Ideya

DAY 1: the Gion Kashiwazaki Festival and Fireworks

Gion Kashiwazaki Festival with large scale fireworks display over the ocean.

This firework display is said to be one of 3 major fireworks in Niigata, and many people visit to see the event every year. The fireworks shows in Kashiwazaki are truly breathtaking. The Underwater Starmine and Wide Starmine set off their fireworks over the sea, which is inseparable from the town's identity.

Another unique spectacle is The Simultaneous Launch of 100 Shakudama, a double launch of 100 fireworks with a diameter of 300 meters that can only be seen in Kashiwazaki. Visitors also flock to see The 300 Raging Shakudama and other spectacular fireworks on display.

• Promotion video

• Festival venue

❊ Highlights of Kashiwazaki Foreworks

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  Opening Starmine with the setting sun in the background

  The Sea's Grand Fireworks Festival starts with the starmine amidst the stunning sunset and blue sky of the Sea of Japan. Attendees can appreciate the natural gradation of colors and the artisanal flame colors.

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  It can be achieved due to the ocean! Underwater Sky Starmine.

  The fireworks arch towards the ocean, burst on the water's surface, and create a stunning half-circle.The mesmerizing underwater fireworks show is a spectacular sight that can only be witnessed at sea.

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  The Wide Starmine is a stunning display on the 600-meter embankment in the Sea of Japan at Kashiwazaki.

  The Wide Starmine is a stunning display on the 600-meter embankment in the Sea of Japan at Kashiwazaki. It uses the location's vastness to create a powerful spectacle, as fireworks dance in the jet-black ocean.

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  100 large fireworks balls are launched together twice in this extravagant display.

  100 big fireworks are set off together twice in a very impressive show. The fireworks, called Shakudama, are each 300 meters wide and will be launched over a 1,500 meter area. The fireworks, called Shakudama, are each 300 meters wide and will be launched over a 1,500 meter area.The fireworks will be launched twice in a row. Don't miss the amazing display that will light up the sky with a loud sound!

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  A huge firework show that shows the desires of the people of Kashiwazaki!

  The Kashiwazaki Citizens' All firework display, sponsored by the locals, features stunning and magnificent fireworks showcasing Kashiwazaki's spirit. It includes fireworks over the water, under the water, and across the sky.
  The fireworks are projected on the sea and decorate the sky, creating a stunning spectacle that you can't look away from.

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  300 Shakudama were fired rapidly, one after the other.

  Against the backdrop of the wide Sea of Japan, 300 brilliant fireworks are launched continuously for about six minutes.
  The fireworks are launched from the right, center, and left, slowly at first and then in rapid succession, creating an impressive finale.

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  Special seats are available for diners to enjoy the fireworks.

  While enjoying a special bento box prepared by a Michelin chef, you can watch a beautiful fireworks display at the unique location of Kashiwazaki by the Sea from comfortable seating.

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  The Special Dinner Box by the Michelin chef Mr.Keisuke Nishizawa of "UONI" in Nagaoka

  The Michelin chef in Nagaoka came up with the menu.

  Mr. Keisuke Nishizawa of “UONI”, who is the sixth generation of Nagaoka's leading KAPPO (traditional style of cooking) cuisine chef and at the same time a chef of contemporary French cuisine, selected local ingredients and thought about this dish.

  Great Pairing with Sake, Nagaoka city is Second Most Breweries In Japan

  We serve Sake with the Dinner Box. It came forward as the french dish to match with Sake.

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  The photo is for illustrative purposes only

❊ Other destinations

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• Roadside Station Nagaoka Fireworks Pavilion

  Visitors to the Nagaoka Fireworks Pavilion can learn about the history and charm of Nagaoka fireworks through a 15-meter-wide, 6-meter-high screen. The screen enables visitors to enjoy fireworks games and other activities. Additionally, visitors can see full-size fireworks balls and cylinders displayed on the surrounding walls.

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  Lunch at Asahi Sake Brewery

  Lunch will be served at Asahi Shuzo, a brewery that produces and sells Kubota, a sake that is also a representative of Niigata, with Niigata's famous hegi soba (buckwheat noodles).

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  Hegisoba

  Hegisoba is a soba noodle dish of Uonuma area in Niigata Prefecture. Soba noodles made with funori as its binder are cut and placed into a plate called "hegi". "Hegi" is a square plate made of hagiita (wood which bark is stripped off), and named after "hagi" (strip). Soba noodles are put into a small bundle and placed into the plate. Some regions use mustard as a condiment, but wasabi is served for this lunch!

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  Asahi Shuzo Sake Brewing Co., Ltd.

  Founded in 1830 in Asahi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, a region of rice fields and forested mountains. For over 190 years, our company has been brewing sake using soft water from an underground vein in our area, high-quality sake rice that has been cultivated through extensive research with local farmers, and technological innovation based on the wisdom and basic research passed down from the Koshiji Touji ilk. They continue to brew sake with sincerity and insist on using only Niigata-grown ingredients.

DAY 2: Discover the Essence of Snow Country - Terraced Rice Paddies and Carp Ponds

The nostalgic view of rural landscapes of Japan-Terraced Rice Paddies and Carp Ponds

On the second day, immerse yourself in a full day of exclusive experiences that revolve around the unique nature and Nishiki-Koi fish found only in this region. The step-like terraced rice paddies and carp ponds dotting the hillsides of mountains Yamakoshi are the historic heritage, which remind us of the nostalgic views of rural landscapes from good old days. There successive terraced curves also offer various seasonal views. Local farmers have continued to support the residence by proudly protecting these paddies and producing quality rice. In March 2017,the System of the Nishiki Koi Breeding Industry and Rice Farming Utilizing the Bounty of Snow was among the first to be listed as Japan's Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.
The fish are released into the mirrored ponds from May until Fall, eventually being either sold, or moved back into the indoor ponds between September-November. The region’s Nishiki-Koi are exported to over 50 countries across the world. The village boasts types of koi seen nowhere else, cultivating one-of-a-kind breeds which attract enthusiasts and collectors. These designer fish may be auctioned off to breeders across Japan, and the world, fetching audaciously high prices. Indulge in various activities and learn more about these extraordinary elements that can be encountered nowhere else but here.

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  the 20（twenty) Village Community Birthplace of Nishiki Koi

  A multicolored carp first appeared in the days of the Edo era: in early 19th century, in the area called the 20（twenty）Village Community. (part of the present Ojiya city and Yamakoshi, Nagaoka City) in Niigata Prefecture, where the local have established a unique cultural zone with similar shared cultural aspects. The area is one of Japan’s most secluded regions.
  The carp in the 20 Village Community was an edible specie but it later changed color due to mutation. Carps now have beautiful colors due to continuous efforts to enhance the colors.
  The locally produced multicolored carps have attracted the attention of overseas millionaires. Many foreign buyers who are looking for the beautiful carps are attending a competitive exhibition in Niigata.

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  Yamakoshi District

  Yamakoshi District is an area located in the mountains of Nagaoka City in the Chuetsu region of Niigata Prefecture. In 1956, four villages (Tanehara, Ota, Takezawa, and Higashi-Takezawa) merged to form Yamakoshi Village. Inheriting the historical and cultural heritage, the residents continued to live. After the 2004 Niigata Prefecture Chuetsu Earthquake, it was merged into Nagaoka City in 2005 and became the Yamakoshi District of Nagaoka City.
  The area is famous for the terraced rice fields that spread out on the slopes of the hills, the cultivation of Nishiki carp as the birthplace of Nishiki-Koi, and the bullfighting called Bull Horn Thrust, which is said to have a history of 1,000 years and still exists as an important intangible folk cultural property of the country. It has also long been known as a scenic spot with a spectacular view, so many photographers visit it to take pictures of the scenery every day. The scenery created by their ancestors carving out a mountain is so beautiful that it impresses.

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  Koi Farm

  Various efforts in improving crossbreeding and raising the multicolored carp have been made since the prototypes first appeared in 19th century. Crossbreeding technology improved and set up the foundation of the present day of the multicolored carp. Through the continued efforts of the people from generation to generation, this method of rice farming and multicolored carp raising in the area has developed extensively into an effective business operation in the mountain area, which is normally considered unsuitable for agriculture. Industrialized the multicolored carp farming is making favorable progress in terms of nurturing successors who are willing to make positive commitments in taking over the business.

  https://www.marujyukoifarm.com/
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  Noike (a field mud pond)

  “Nishiki Koi” lays about 500,000 eggs in a single spawning session, but only a few of them can grow into beautiful shapes and win excellent awards at competitions. How do you grow that tiny "Nishiki Koi " to have a beautiful body? To grow "Nishiki Koi" with a beautiful body shape, they are raised freely in a mud pond called "Noike" from spring to autumn while avoiding stress. If they grow “Nishiki Koi” in this field pond, they can directly get a lot of sunlight, so the color of the ground skin will improve.
  Therefore, the water quality of the pond is kept alkaline and oyster shells are put into the pond, but if the water quality of the pond becomes acidic, the color will fade. In addition, to improve the luster of the skin, it gives the pupa of the silkworm.
  “Nishiki Koi” grown in the pond from spring grow into an ideal beautiful body shape when it is time to pull up in autumn.

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  Carp harvesting

  This is a Nishiki Koi harvesting experience guided tour conducted by a professional breeder. The fish are released into the mirrored ponds from May until Fall, eventually being either sold, or moved back into the indoor ponds between September-November. You can experience harvesting to move koi to a warm indoor facility before the snow accumulates in the Yamakoshi area where there is heavy snowfall. Nishiki -Koi are a sight to behold. Their elegant, powerful forms shimmering beneath the surfaces of the mirrored ponds. There is something surreal about seeing the origin place of a living creature once thought to be commonplace, and indeed, ornamental. Those who visit Yamakoshi may be surprised to find that they can no longer look at these fish without at least a glint of admiration – to take these fish for simply their novelty is to neglect their heritage of resilience and innovation. Beyond decor, Nishiki- Koi are living works of art.

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  Lunch Phantom Koshihikari Rice Grown up with the blessings of nature and spring water

  It is said to be known as Phantom Koshihikari by those in the know, and it is an unadulterated and rare and highly valuable rice that is not easily available in general stores. The rice grown in the terraced rice fields in the Yamakoshi district, is grown at a high altitude with abundant natural spring water and a temperature difference between day and night, so the length of the rice is short, thick, and firm. The sweetness of rice is strong, and the more you bite into it, the sweeter it is, and the rice grains are also larger.