Gifu's Famous Festival
Gifu Nagara River Fireworks Festival
This”s just an image,so might be different from festival.
The Gifu Nagaragawa Fireworks Festival is one of Japan’s largest fireworks events, born from the merger of two major displays, the National Selection Nagaragawa Fireworks Festival and the National Fireworks Festival. Held along the banks of the Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture, from downstream of the river up to upstream of Kinka Bridge, it draws over 100,000 visitors every year.
This breathtaking display consists of seven acts over roughly one hour, launching about 10,000 fireworks against the backdrop of Mount Kinka and the natural beauty of the Nagara River. Highlights include the “Seiryu Blue” fireworks, designed to evoke the image of the Nagara River’s clear waters, and the main attraction: a spectacular ultra-wide musical starmine spanning 600 meters. The colorful bursts synchronized with music fill the entire sky before you—an overwhelming experience not to be missed.
Seating is ticketed, with both reserved and unreserved sections available. There are seats where you can bring a tripod, table seating, spots where you can bring your own mat or cushion, and even reclining seats—so you can choose the style that best suits you and enjoy the fireworks without worrying about crowds. Shuttle buses run from Gifu Station, making access to the venue simple and convenient.
Since Gifu Castle is nearby, why not combine your visit with a bit of sightseeing as well?
The Gero Onsen festival
This”s just an image,so might be different from festival.
The Gero Onsen Festival is a large-scale four-day event held in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture. Throughout the town, a wide variety of activities take place—portable shrines (mikoshi), fireworks, traditional Japanese folk songs, and the dramatic Ryujin Fire Festival held at the end of the first day—making it an ideal opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a true Japanese festival.
One of the main highlights is the Gero Onsen Fireworks Musical on the third day, held at venues such as Shirasagi Green Park. Around 10,000 fireworks are launched in time with music, precisely controlled by computer. Since there are no paid seats, anyone can easily enjoy the show. As the name “musical” suggests, the soundtrack includes not only popular songs but also classical music, so you might see beautiful fireworks choreographed to a tune you recognize.
Numerous food stalls line the area, allowing visitors to eat and drink while enjoying the festivities.
Access is easy—just a three-minute walk from the nearest station.
Gero City is also one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, and at some inns you can even watch the fireworks from the baths themselves. Over these four days, why not enjoy Japan’s hot springs while taking in spectacular fireworks and the powerful fire festival?