Katakai Matsuri Asahara Shrine Autumn Grand Festival

About this event

One of the Three Great Fireworks of Echigo and also called the Fireworks Festival, the Katakai Matsuri is the autumn annual grand festival of Asahara Shrine. Also known as the birthplace of the san-shaku-dama (approx. 90 cm shell), the launched fireworks represent dedications to Asahara Shrine. Individuals and companies dedicate fireworks with various wishes, such as celebrating the birth of children, weddings, family safety, prayers for good health, business prosperity, and memorial services for the deceased. On the day, time-honored traditional rituals are held from morning, such as Tamaokuri, offering the fireworks shells to Asahara Shrine, and Tsutsuhiki, praying for the success and safety of the fireworks launch. Daytime fireworks are also launched on the second day. Once the fireworks launch begins, shaku-dama fireworks shoot up one after another, and because the low mountains spreading behind the launch site form a folding-screen shape, the sound reflects, allowing you to enjoy roaring bursts. At 22:00, the world's largest launch firework, the Sho-Yon-Shaku-Dama (approx. 120 cm shell), is fired, blooming a giant flower 800 meters in diameter across the night sky. Approximately 15,000 fireworks will be launched over the two days. The application period for sajiki (elevated wooden viewing seats) begins on April 1, 2026.

Venue

Katakaimachi

Katakaimachi, Ojiya, Niigata 947-0101