Ideya

DAY 1: The Nagaoka Festival and Fireworks

The Nagaoka fireworks Festival Show will launch 20,000fireworks in two nights (2nd and 3rd, August) and will be held against the backdrop of the Shinano River, the longest in Japan.The most spectacular and magnificent fireworks color the summer night sky of Nagaoka,and attract us.The breathtaking Nagaoka Fireworks will make unforgettable memories in your hearts.

• The origin and History

  The origin of Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is The festival for Restoration from War Devastation for citizens to focus their thoughts on reconstruction was held on August 1st, 1946 in same day of the after bombs was dropped.
  
  Now that Festival later renamed the Nagaoka Festival, our hopes for peace are still being continued even now.

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  Video courtesy of Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation. Reference

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  Sho-sanjyakudama and Niagara Fall

  This huge masterpiece Color the summer night sky The Peak of techniques.
  One of the highlight of Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show is the renowned Sho-sanjakudama (3-foot diameter shell fireworks) with set of fireworks called Niagara, the 650 mater long dynamic fireworks display vigorously flows down into river, which is reminiscent Niagara Fall

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  Video courtesy of Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation. Reference

• Phoenix Fireworks Wishing for a complete Recovery

  The Phoenix Fireworks have been launched annually in order to encourage many people from damage caused by the disaster.
  The phoenix being launching with music is dynamic and views of beyond of our eyes.

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  Video courtesy of Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation. Reference

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  Special seats are available for dinners to enjoy the fireworks.

  While enjoying a special bento box prepared by SUZU Deli, you can watch a beautiful fireworks display at the unique location of Nagaoka by the Shinano River from comfortable seating.

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  Limited edition hors d'oeuvres and bento boxes by SUZU Deli

  SUZU Deli is a cafe which is serving Healthy menu using Niigata vegetables sent directly from farmers.
  Of course, the ingredients used are from Nagaoka city. Whether you choose from old-fashioned flavors to SUZU-style arrangements, you can enjoy the unique taste of Niigata.

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  The photo is for illustrative purposes only

❊ Discover the crafts of Japan at ”Open Factory” in Tsubame & Sanjo City, a town of craftmanship which has been maintained by countless unnamed artisans.

• Open factory to see knife manufacturing.

  Tsubame City & Sanjo City, one of Japan's leading centers of metal composite processing technology, It is a major producer of metal cutlery and metal houseware in Japan. This has been made possible by 400 years of history and reliable technology.
  As a matter od fact, the products, ade in Tsubame & Sanjo City are expensive ;but you will be sure that the price is reasonable by taking a close look at the production process getting to know how excellent their quality is.
  At some factories in Tusbame & Sanjo City, visitors are allowed to have a look inside the factories. It is called "Open Factory". Waching products coming into life just before your eyes will give you a lasting impression.

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  The history of Tsubame & Sanjo Cites manufacturing dates back 400 years.

  It has its roots in the making of Japanese nails, which was started by farmers in the Edo period as a side business to meet the needs of a flourishing Edo (the archaic name for Tokyo) during the early 1600’s of the Edo Period. The rapid growth of the new capital of Japan, as well as many great fires, led to a boom in demand for not only nails, but also other tools to meet the construction needs that Tsubame Sanjo rose up to meet.
  The accumulation of wealth, knowledge and expertise then allowed Tsubame Sanjo to expand into agricultural, kitchenware and many other crafts as it cemented itself as one of the centers for crafts and manufacturing in Japan.
  From then until the present day, it has continued to make things that are always needed by people, keeping up with the changes of the times.
  Tsubame & Sanjo Cities has inherited technology and innovation that has been nurtured over a long history.

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  Reference: https://thehiddenjapan.com/tsubame-sanjo/

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  The Tojiro Knife Atelier

  TOJIRO has continued to meet the quality required by professional over the years. Byond a single knife, while thinking of its user.
  At the knife atelier, you can see the manufacturing site of TOJIRO blades' handmade products. For handmade products,they use the traditional swordsmithing method of forging hammered blades.
  From the blade to the handle, the craftsman finishes it by hand, and it can also be made to order.
  TOJIRO continues to manufacture knives. You can feel the craftsman hone their skills to manufacture worthy knives.

  
  

  The Tojiro Knife Gallery

  The Tojiro Knife Gallery is a facility where you can see, touch, and enjoy Tojiro products. Not only can you actually hold the product in your hands, but of course you can also purchase it on the spot. They also accept, re-shapening, personal service and much more available.

DAY 2: Ecotourism, "Kizawa-district" in Nagaoka city

Ecotourism is a form of tourism marketed as "responsible" travel (using what proponents say is sustainable transport) to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of the local people. The stated purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and human rights. Wikipedia Ecotourism

On the second day, immerse yourself in a full day of exclusive experiences that revolve around the unique nature found only in this region. You'll enjoy meeting local producers as you travel through rural areas with a diverse range of visits off the beaten track. Gain an insight into Japanese customs and traditions, enjoy the vibrant food culture and soak up scenic highlights of the Land of the Rising Sun!

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  "Kizawa" the Nostalgic Landscape of Japan

  "Kizawa District" The step-like terraced rice paddies dotting the hillsides of mountainous "Kizawa District" in Nagaoka City are our historic heritage. They present to us special seasonal features and remind us of nostalgic rural landscapes from good old days. Is there any other land that is fresh? Is there any other place blessed with a variety of foods? Enjoy the change of the four seasons.
  The pur pose of the Tour is for adults and children alike, Rich stories about food, the natural environment, history, etc.To experience and learn about the "climate" of the region that is woven into it.To savor the best time in each place. When there is no snow, ”Kizawa District” is a place of rice paddies, fields and satoyama. And catching ayu in the river.

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  Strolling Terraced rice paddies & A field where various vegetables grow

  Terraced rice paddies cut out one by one. A field where various vegetables grow. Let's go to the satoyama and look for fresh vegetables. Discover locally grown and locally distributed vegetables. Let's take a look at Nagaoka's proud "Nagaoka vegetable culture," which developed in this land of heavy snowfall, fertile soil, and a hot and humid climate in summer. A wonderful way to experience this intriguing country!
  Please enjoy the experience of interacting with rice and vegetables in the satoyama.
  Rice planting in May. From June to July, care for paddy fields and plant seeds in the fields.
  In August, the harvest begins. In the fall, the harvest of rice, the harvest of the fields.
  The harvest can also be used for lunch that day.

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  Friendship Kizawa

  A local master will guide you.
  Don't worry about where to find vegetables, which ones are delicious, and how to pick them. The experience of picking vegetables in the satoyama will be unforgettable. A local master from "Friendship Kizawa" will guide you.They live in Kizawa, a mountain village where the population is aging and declining.From the idea of "Let's revitalize Kizawa!" In January 2002, "Friendship Kizawa" was formed.
  The village of Kizawa was devastated by the Great Chuetsu Earthquake in 2004. In the Kizawa and Toge areas, where the epicenter of the earthquake is located, the total destruction rate of houses reached 77.5%, and the slopes of Mt. Futako collapsed. The road was torn to shreds, and the road leading to the outside of the area was blocked by sediment, leaving it as an isolated island on land.
  "This is our hometown!", uniting everyone's feelings and uniting them.While thinking about "the significance and meaning of living in Kizawa" People worked on the revitalization of the settlement. On a land with beautiful rice terraces, rich forests and clean water Everyone in Kizawa is preserving the old-fashioned traditions. Deepen exchanges with visitors and "do something new" They try to do it together and have fun.

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  Experience cooking with local moms!

  It is an experience of cooking traditional food with local mothers.
  The Kizawa area is known as one of the heaviest snowfall areas in Niigata Prefecture. Before the modern snow removal system that covered the city was installed, it was closed in snow for nearly five months of the year.
  One of the characteristics of this region's food culture is that it has devised various ways to preserve the bounty of the mountains collected from spring to autumn as salted, dried, and fermented foods in order to survive the long winter.
  In addition, it is a land rich in water and nature surrounded by the Shinano River and mountains, so it seems that people have lived with various blessings of nature such as wild vegetables, nuts, and fish every season since the Jomon era.
  The abundance of water and temperature differences are suitable for rice production, and rice cultivation has been carried out in many lands since ancient times, and vegetable cultivation is also thriving.
  Many families still use the land near their homes to grow more than enough vegetables to eat at home.

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  Lunch in Kominka

  "Kominka". An old folk house
  An old folk house that was built 120 years ago was relocated in 2001 and stands in this area.
  The earthen floor where you enter the entrance is an atrium, and you can't help but hear your voice at the magnificent persimmon beams.
  There is a hearth and a large kettle door in the dirt floor, and if you eat Uonuma Koshihikari while holding a maki in this kamado, you can feel the sweetness of the rice so much that you don't need a side dish.
  If you go up from the tap, there is also a hearth room here. It is what we now call a tea room. And there are 4 Japanese-style rooms. The veranda that surrounds the room, especially the western veranda, is wide and is a perfect space to look at the idyllic fields from the mountains of Echigo in the distance.
  You can also experience cooking in a furnace and grilling edges using a hearth.

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  Echigo Kawaguchi Hot Springs

  After enjoying lunch, take it easy. Or you can enjoy Open-air bath! Everyone loves It.
  We will guide you to the hot springs on the same premises. Bring your amenity bag.

  "Spring quality" Sodium chloride strong salt hot spring

  In addition to general indications, it is effective for chronic dermatitis, cuts, burns, chronic gynecological diseases, and frail children.

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  It is a spring quality that easily penetrates the body and has a high moisturizing and heat retention effect.

  "Temperature of Source of hot spring" 54.3℃

  Number of sources: 1
  Hot water volume: 390 liters
  Drinking: Not possible

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  "Private Bath" is available at JPY 3,000 for 90min. (advanced booking is needed)

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  "Private Bath" (optional) is available

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  Buffet Lunch "local home dishes by local moms"