As autumn deepens, the “Nariwa Atago Grand Fireworks” was held recently in Nariwa-cho, Takahashi City.
This fireworks festival, boasting a 320-year history dating back to the Edo period, overcame suspensions caused by the July 2018 torrential rains and the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned last year (2023), with its season shifted to autumn, when it is less likely to be affected by the weather.
The festival’s defining feature is, without a doubt, its “set-piece fireworks.”
The many set pieces arranged on the banks of the Nariwa River, together with the immersive experience of fireworks launched from close range, make this event unique to the area. Here’s our report.
The information presented was accurate when this article was published in November 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is the Nariwa Atago Grand Fireworks?
The Nariwa Atago Grand Fireworks is a traditional fireworks festival that has continued for 320 years, from the Edo period to the present day.
According to information on the official website, legend has it that the festival began when fireworks were made once a year by recycling gunpowder used in firearms and other items.
Above all, the highlight is the handmade “set-piece fireworks” created by local residents.
For about an hour from 7 p.m., launched fireworks and set pieces brilliantly illuminate the night sky over Nariwa and the surface of the river.
A “Children’s Kagura Competition” is also held on the eve of the festival, and “Dedication Bitchu Kagura” is performed before the fireworks begin on the day.
Arrive Early to Avoid Traffic
As traffic congestion just before the festival can make it difficult to arrive on time, I made sure to get to the site before 5 p.m.
At this time, there is plenty of time before the fireworks begin, so the parking lot is relatively empty.
I parked at Nariwa Junior High School, across the river from the venue (1,000 yen per regular car), and set off for the site.
The paid viewing area begins just before Tsurumi Bridge, where you pay the admission fee (1,000 yen per person for junior high school students and older).
From the bridge, you can see the audience seating and the many prepared set pieces up close.
I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of show they have in store for us this year.
The riverbank is an open-seating area, so people claim their spots by laying out leisure sheets and other items they have brought with them.
By 6:30 p.m., as the start time approaches, the audience seating area is almost full.
Nariwa’s Famous Set-Piece Fireworks
It would be no exaggeration to say that the Nariwa Atago Grand Fireworks is all about its set pieces. These handmade fireworks created by local residents are what make the festival distinctive.
Every year, set pieces incorporating timely topics make an appearance.
This year’s set piece was inspired by next year’s Kansai Expo.
This set piece is inspired by the Famicom character “Super Mario Bros.”
The traditional Nariwa “Great Silver Waterfall” stretches out to the left and right from the top of the mountain.
When lit, it brightly illuminates the venue as if it were daytime.
Underwater fireworks shimmer on the surface of the Nariwa River.
Rows of Food Stalls
Before the fireworks began, I picked up some light refreshments from the rows of food stalls in the town center south of the venue.
As the start time approaches, the streets grow busier.
At this food stall, they were deftly grilling salt-seasoned wild ayu caught in the Takahashi River.
The locally caught wild ayu seemed to catch everyone’s eye, as a line had formed in front of the stall.
Dedication of Bitchu Kagura
The “Dedication of Bitchu Kagura,” which originated here, was being performed at Taikomaru Plaza near the venue.
Performances ran from around noon until 6 p.m., before the fireworks began. The performers on stage were renowned kagura masters. The writer also watched the final piece, “The Slaying of the Great Serpent.”
He also plays the role of a sort of clown, making the audience laugh and enlivening the atmosphere with topical jokes and a little dark humor.
Then came the well-known tale of Susanoo-no-Mikoto slaying the great serpent. It was a gripping scene.
From the Writer
The Nariwa Atago Grand Fireworks Festival began as fireworks dedicated to Atago Shrine, the shrine of the god of fire.
I also learned that, although there are contributions from local businesses and individuals, preparations and operations have been carried out by local volunteers to this day. This gave me a sense of how deeply rooted in the community this fireworks festival is.
For the writer, this was the first Nariwa Atago Grand Fireworks Festival in seven years, since 2017.
Last year (2023), I was caught in traffic and couldn’t make it in time for the start, so I turned back with a bitter feeling. This year, partly to make up for that, I arrived with plenty of time to spare, and I feel I was able to enjoy not only the fireworks but the festival itself.
I hear that the festival has faced difficulties, including a long six-year hiatus, a declining local population, and funding challenges. As one of the spectators, I hope to support it so that the fireworks festival will continue for many years to come.
And… I’m looking forward to it being held in all its dazzling splendor again next year.
Nariwa Atago Grand Fireworks Festival Information
| Name | Nariwa Atago Grand Fireworks Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, November 9, 2024, 7–8 p.m. |
| Location | Shimohara, Nariwa-cho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Free ※Reserved-free viewing seats cost 1,000 yen per person; free for elementary school children and younger |
| Website | Information on the Bitchu specialty, Nariwa Atago Grand Fireworks Festival |
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