Katakai Matsuri: Asahara Shrine Autumn Grand Festival
片貝まつり浅原神社秋季例大祭Witness the “yonshakudama,” recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest firework!
The Katakai Matsuri is the autumn festival of Asahara Shrine. The festival's main attraction are fireworks dedicated to the shrine by individuals and businesses carrying their hopes and wishes. Along with being the birthplace of the popular “sanshakudama” firework, Katakai’s crowning jewel is the “yonshakudama,” considered the largest firework in the world.
Traditional ceremonies take place throughout town starting early in the morning to pray for the safe and successful launch of the fireworks. These include “tama-okuri” (the offering of fireworks shells to Asahara Shrine) and “tsutsu-hiki” (the pulling of firework-launching tubes around town).
●Number of fireworks: Approximately 15,000 over the two-day festival.
General Information
| Date | 2nd Saturday in September and the preceding Friday |
|---|---|
| Time | 7:30 pm - 10:20 pm |
| Address | 新潟県小千谷市片貝町 |
| Directions | Approx. 20-minutes by express bus bound for Nagaoka via Katakai from Ojiya Station (JR Joetsu Line). Approx. 30-minutes by express bus bound for Ojiya via Katakai from Nagaoka Station (JR Shinetsu Main Line). Approx. 10-minute drive from the Ojiya IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. |
| Car Park | Temporary parking available |
| Opening Times | Held on the 2nd Saturday of September and the preceding Friday between 7:30 pm–10:20 pm |
| Prices | Seats: 8-person seats (180×225 cm): 33,000 yen (2-day ticket), 22,000 yen (1-day ticket). *Reservations can be made by email or fax to the Katakai Fireworks Association. *Same-day tickets are also available for 5,000 yen per person. |
| Notes | Same-day tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9:00 am at Asahara Shrine. |
Contact
| Name | Katakai Fireworks Association |
|---|---|
| Telephone Number | 0258-84-3900 |
| Fax Number | 0258-84-3902 |
| E-mail address | katakaienka@cocoa.plala.or.jp |
| Website |
