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Immerse yourself in authentic Japanese history, cuisine, and culture on this two-day tour in Niigata Prefecture. Wander through the Katakai ​Fireworks Matsuri, tasting Japanese cuisine and watching taiko drum performances and sumo wrestling matches. Feed, hold, and care for Nishikigoi, ​also known as koi fish, in their native birthplace. Learn about the history of the area before easing your muscles in the warm waters of a Japanese ​onsen (hot spring). Savor Niigata delicacies and priceless sake as you watch the Katakai Fireworks, one of the three great firework displays of ​Niigata, illuminate the starry skies above you. All of this, and more, awaits you on this once-in-a-lifetime tour.

key features

• Enter the birthplace of koi fish (nishikigoi) and participate in sacred nishikigoi care and feeding.
  
• Experience the Katakai Fireworks Festival from an exclusive viewing area
• Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through private tours and interactive experiences.
• Refresh at a world-class Japanese ryokan (hotel) with a private onsen.
  

Saturday, September 14, 2024

12:30 PM: Meet at the Exit of the Shinkansen Super Express

Nagaoka Station, Niigata

1:15 PM: Katakai Festival & Tour of Firework Launch Site

3:15 PM: Ojiya Nishikigoi no Sato Koi Fish Experience

5:30 PM: Fireworks Movie & Interview with Fireworks Expert

6:00 PM: Gourmet Bites & Beverages at Exclusive Viewing Area

7:30 PM - 10:00 PM: Katakai Fireworks Festival Display

11:30 PM: Arrive at Lodging

Hotel New Otani, Nagaoka

**Note: Lunch not included on Saturday.

The tour will begin at Nagaoka Station in Niigata, an easy 1.5-hour ​ride from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train).

Nagaoka Station can be accessed via Shinkansen or car. Tour ​participants will meet at the exit of the Shinkansen Super Express in ​Nagaoka Station before walking to Aore Nagaoka to begin the tour.

Watch Sumo Wrestling and Taiko Performances

Traditional sumo wrestling matches and taiko drum performances are both favorites ​that can be found near Asahara Shrine during the Katakai Festival.

Experience a Japanese Festival

Wander through the festival grounds, experiencing the sights and sounds of a ​Japanese festival. Try local delicacies and local goods while enjoying live ​performances and parades. While you explore, you can also see the only midday ​fireworks in Japan!

Ojiya Nishikigoi no Sato Koi Fish Experience

3:15 pm

Ojiya City is the birthplace of Nishikigoi, also known as koi fish. Visit Ojiya Nishikigoi no Sato to admire these ​elegant fish swimming in a traditional Japanese garden. Learn about their history, and species, and even ​participate in feeding sessions.

History of the Katakai Fireworks Festival

The Katakai Matsuri, or Katakai Fireworks Festival, boasts a 400-year tradition. ​The festival is held every September in Katakai Town in Niigata, JAPAN.

The Katakai Fireworks Festival is a celebration dedicated to the Asahara Shrine. ​During the festival, over 200 stalls are constructed around the shrine, handmade ​"tama-okuri" floats are paraded through the town to bring fireworks to the shrine, ​and people from around the world gather to watch the fireworks.

Katakai is known for its spectacular fireworks show, and is the only place in the ​world where four-shaku fireworks are launched.

Before the show, indulge in an experiential dinner prepared by the award-winning SUZU GROUP from Niigata, recipients of the prestigious Niigata ​Gastronomy Award. Dinner will be provided in the exclusive viewing area, with comfortable seats in a park near both the launch site and the Katakai Festival.

SUZU GROUP’s award-winning cuisine will allow you to immerse your senses in Niigata’s unique food culture. You can learn more about SUZU here:

During the show, experience the ​awe-inspiring Katakai Fireworks ​show from the comfort of your ​exclusive viewing area. Sit back ​with seasonal Niigata appetizers ​and beverages and let yourself fully ​enjoy the spectacular lights and ​colors that illuminate the night sky ​above you.

Experience the enchanting world of Nishikigoi, which originated right here in ​Yamakoshi Village.

As winter approaches, locals carefully transfer these koi from ponds to tanks to protect ​them from freezing temperatures. Join us in catching Nishikigoi using traditional ​methods. Delve into the ancient art of Nishikigoi handling and feel the thrill of ​connecting with these beautiful creatures firsthand.

Embark on a journey of discovery at the Yamakoshi Reconstruction Communication ​Center Orataru to learn about Japan’s recovery after the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake. ​See videos and photo archives detailing the earthquake's impact and the ongoing ​challenges faced by the community.

After your informative visit, unwind at a café terrace overlooking the picturesque ​tanada (rice paddies).

Enjoy locally sourced cuisine and a relaxing, meditative bath at Yomogi-​Izumiya Onsen. Yomogi-Izumiya Onsen is a natural onsen nestled adjacent to a ​stream in the mountains of Niigata. The springs are renowned for having ​beautifying effects on the skin, as well as healing properties.

Learn more about Yomogi-Izumiya Onsen.

Shinkansen Super Express Exit

Nagaoka Station

Japan, 〒940-0061 新潟県長岡市城内町２丁目7

This tour will explore some of the most famous areas ​of Niigata, including Nagaoka, Ojiya, and Katakai.

Nishikigoi Koi Experience & Katakai Fireworks

Two-Day Tour

Date

• Saturday, Sept. 14 - Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024
  

Key Features

• Enter the birthplace of koi fish (nishikigoi) and participate in sacred nishikigoi care and feeding.
  
• Experience the Katakai Fireworks Festival from an exclusive viewing area
• Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through private tours and interactive experiences.
• Refresh at a world-class Japanese ryokan (hotel) with a private onsen.
  

For inquiries, contact whatsapp +81-90-4366-2767