After watching so many fireworks reels on Instagram, I’m now seriously thinking about going back to Japan next summer to see the big fireworks festivals. Here’s my rough plan for 2026:
- Fly to Japan on 25 July 2026 so I can watch the Kashiwazaki fireworks on 26 July.
- Join the open trip for Kashiwazaki (include the transportation and accomodation)
- Return to Tokyo on 27 July and stay there until the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival on 2–3 August.
- Join the open trip for Nagaoka Fireworks (include the seat)
- Fly back home on 4 or 5 August.
I have a few questions:
- I know people say I need to book hotels and tickets months in advance, but is there a specific time when reservations usually open? I checked Booking and Agoda, but they don’t show any accommodation yet for those dates. Do you have any hotel recommendations around Nagaoka and Kashiwazaki?
- I do check Airbnb, and there are a few options available. However, because I'm interested in joining a KKday fireworks trip package, which includes transportation, accommodation, and visits to other places (I don’t mind paying more since I won’t be traveling alone). The problem is, I don’t know when KKday will open bookings for this tour, or will I even get a slot for the trip. My current idea is to book an Airbnb first (since I can cancel and get a refund before June 2026), then wait and see if I can get a spot on the KKday trip. If I do, I’ll cancel my Airbnb booking. Is this okay to do? I feel a little bad for the Airbnb host.
- Do anyone have any recommendations for affordable hotels in Tokyo (maybe around $50-100/ night)? I’m planning to stay somewhere along the Yamanote Line, but I’m open to other suggestions too.
by Edelgart