Almost every major Japanese fireworks festival happens in summer. This one waits for late November, when the air is cold and clear.
Overview
The Nagano Ebisuko Fireworks began in 1899 as part of the Ebisuko merchants’ festival at Nishinomiya Shrine, held to wish for the prosperity of the town that grew up in front of Zenko-ji temple. Only experienced pyrotechnicians were allowed to compete, which earned it the nickname “promotion fireworks” – a launching pad for careers.
It is still regarded as one of the highest-quality displays in Japan, and it is unusual in being held in the last week of November.
When and where
The 120th edition is on Monday 23 November 2026, a public holiday, with launching from 18:00 and running to about 19:30. A drone show is planned from 17:30.
Venue: the second and first green zones of the Sai River, west of Nagano Ohashi bridge. The Ebisuko rites themselves are held at Nishinomiya Shrine from 18 to 20 November.
Getting there
Nagano is 80 to 100 minutes from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The venue is about 30 minutes on foot from the east exit of JR Nagano Station, and shuttle buses usually run. Return trains fill quickly after the finale, so decide in advance whether to leave early or wait it out.
What to expect
Quality over quantity, with a strong music-synchronised element.
- Shakudama shells and elaborate musical starmine sequences
- A super-wide starmine as the signature set piece
- A drone show preceding the fireworks from 17:30
- Nishinomiya Shrine’s Ebisuko rites and Edo sato-kagura offerings from 18 to 20 November
- Zenko-ji temple, a 15-minute walk from the station, open the same day
Tickets and admission
Free to watch from the riverbank, with paid reserved seating sold in advance – early sales opened 1 September 2026 and general sales from 1 November 2026. Paid seats sell out in popular years.
Tips for visitors
This is a cold-weather fireworks display: bring a blanket, hand warmers and a thermos, because you will be sitting on a riverbank in late November. Arrive by 16:30 for a free spot with a clear view. Combine the day with Zenko-ji and the shrine rites earlier in the week if your dates allow.
Access and map
| Dates | 23 November 2026, 18:00-19:30 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Sai River green zones, west of Nagano Ohashi, Nagano City |
| Access | JR Nagano station east exit, 30 minutes on foot |
| Admission | Free on the riverbank; paid seating available |
| Official site | Nagano Ebisuko Fireworks |
Source: Nagano Ebisuko Fireworks official site
Image: Photo: Unknown / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
