Nagano – August 15 Saku Chikuma River Fireworks Festival

Held every year in Saku, Nagano, the Saku Chikuma River Fireworks Festival is the city’s largest summer tradition. Around 4,000 fireworks are launched from an island in the Chikuma River, close to the audience, making the spectacular sense of immersion its greatest attraction. The event captivates visitors with an imaginative program that includes musical star mines lighting up the night sky in time with the music and Niagara Falls displays that create a fantastical glow across the river.

Event Information

Venue and Map

The Saku Chikuma River Fireworks Festival takes place along the Chikuma River in Saku, Nagano, between Saku Ohashi and Nozawa Bridge. Because the fireworks are launched from an island in the river, visitors in the riverbank viewing areas can enjoy an exceptionally powerful display up close. In particular, the Niagara Falls display unfolds right in front of spectators near Nozawa Bridge, creating a breathtaking sight.

View the venue on Google Maps

Access

By train The nearest station is Nakagomi Station on the JR Koumi Line. The venue is about a 7-minute walk from Nakagomi Station, making it easily accessible. Heavy crowds are expected on the day of the fireworks festival, so using public transportation is strongly recommended.

By car Approximately 500 free parking spaces are usually provided around the venue, but spaces are limited and the area gets extremely crowded. Arriving early is recommended, with arrival by around 4:00 p.m. as a useful guideline. Traffic restrictions will be implemented around the venue, so consider parking farther away and continuing on foot or by public transportation. Other options include temporary parking lots around Sakudaira Station, the multistory parking garage at Aeon Mall Sakudaira (with some time restrictions), and free parking areas around Saku City Hall. Never park on the street or in a way that inconveniences others, and please observe proper etiquette.

Be careful about the last train home The JR Koumi Line has relatively infrequent service, so check the last-train schedule in advance when planning your return. Stations become especially crowded immediately after the fireworks end, so allow plenty of time.

Reserved Seating and Tickets

The Saku Chikuma River Fireworks Festival generally does not sell paid viewing seats to the general public. However, a dedicated area is provided for sponsors. If you would like to watch from a better location, consider sponsoring the festival, which may give you the opportunity to receive reserved-seat invitations. It is also possible for individuals to arrange celebratory fireworks. For occasions such as weddings, births, and marriage proposals, organizers accept orders starting at 2 3-inch shells for 13,200 yen, 1 4-inch shell for 11,000 yen, and star mines from 220,000 yen. When you apply for celebratory fireworks, your name will be included in the program, and your message and name will also be announced when the fireworks are launched on the day.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

The Saku Chikuma River Fireworks Festival is known for its spacious venue and viewing areas that make use of the surrounding natural terrain. A short walk can take you to several lesser-known spots where you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the fireworks at a more relaxed pace.

1. Riverbank area near Nakagomi Station This spot is within walking distance of the station and easy to reach, while also making it relatively easier to avoid the crowds on the way home. It offers a wide field of view and is popular for its direct view of the star mines.

2. Top of the embankment near Nozawa Bridge From the top of the embankment around Nozawa Bridge, you can watch the fireworks from a slightly diagonal, elevated angle. The area is spacious and relatively uncrowded, making it ideal for sitting back and enjoying the show. It is also a good spot for viewing the Niagara Falls display.

3. Open area near Saku Municipal Nozawa Elementary School This area attracts many local residents and is recommended for families with young children. Although it is some distance from the fireworks venue, it is quieter and less crowded, allowing you to watch the show in a more relaxed setting.

4. Near Saku Ohashi This open area along the Chikuma River offers broad views of the entire fireworks display. However, the Niagara Falls display may be somewhat difficult to see.

5. Around Saku-daira PA You can also view the fireworks in the distance from around Saku-daira PA on the expressway. It is known as a lesser-known viewing spot where visitors can enjoy fireworks spreading across the night sky above the rural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where can I check whether the fireworks festival will be held? A. For information on whether the fireworks festival will take place, check with the Saku Chikuma River Fireworks Festival Organizing Committee (telephone: 0267-62-3285) or the official website of the Saku Tourism Association.

Q. Will food stalls be set up around the venue? A. Yes. Around 50 food stalls usually set up around the venue, offering a wide variety of food, including yakisoba and crêpes. We also recommend exploring the stalls while it is still light out.

Q. Is parking available? A. Approximately 500 free parking spaces are usually provided, but spaces are limited and the area gets extremely crowded. Using public transportation is recommended. If you are arriving by car, plan to arrive early or consider parking farther away and switching to public transportation.