Reviews, Local food , Transportation Information, and Map Information of Yahiko Shrine and Nagaoka Firework Festival

1.Basic Information

Yahiko Shrine (Yahiko-jinjya)

Visited by over 200,000 people annually for the New Year’s visit, Yahiko Shrine in Niigata Prefecture boasts a history of over 2400 years. Surrounded by beautiful natural forest, it offers a feast for the eyes throughout the seasons, especially during autumn foliage. A striking 30m tall torii gate, erected to commemorate the inauguration of the Joetsu Shinkansen in 1982, stands on the way to the shrine. Made of special steel, this torii gate is a must-see for its impressive size and presence.

Nagaoka Firework Festival (Nagaoka-Hanabitaikai)

Listed alongside Akita Prefecture’s Oomagari Firework Festival and Ibaraki Prefecture’s Tuchiura Firework Festival, the Nagaoka Firework Festival is hailed as one of Japan’s three major firework festivals. The event is famous for its massive fireworks, especially the 650m diameter ones and the 2km wide Phoenix firework launched in prayer for reconstruction. Originating from the Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival in 1946 to mourn the victims of the 1945 Nagaoka air raid and wish for the city’s revival, the festival’s tradition continues, celebrated on August 2-3 as the day of fireworks.

2.Reviews

GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort

This ski resort, connected directly to the station, is just a 74-minute Shinkansen ride from Tokyo Station. Within the station building, there’s a massive ski equipment rental corner and a hot spring facility, allowing visitors to enjoy skiing or snowboarding without bringing any gear. The ski areas, starting from an altitude of 800m, cater to everyone from beginners to experts, and there’s also a dedicated “Snow Play Park”. The park has a snow escalator and play area for sleds, ensuring even small children can enjoy safely.

3.Local Food

Introduction to Western Japan's Yakisoba

Yakisoba is also widely made in Western Japan at food stalls, festivals, and as a home-cooked meal. It is easy to prepare, delicious, and deeply rooted in Japan's everyday food culture. Notably, the "Nagasaki Kata-yaki Soba," made with thin noodles fried in oil, enjoys nationwide popularity.

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Introduction to Eastern Japan’s  Ramen: Part 2

In Eastern Japan, particularly in the Kanto region, ramen based on chicken bones and soy sauce has traditionally been favored. Below, we introduce the representative ramen of the Tohoku, Kanto, Nagano, and Niigata regions.

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Introduction to cold Japanese Soba

In Japan, there are two ways to eat soba: cold soba and warm soba. This article introduces the menu of cold soba, which represents Japan.

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4.Transport Information

■How to get to Yahiko Shrine
Yahiko Tourism Association Official Site (Available in English & Simplified Chinese)
https://www.e-yahiko.com/spot/yahikojinnja/

■How to get to Nagaoka Firework Festival
Nagaoka Firework Foundation Official Site (Available in English)
https://nagaokamatsuri.com/beginner/access/

■How to get to GALA Yuzawa
GALA Yuzawa Official Site (Available in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, & Thai)
https://gala.co.jp/winter/access/

5.Map Information