Some of the highlights of this fireworks display are the “Wide Starmine”, which uses the 600-meter-long embankment as a launchpad, and the simultaneous launch of “100 Shakudama”, when massive fireworks with a burst diameter of 300 meters are launched together over a wide area of 1,500 meters.

Another sight to look out for is the “Undersea Starmine”, a semicircle-shaped underwater firework that is fired into the sea in an arc and then blooms on the surface of the water. This is something you will truly only get to witness at a fireworks show that is literally held on the sea!

Enjoy the magical spectacle of fireworks as they light up the jet-black sea in gorgeous colors.

The first night of the festival comes alive with the Daiminyo-nagashi, where throngs of people wearing colorful yukata parade through the city while dancing to the local folk songs “Niigata Jinku” and “Sado Okesa”.

On the second and third days of the festival, a variety of events get the city bursting with excitement, including the Sumiyoshi Gyoretsu procession, a beautiful parade of people in traditional costumes, and the mikoshi (portable shrine) parade on water featuring a procession of around 40 gorgeously decorated boats.

The festival concludes with a fireworks show on the Shinano River. As the fireworks burst in vivid colors set against music, the dark sky will be lit up in beautiful, vibrant colors.

Look out for the festival’s finale called “Sky Lantern”. Approximately 2,000 lanterns will be made to float toward the night sky, and their warm glow will cast a magical vibe over the snowy landscape.

You can also try heart-pounding activities such as the exhilarating snowmobile and banana boat rides. This festival is filled with attractions unique to the snow country of Niigata, including snow domes called “kamakura” and snow lanterns that are molded from snow and lit inside through a horizontal line that has been drilled into it.