5 Must-See Places in Nagaoka, Japan
So you’ve explored the incredible things that major Japanese destinations have to offer, like the brightly-lit districts of Tokyo, historical sites in Kyoto and Hiroshima, and the bright blue beaches of Okinawa, and you’re looking for a new place to explore on your next visit. About 160 miles north of Tokyo, nestled between the hilly countryside and the Sea of Japan, lies Nagaoka, a city of almost 300,000 people that is rich in both scenic views and cultural history.
Nagaoka and Fort Worth, Texas have been sister cities since 1987. Unlike the big metropolitan areas of Japan, Nagaoka is much smaller and represents the raw beauty of the Japanese countryside and it’s fair share of places that must be visited for anyone looking to explore a different side of the Land of the Rising Sun.
#1 - Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
Every August 2-3, more than 1,000,000 tourists make their way to scenic Nagaoka to witness one of the top 3 fireworks displays in all of Japan.
This annual tradition began in 1946 as a way to mourn the lives of those lost in World War II and continues to this day on the banks of the Shinano River near the Ote Bridge. The boom of the fireworks echoes for miles and miles as fireworks shatter across the night sky in an incredible display that lasts for hours.
If you’re not fortunate enough to be in the city during the festival, you can still visit the Nagaoka Fireworks Factory to get a glimpse of where the fireworks are made.
Nagano fireworks display
#2 - Yakyuzan Park
Yakyuzan Park in Nagano is home to over 2,500 cherry blossom trees, a small zoo with about 20 animals, a baseball field and playground, and even a traditional Japanese garden. As a bonus, admission to the park is completely free.
A reconstruction of Nagaoka Castle can also be found in Yakyuzan Park. The original castle suffered a series of fires, earthquakes, and flooding disasters since its construction in 1616, until it was destroyed once and for all during the Boshin War in 1898.
Nagaoka rebuilt it in 1968 at its new home in Yakyuzan Park as a folk museum, but stones from its original site can still be seen near Nagaoka Station.
Nagaoka castle
#3 - Yoshinogawa Sake Brewery
The 8th oldest sake brewery still in existence can also be found in Nagaoka. Since its founding in 1548, Yoshinogawa Sake has benefited from rice that grows in the region and is among the best in the world.
The water used to brew Yoshinogawa Sake comes from the Shinano River and is sometimes called '“Tenka Kanrosen,” or “Sweet Water of Heaven and Earth.” It is extraordinarily rich in minerals, which gives both the rice grown in the region and the sake a distinct flavor. You might even get a glimpse at the centuries-old techniques used to brew it!
#4 - Teradomari Fish Market
Of course, if you like seafood at all (and let’s face it, you probably do if you love to visit Japan), you can’t miss the local fish market. Teradomari faces the coast and offers an incredible selection of local fish. There are also tons of local eateries and souvenir shops to explore in the area.
#5 - Admiral Yamamoto History Museum
Last but not least, Nagaoka is home to a small museum that pays tribute to Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto.
Isoroku Yamamoto is famous for his involvement in World War II, despite his extreme reservations about Japan becoming involved in the global conflict. For Americans and other Westerners, visiting this memorial museum is a fascinating look at World War II from a different perspective that is full of humanity and love for one’s nation.
If you’ve been to Nagaoka, what was your favorite place to visit?
The city is full of amazing places and we at the Fort Worth Japanese Society are proud to have them as our sister city.