As autumn deepens, the "Atago Fireworks Festival" was held recently in Nariwa-cho, Takahashi City.
This fireworks festival, boasting a history of 320 years since the Edo period, has been revived after overcoming the suspension due to the heavy rains in July 2018 and the COVID-19 pandemic, changing its timing to autumn when it is less affected by weather since last year (2023).
The highlight of this fireworks festival is undoubtedly the "shikake hanabi" (mechanical fireworks).
The multiple setups along the riverbank of the Nariwa River and the sense of presence from fireworks launched at close range are unique to the local area. Let's report on it right away.
What is the Atago Fireworks Festival?
The Atago Fireworks Festival has been a traditional fireworks festival that has continued for 320 years from the Edo period to the present.
According to the official website, it is said that the festival began with the recycling of gunpowder used in firearms to create fireworks once a year.
And the highlight is the handmade "shikake hanabi" by the townspeople.
From 7 PM, for about an hour, the launched fireworks and shikake hanabi beautifully color the night sky and the surface of the Nariwa River.
Additionally, as a pre-festival event, a "Children's Kagura Performance Competition" is held, and before the fireworks start on the day, "Offering Bichu Kagura" is also performed.
Arrive early to avoid traffic
As the fireworks festival approaches, there is a possibility of not being able to arrive on time due to traffic, so I arrived at the venue before 5 PM to allow for some leeway.
At this time, there is still plenty of time before the fireworks start, so the parking lot is relatively empty.
I parked my car at the Nariwa Junior High School ground across the river from the venue (1,000 yen per regular car) and headed to the site.
Before reaching Tsurumi Bridge, I paid the entrance fee (1,000 yen per person for junior high school students and above) at the entrance to the paid viewing area.
From the bridge, you can see the audience seats and the various shikake hanabi that have been prepared up close.
I wonder what kind of performances will entertain us this year; expectations are high.
The riverbank is free seating, so everyone is laying out their own leisure sheets and reserving spots.
By 6:30 PM, as the start time approaches, the audience seats are almost full.
Nariwa's specialty shikake hanabi
When it comes to the Atago Fireworks Festival, it is not an exaggeration to say that shikake hanabi is what characterizes this festival, as they are handmade by the townspeople.
Every year, shikake hanabi incorporating timely topics make an appearance.
This year, the shikake hanabi was themed around next year's Kansai Expo.
This is a shikake hanabi modeled after the Famicom character "Super Mario Brothers."
The "Oginotaki" shikake hanabi illuminates the surface of the river brightly.
Underwater fireworks sway on the surface of the Nariwa River.
A row of food stalls
Before the fireworks start, I secured some light snacks at the row of food stalls lined up in the city on the south side of the venue.
As the start time approaches, the foot traffic increases.
At this food stall, they were skillfully grilling naturally-caught sweetfish from the Takahashi River.
The locally sourced natural sweetfish seemed to attract everyone's attention, as there was a line forming in front of the stall.
Bichu Kagura Offering
The local "Bichu Kagura Offering" was being held at "Taikomaru Plaza" near the venue.
Before the fireworks festival began, there was a performance from around noon until 6 PM, featuring renowned kagura performers. I also watched the final performance, "Slaying the Great Serpent."
He also plays the role of a clown, mixing in current events and a bit of dark humor to entertain the audience and liven up the atmosphere.
And then, the well-known performance of Susanoo slaying the Great Serpent. It was a gripping scene.
Conclusion
The Narube Atago Grand Fireworks is a dedication to the fire god at Atago Shrine.
Additionally, while there are sponsorships from local businesses and individuals, I learned that the preparation and operation have been carried out by local volunteers up to the present, indicating that it is a community-oriented fireworks festival.
For me, it was the first Narube Atago Grand Fireworks in seven years since 2017.
Last year (2023), I got caught in traffic and couldn't make it in time for the start, which left a bitter memory of having to turn back. This year, with a sense of revenge, I visited with plenty of time to spare, allowing me to enjoy not only the fireworks but the festival itself.
There have been struggles over the long six-year hiatus, as well as challenges related to the declining local population and funding, but as an audience member, I want to support the continuation of this fireworks festival for many years to come.
And... I look forward to next year’s splendid and magnificent event.
Narube Atago Grand Fireworks Data
| Name | Narube Atago Grand Fireworks |
|---|---|
| Date | November 9, 2024 (Saturday) 7 PM - 8 PM |
| Location | Shimohara, Narube-cho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free ※Paid reserved seating is 1,000 yen per person, free for elementary school students and younger |
| Homepage | Information on the Bichu specialty Narube Atago Grand Fireworks |
