2026 Naoetsu Gion Festival Grand Fireworks Display: A Full-Day Course

This is a full-day course built around the Naoetsu Gion Festival Grand Fireworks Display (直江津祇園祭大花火大会), held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, letting you enjoy the Naoetsu area of Joetsu City, Niigata, from midday onward. In the afternoon, visit Koda Shrine (居多神社), known as the guardian shrine of Naoetsu, and feel the atmosphere of faith cherished locally. Next, enjoy the creatures of the Sea of Japan and a powerful dolphin show at the Joetsu Aquarium Umigatari (上越市立水族博物館 うみがたり), and in the evening, fill up on food in the sea breeze around the Port of Naoetsu (直江津港). As night falls, secure a spot around the mouth of the Sekikawa River (関川) and wait for the moment about 5,000 giant bursts color the night sky over the Sea of Japan. This is the definitive summer Naoetsu plan, letting you savor the historic Gion Festival atmosphere, the openness of the seaside, and powerful fireworks all in one go.