Ojiya Matsuri

Festival highlights

Highlights include a parade of mechanized Mando floats making their way through the city and a large fireworks display held along the Shinano River.

The Mando floats are shaped like anime characters, animals, historical figures, and other subjects, with parts that move.

The display features approximately 7,000 fireworks, ending with an Ultra-Wide Vesvius Grand Star Mine funded by donations from residents.

The sounds of taiko and festival music also bring the procession to life.

Ojiya’s summer festival, brought to life by mechanized Mando floats and fireworks funded by local residents

What to expect

The first day centers on a wind ensemble performance and children’s mikoshi in Higashisakae 1-chome, as well as Japanese drumming, Yosakoi, a large-scale folk dance parade, and a costume Bon Odori.

On the second day, mechanized Mando floats move through various parts of the city. From late afternoon, a coordinated parade of vehicle-mounted Mando and pulled Mando floats takes place, followed by a large fireworks display at night.

The festival concludes on the third day with a parade featuring Mando mikoshi and Ojiya Taiko, Awa Odori, Yosakoi Oja-re, and the closing ceremony.

How to take part

The festival is held with the participation of the entire community, featuring lanterns, folk dance parades, mikoshi, taiko and more, organized by neighborhood associations and civic groups.

A children’s mikoshi parade and a lantern-ride experience were also planned for 2026, offering a chance to enjoy local events up close.

If you are visiting to watch, please follow the guidance at each venue.

Check participation details

Location and access

Venue and address

Venues throughout Ojiya, including the city’s main roads, Honcho 1-chome and 2-chome, Toei 1-chome (Higashi Odori), and downstream of Asahi Bridge on the Shinano River.

Train and bus

The walk from JR Ojiya Station on the Joetsu Line to the fireworks venue takes about 15 minutes.

On the day of the fireworks display, shuttle buses run to the venue from Ojiya City General Gymnasium, Ojiya General Hospital and Chiyogawa.

500 yen one way for junior high school students and older, 200 yen for elementary school students, and free for preschool children.

By car

It takes about 5 minutes by car from the Ojiya IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway to the temporary parking areas.

During traffic restrictions, buses cannot operate on some sections between the Yamamoto intersection on National Route 117 and Honcho.

Parking

There are 2 temporary parking areas, at Ojiya City General Gymnasium and Ojiya General Hospital, and both are free.

Source: おぢやまつり交通規制等のご案内 - 小千谷市ホームページ

Address Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture (major roads in the urban area, Honcho 1-chome and 2-chome, and the area downstream of Asahibashi on the Shinano River, among other locations)

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

The 2026 Ojiya Festival was held from August 21 (Friday) to August 23 (Sunday).

The first day featured a folk dance parade and a costume Bon Odori; the second day featured the Unified Lantern Parade and the Grand Fireworks Display; and the third day was scheduled to include a parade with lantern mikoshi and a closing ceremony.

The Grand Fireworks Display was listed for August 22 (Saturday), from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The venues are spread across several roads and riverbanks in the city, so it is a good idea to check in advance where and when the events you want to see will take place.

Traffic restrictions are in effect on the day of the fireworks display, and after the shuttle buses stop running, travel times may increase considerably depending on road conditions.

Shuttle bus schedules differ for the outbound and return trips, and if the fireworks display is postponed, service will move to the following day.

Even if you use a temporary parking area, allow plenty of time to get to the venue.

Origins and History of Ojiya Matsuri

Ojiya Matsuri originated as an autumn festival held in Ojiya.

The start date of the autumn festival is unknown, but Mando first appeared in 1958, and in 1960 it was renamed the Shoko Festival Ojiya Matsuri (Oja-re Festival).

In 1968, its name was changed from “Oja-re Matsuri” to the present-day Ojiya Matsuri, leading to the festival held today.

It has continued as a community festival, with changes to the Mando floats and its name over the years.

Official information

The Ojiya City website’s “Ojiya Matsuri” page provides the 2026 event schedule, venues, and times for each event.

Information on traffic restrictions, shuttle buses to the fireworks venue, and temporary parking is available on the city’s traffic restriction information page.

Ojiya Matsuri at a Glance

Ojiya Matsuri is a 3-day festival that brings color to Ojiya City with mechanized Mando floats, mikoshi, taiko, dancing, and fireworks.

Major highlights are the Mando parade organized with participation from local residents and community groups, and the large fireworks display of approximately 7,000 shots downstream of Asahibashi on the Shinano River.

In 2026, it was held from August 21 through the 23rd, and traffic restrictions and shuttle buses operated on the day of the fireworks display.