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Ojiya Matsuri Festival

Guide

Ojiya Matsuri Festival

7 min read

Event Overview

Ojiya Matsuri is the grandest annual celebration in Ojiya City, Niigata, driven by the spirit of the local community. Over three days, the city comes alive with the traditional Karakteri Manto lantern parade and various local festivities. The absolute highlight is the massive fireworks-display, one of the largest in the prefecture, which draws crowds from across the region to witness the night sky light up.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The festival's peak moment is the Grand Fireworks Display on the second night. Approximately 7,000 shells are launched, culminating in the breathtaking "Super Wide Vesvius Grand Star Mine," a spectacular finale funded by local donations. Another must-see is the Karakuri Manto Parade, where glowing lanterns illuminate the streets, offering a deeply atmospheric and traditional Japanese experience. The event also features Taiko drumming, children's game areas, and food stalls, making it a perfect destination for families.

Schedule

The festival takes place over three days.

Day 1

  • *17:30–21:00**: Food Plaza (Toei 1-chome)
  • *18:25–18:45**: Children's Mikoshi Parade
  • *18:45–19:50**: Taiko Drumming & Yosakoi Dance
  • *20:00–20:30**: Daimin Odori Dance
  • *20:30–21:00**: Costume Bon Odori Dance

Day 2

  • *10:00–21:30**: Food Stalls (Sunpra-dori Street)
  • *15:00–15:30**: Ojiya Taiko "Koryokai" Performance
  • *18:00–20:30**: Unified Manto Parade (Vehicular Lanterns)
  • *19:30–21:00**: Grand Fireworks Display (Downstream of Shinano River Asahi Bridge)
  • *20:30–21:00**: Manto Interaction Plaza

Day 3

  • *14:00–21:30**: Food Stalls (Sunpra-dori Street)
  • *15:00–15:30**: Awa Odori Dance
  • *18:00–20:30**: Unified Manto Parade (Lanterns, Mikoshi, and Ojiya Taiko)
  • *21:00–**: Closing Ceremony

Venue & Access

The festivities are held around the main streets of Ojiya City and the banks of the Shinano River.

  • *Main Venue**: Ojiya City Honcho-dori, Sunpra-dori, and the area downstream of Shinano River Asahi Bridge.
  • *By Train**: Approximately a 15-minute walk from JR Joetsu Line "Ojiya Station."
  • *By Car**: During the fireworks display, shuttle buses will run from temporary parking lots (such as the Ojiya City General Gymnasium, accommodating approx. 1,700 cars) accessible via the Kan-etsu Expressway "Ojiya IC."

Tips for Visitors

To enjoy the fireworks comfortably, we recommend checking information on paid spectator seats in advance. While some may be sold on the day, they are limited. Please also note that traffic restrictions and congestion will occur in the city center during the parades, so please allow extra travel time.

Essentials & Etiquette

  • *Clothing**: As this is a summer night event, wear breathable, light clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended as the riverbank terrain can be uneven.
  • *Payment**: Most food stalls and the food plaza operate on a cash-based system. Please carry enough Japanese Yen.
  • *Etiquette**: The asphalt areas on the river embankments are reserved for emergency vehicles. Please do not spread mats or drive nails into the ground. Let's enjoy the festival respectfully and safely.