NiigataLeisure

Enjoy dolphin shows and large tanks at an aquarium facing the Japan Sea

About this spot

Reopened in 2018, this Joetsu City municipal aquarium is characterized by its design maximizing the location facing the Japan Sea. In the main tank "Umigatari Large Tank," visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the rich underwater world of the Japan Sea, and dolphin and penguin shows captivate both young children and adults. The dolphin stadium, particularly with its oceanside orientation, presents a stunning sight on clear days as dolphins jump with the Japan Sea horizon as a backdrop. Observing the Japan Sea, where tonight's fireworks will light up, in the daytime blue light will make the evening fireworks viewing feel even more dramatic. As crowds are expected on the fireworks festival day, arriving shortly after opening is an effective strategy.

Fireworks details

Name: 直江津祇園祭大花火大会

Date & time: 7/26 (Sun) Time TBA

Venue: 上越市・直江津地区（関川河口周辺）

Shells: approx. 5,000

直江津祇園祭大花火大会は、直江津の夏を締めくくる祇園祭のクライマックスとして地元に深く根付いた花火大会です。関川河口から日本海に向けて打ち上げられる約5,000発は、海の上の開けた空間で大きく開き、その迫力は格別です。海面に映る花火の光、潮の香り、波の音とともに楽しむ花火は、内陸の大会とはひと味違う雄大さがあります。祇園祭の屋台や神輿のにぎわいとともに盛り上がる夜は、夏の上越を代表する風物詩です。この1日のすべての時間が、このフィナーレに向けて積み重なっていく感覚をぜひ味わってください。

Tips

開催時間は大会公式の最新情報で必ず確認してください(時間未定のため)。荒天の場合は中止または延期となる可能性があります。終了後は周辺道路と直江津駅が大変混雑するため、花火終了後はその場でしばらく余韻を楽しんでから帰路につく時間差帰宅がおすすめです。車利用の場合は事前に駐車場の場所と満車状況を確認しておきましょう。

Food stalls

Where: 海浜公園・直江津屋台会館周辺（うみまちフェスティバル会場）

※Based on previous years. Stall lineups change year to year. Please check the official site for the latest details.

Turn this into a day plan with stall time included

Source: niigata-kankou.or.jp

Tips

About 15 minutes on foot from Naoetsu Station. Admission: Adults ¥1,800, children (elementary/middle school) ¥900, infants (3 years and up) ¥500 (as of 2024; check the official website for the latest fees). Checking the dolphin show times on the official website beforehand will make things run smoothly. On the fireworks festival day, the surroundings will be crowded even after closing, so plan your departure with extra time.