The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival of Ueda, Nagano: Video Introduction

This video, titled "[4K] An Up-Close & Powerful Display! Sparks Rain From Above! The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival 2018 Highlights" ([4K] 激近大迫力！- 火の粉が上から降ってくる - 信州上田大花火大会 2018 ハイライト - Shinshu Ueda Fireworks 2018 Highlights -), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic."

When is the Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival 2024?

Photo：Ueda from the Arato Castle Ruins

Ueda, Nagano, located in Japan's Koshin'etsu region, is known as the birthplace of the three generations of Sanada, one of the most influential clans in Japanese history, and is a popular tourist destination with its historical and cultural heritage, magnificent nature, and hot springs that can be enjoyed in Japan's four seasons. The historical atmosphere of the city has led to it being used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas.
Since it was the setting for the animated movie Summer Wars, some fans go on a tour of the places that served as models in the movie itself.

The Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival is held every year on August 5 on the banks of the Chikuma River (downstream from Tsuneda Shinbashi Bridge) in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, and usually attracts over 100,000 spectators. About 8,000 fireworks, including starmines, are launched into the air.

The dates and times of the 37th Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival in 2024 are as follows.

Date and time: Monday, August 5, 2024 from 19:00

Street stalls and other vendors are scheduled to open in 2024.

Fire sparks falling? What are the attractions and highlights of the "Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival"?

Photo：Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival 2018

The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival consists of a competition among three local fireworks companies.

・Beniya Aoki Fireworks (紅屋青木煙火店)
・Shinohara Fireworks (篠原煙火店)
・Musha Fireworks (武舎煙火工業)

The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival, which has become a summer tradition in Ueda, Nagano, is made possible by the advanced technology of three local firework companies. Normally, 3,000 stars are packed into a firework shell.
If even a few of them are out of alignment, the resulting explosion will be lackluster.

It is no exaggeration to say that the Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival is a success due to the incredibly skilled pyrotechnicians.

The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival – Up Close and Personal

The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival is a popular fireworks display in Nagano Prefecture because of its diverse program. The night sky is completely lit up as approximately 10,000 fireworks of various sizes are launched, centering on the gorgeous starmine and musical fireworks.
In addition, the finale, a series of launches, is a spectacle that captivates the audience. The powerful music and the continuous launching of fireworks herald the arrival of summer in Ueda.

One of the reasons why the Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival is said to be so powerful is that the spectator seats are close to where the fireworks are launched. Because of the proximity, the spectators are sometimes sprayed with sparks from the fireworks.

Popular Tourist Spots in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture

Here are two popular tourist attractions.

Ueda Castle and Ueda Castle Ruins Park
In addition to the East Toraguchi Yaguromon gate, North Yagura, and South Yagura, the stone wall with the "Sanada-ishi" stone, which is 2.5 meters high and 3 meters wide, is a popular photo spot. The "Ueda Castle Thousand Cherry Blossoms Festival" is held in spring and attracts many visitors.

Rice terraces in Inakura
This is a spot where you can enjoy the cityscape of Ueda City and the scenery of terraced rice paddies at the same time. The best time to view the terraced rice paddies is from late May to late October. There are several yokoana burial mounds dating back to the 700s along the rice paddies, providing an original Japanese landscape.

Summary of "Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival" in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture

The Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival is a summer tradition. It is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Ueda Station, where the Shinkansen bullet train stops, and is also close enough to take a day trip from Tokyo.

If you would like to experience not only the beauty of the fireworks seen in this video of the Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival, but also the power sounds and vibrations, considering seeing the fireworks in person.

◆The 37th Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival in 2024
Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 from 19:00
Place: Chikuma River riverbed (downstream of Tsuneda Shinbashi Bridge)
Access：Public transportation: JR Ueda Station, Shinano Railway Ueda Station, Ueda Electric Railway Ueda Station→5 min. walk
Car: 6 km 15 min. from Ueda Sugadaira IC of Joshinetsu Expressway via Route 144
Parking: No parking (please use pay parking lots around the venue)