August 1 Karuizawa Fireworks Festival

Access

Getting to the Nagakura Summer Fireworks Festival

• Nearest station: Naka-Karuizawa Station on the Shinano Railway.
• From Naka-Karuizawa Station: Nagakura Shrine along the Yukawa River is within walking distance.
• By car: The venue is around Nagakura Park, 2283 Nagakura, Karuizawa. Traffic restrictions may be put in place, so check the official website in advance.
• During busy periods: Roads become extremely congested during Karuizawa’s summer event season. Using public transportation is recommended.
• Last train: Check the Shinano Railway’s service status in advance and be careful not to miss the last train.

Getting to the Shin-Karuizawa Yagasaki Park Fireworks Festival

• Nearest station: JR Karuizawa Station.
• From Karuizawa Station: Yagasaki Park is just outside the north exit of Karuizawa Station, making it extremely convenient to reach on foot.
• By car: Yagasaki Park is located at 28-1 Karuizawa-higashi, Karuizawa. Roads around the venue are expected to be congested on the day of the fireworks festival. The use of public transportation is strongly recommended.
• Last train: Check the last Shinkansen and Shinano Railway departure times from JR Karuizawa Station in advance, and allow plenty of time for your return journey.

Paid Seating and Tickets

As of July 2026, sales information for paid seating and tickets for the 2026 Nagakura Summer Fireworks Festival and Shin-Karuizawa Yagasaki Park Fireworks Festival is still awaiting official announcement.

At fireworks festivals in previous years, paid viewing areas may have been available in some cases. When paid seating is offered, it often sells out early, so as the event approaches, check the official website for each event and Karuizawa’s tourism information websites for the latest details. Applying early is recommended.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

Here are several lesser-known spots where you can enjoy Karuizawa’s fireworks at a more relaxed pace.

1. Around Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (excluding the parking lot) Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza itself is not a fireworks launch venue, but there is a possibility of seeing the fireworks from the spacious areas around it. In particular, viewing from a location some distance from the festival venue may allow you to avoid the crowds. However, visibility may be limited in some places, so checking the location in advance is recommended.
2. Yukawa Furusato Park (a lesser-known spot for the Nagakura Summer Fireworks Festival) Located a short distance from Nagakura Shrine along the Yukawa River, the venue for the Nagakura Summer Fireworks Festival, Yukawa Furusato Park is a peaceful spot where you can enjoy nature. It has spacious grassy areas and shade from the trees, and you may be able to enjoy the fireworks while listening to the babbling river. It is also conveniently located about 10 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station.
3. Hotels and restaurants around Karuizawa Station (a lesser-known spot for the Yagasaki Park Fireworks Festival) Since the Yagasaki Park Fireworks Festival is close to Karuizawa Station, some hotels and restaurants around the station may offer views of the fireworks. In particular, upper-floor rooms and terrace seating may allow you to admire the display in comfort while avoiding the crowds. It may be worth contacting hotels and restaurants in advance.
4. Distant elevated areas and roadsides Throughout Karuizawa, there are scattered locations where you may be able to see the fireworks in the distance from elevated areas or roadsides with open views, away from the festival venues. However, avoid entering private property or viewing from places that obstruct traffic, and enjoy the fireworks while observing proper etiquette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will Karuizawa’s fireworks festivals be held even if it rains? A. Policies vary by festival. The Nagakura Summer Fireworks Festival is scheduled to go ahead in rainy weather. The Shin-Karuizawa Yagasaki Park Fireworks Festival will go ahead in light rain but may be postponed until the following day in severe weather. Be sure to check the official website for the latest information on whether the event will be held before setting out.

Q. Will there be traffic restrictions on the day of the fireworks festival? A. Yes, traffic restrictions are commonly implemented around fireworks festival venues. Roads are especially congested from the evening into the night, so using public transportation is recommended. If you are arriving by car, check the areas affected by traffic restrictions and parking information in advance, and allow plenty of time for your journey.

Q. Will food stalls or other vendors be set up at the fireworks festival venue? A. Depending on the festival, food stalls and other vendors may set up around the venue or at the summer festival site. In particular, the Shin-Karuizawa Yagasaki Park Fireworks Festival is held at the same time as the Shin-Karuizawa Summer Festival, so the area is expected to be lively with festival stalls and evening vendors. It is a great opportunity to enjoy local food and experience the atmosphere of a Japanese festival.