After meeting your tour conductor, you will begin your journey north aboard the Joetsu Shinkansen Toki in reserved standard‑class seating. Leaving the city behind, the scenery gradually changes from urban landscapes to mountains and rivers as you approach Niigata Prefecture. Depending on departure conditions during peak season, the exact departure and arrival stations (Tokyo or Ueno) will be confirmed in your final tour documents. Upon arrival at Echigo‑Yuzawa Station, you transfer to a chartered bus for the evening’s highlight. Important: Final train details, including exact meeting time and train number, will be confirmed 1 week prior to your tour date and sent via Viator chat. Please check your messages for updates.

From Echigo‑Yuzawa, you will travel by bus for approx. 80 minutes to Nagaoka, home to one of Japan’s most prestigious fireworks festivals. The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is nationally renowned for its scale, artistry, and emotional storytelling, with enormous fireworks launched over the Shinano River. You will watch the display from a reserved chair seat on the left bank, allowing you to remain seated and comfortable throughout the event while enjoying the full program, including the powerful and moving finale that Nagaoka is famous for. A special bento dinner prepared for the Nagaoka Fireworks is included, allowing you to enjoy your evening meal at the venue. The event proceeds even in light rain; however, severe weather may result in cancellation at the organizers’ discretion. After the fireworks conclude, heavy congestion is expected due to traffic regulations, and departure from the area will take time—this is a normal part of attending such a major national festival.

After leaving Nagaoka, the bus continues toward Naeba Onsen, with a stated travel time of approximately 120 minutes. Due to festival‑related congestion and road conditions, you can expect to arrive at the hotel after midnight. Although the arrival is late, staying overnight allows you to rest properly instead of returning to Tokyo through the night.