Nagano — Chikuma River Summer Fireworks Festival

Getting there

The festival is accessible by public transport or car, but public transport is recommended because heavy congestion is expected on the day.

By train The venue is approximately 15–25 minutes on foot from Togura Station on the Shinano Railway. Follow the signs to the fireworks venue from the station.

By car

• Approximately 8 minutes from Sakaki IC on the Joshin-etsu Expressway.
• Approximately 15 minutes from Koshoku IC on the Nagano Expressway.

Parking There are seven free car parks with approximately 960 spaces in total and three paid car parks with approximately 170 spaces. A further paid car park, bookable through the dedicated PIT PORT app, has approximately 260 spaces. The total parking provision is described as approximately 1,100–1,200 vehicles.

Traffic restrictions Restrictions are introduced in stages around the venue from 13:00, 15:30, 18:00 and 20:40 on the event day. Congestion becomes particularly heavy during the fireworks, so arrive early.

Check the last train home The display is scheduled to finish at 21:00, but leaving the venue takes time. Check the Shinano Railway's final departures in advance and allow enough time to avoid missing your train. Securing your return transport is particularly important if you are not staying in Tokura Kamiyamada Onsen.

Paid seating and tickets

Paid seats are available for comfortable viewing at the 2026 Chikuma River Summer Fireworks Festival. In addition to experiencing the powerful sound created by the surrounding mountains at close range, these areas have audio equipment so you can hear the announcements clearly. With this year's event falling on a Friday, larger-than-usual crowds are expected, and reserving paid seats is recommended.

Ticket sales start Sales begin at 09:30 on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Seating types and indicative prices planned for 2026

• S1 seats, with table and chair: ¥8,000 including tax; approximately 30 seats.
• S2 seats, with chair: ¥5,000 including tax; approximately 250 seats.
• A seats, with cushion: ¥3,500 including tax; free for elementary-school-age children and younger; approximately 800 seats.
• B seats, on the lawn: ¥1,500 including tax; free for elementary-school-age children and younger; approximately 2,200 seats.

How to buy

• In person: Chikuma City General Tourist Information Hall.
• Online or by telephone: CN Playguide.
• At convenience stores: Seven-Eleven and FamilyMart, using their in-store multifunction copiers.

Same-day A and B tickets are scheduled to go on sale at 17:00 on Friday, August 7, 2026, near the passage leading to the paid viewing area on the riverbank. Popular seats may sell out early, so advance purchase is recommended.

Lesser-known viewing spots

The area around the venue becomes very crowded, so alternative viewing spots are worth considering for a more relaxed experience. Mountains surround the launch area, allowing visitors to enjoy both the fireworks and their echoes even from a little farther away.

1. Manyo no Sato Sports Area Located downstream on the Chikuma River and a little farther from the main venue, this area tends to be less crowded. A large free car park is adjacent, and you can spread a picnic sheet on the grass for relatively relaxed viewing. It is suitable for aerial fireworks, although the entire Niagara display may be difficult to see.

2. Onishi Ryokuchi Park Like the Manyo no Sato Sports Area, this park has adjacent free parking and grassy areas where you can relax while watching the fireworks. It is also suitable for aerial bursts, although parts of the Niagara display may be obscured.

3. The Togura end of Taisho Bridge This location is close to the hot-spring district and convenient for leaving after the display. Although a little farther from the venue, it may allow you to enjoy the fireworks while avoiding some of the crowds.

4. Joyama Park Its slightly elevated position may provide an overview of the display. Trees or other obstructions can block the view, however, so checking the location beforehand is recommended.

5. Around Chikuma City Hall's Togura Office, or the embankment on the opposite bank on the City Hall side These locations are across the river from the venue, allowing you to watch over the Chikuma River. They suit visitors who prefer a quieter atmosphere away from the bustle of the main viewing area.

Many of these spots offer a strong impression of the fireworks without charging admission, but crowd levels vary with conditions on the day. Arrive early to find a place, follow local etiquette and enjoy the display considerately.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can the festival be cancelled because of rain? A. It goes ahead in light rain but is cancelled in severe weather. No postponement date has been set. Check the official festival website and other official updates for the decision.

Q. Will there be food stalls? A. Yes. From before evening, approximately 100 stalls line the riverbank and the embankment road on the hot-spring district side. You can sample Tokura Kamiyamada Onsen's food while waiting for the fireworks.

Q. Can individuals arrange message fireworks? A. Yes. Individuals and companies can arrange fireworks accompanied by messages, for occasions such as children's celebrations, weddings, longevity celebrations, shop openings, sporting victories, declarations of love and proposals. Applications close on July 10, 2026, and benefits such as sponsor seating are offered to participants. See the official website for details.