周辺 This is an area worth considering if you want to avoid the crowds around Kashiwazaki Station. Although it is a little farther from the venue, you can still enjoy the overall display from a distance at a more leisurely pace. The powerful 100-firework and 300-firework sequences should still be impressive even from farther away.

4. 柏崎マリーナ前の道路 This area is outside the traffic restriction zone on the day of the fireworks, making it relatively easy to access. However, no-anchoring and no-stay zones will be established inside the marina and offshore, so caution is necessary if you are considering watching from the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What happens if it rains on the day of the fireworks? A. The Gion Kashiwazaki Matsuri Sea Fireworks Festival will go ahead in light rain. However, in severe weather, such as strong winds or conditions that prompt weather warnings, the event may be postponed or cancelled. The decision will be announced on the official website at 9:00 AM on the day of the fireworks, so be sure to check before setting out.

Q. Will there be food stalls around the venue? A. Yes. Every year, many food stalls set up along the shopping streets between Kashiwazaki Station and the venue, as well as around the event site, creating a lively atmosphere. You can enjoy local specialties and classic festival foods, but the area becomes extremely crowded after late afternoon, and queues can sometimes exceed 30 minutes. We recommend bringing drinks and light snacks with you in advance.

Q. Can I reserve a viewing spot at the venue? A. You can reserve a spot in the free viewing areas, but the times when reservations are permitted are specified. Shiokaze Park opens from 7:00 AM on Saturday, July 25, and Minatomachi Kaihin Park opens from 7:00 AM on Sunday, July 26. When reserving a spot, please follow all rules and etiquette, such as not using stones or blocks to secure sheets and removing tents and chairs before the fireworks begin.