A spectacular fireworks festival, with daytime and nighttime programs, that lit up the banks of the Nagara River
National Selection Nagara River Chunichi Fireworks Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- JulyLast Saturday / Held annually
- Area
- Gifu Prefecture・Gifu City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h–2 h 30 min · bullet train + connecting train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
This fireworks festival was held along the banks of the Nagara River in Gifu City from 1957 and was popular for its two-part daytime and nighttime program and for launching around 30,000 fireworks. It ended after its 2022 edition and was merged into the “Gifu Nagara River Fireworks Festival” from 2023.
About National Selection Nagara River Chunichi Fireworks Festival
The National Selection Nagara River Chunichi Fireworks Festival was a fireworks event held by the Chunichi Shimbun along the banks of the Nagara River in Gifu City.
It began in 1957 and featured fireworks in daytime and nighttime programs at a venue between Nagara Bridge and Kinka Bridge.
From 2023, it was merged with the Nagara River National Fireworks Festival and has been held as the “Gifu Nagara River Fireworks Festival.”
Source: 全国選抜長良川中日花火大会 - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
One of its defining features was that it was once divided into daytime and nighttime programs.
The daytime program featured performances centered on sound fireworks and smoke fireworks, with the intervals between launches gradually shortening. At night, works such as the Japan Fireworks Artists Association Special Works Collection were presented.
The scale of around 30,000 fireworks was also a signature highlight of the event.
A spectacular fireworks festival, with daytime and nighttime programs, that lit up the banks of the Nagara River
What to expect
The daytime program began at 12 p.m. and featured performances centered on sound fireworks and smoke fireworks.
From 4 p.m., the intervals between launches gradually shortened to 15, 10, and 5 minutes, leading into the nighttime program.
The nighttime program began at 7:20 p.m., with fireworks, including special works, launched into the night sky over the banks of the Nagara River.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Along the Nagara River in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, between Nagara Bridge and Kinka Bridge.
- Train and bus
Information directed visitors to take a Gifu Bus from JR Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station and get off at Ukaiya.
Service was suspended after 7 p.m., and temporary shuttle buses were also in operation.
Event venue 岐阜県岐阜市 岐阜県岐阜市の長良川河畔
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
- Season
JulyLast Saturday
- Frequency
Held annually
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Gifu Prefecture / Gifu City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
三甲美術館
岐阜県岐阜市にある美術館
加藤栄三・東一記念美術館
岐阜県岐阜市にある美術館
写真：Douggers at English Wikipedia / CC BY 2.5
Photo source ·
名和昆虫博物館
岐阜県岐阜市にある博物館
奥の細道むすびの地記念館
日本の岐阜県大垣市にある記念館
岐阜公園
岐阜市の公園
写真：Douggers at English Wikipedia / CC BY 2.5
Photo source ·
岐阜市歴史博物館
岐阜県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
写真：Douggers at English Wikipedia / CC BY 2.5
Photo source ·
岐阜市科学館
岐阜県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
岐阜県美術館
岐阜県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
水の資料館
岐阜県岐阜市にある上水道に関する資料館
金神社
岐阜市にある神社
鵜飼資料園
岐阜県岐阜市にある長良川鵜飼に関する資料館
Origins and History of National Selection Nagara River Chunichi Fireworks Festival
The event began in 1957 and was held for many years along the banks of the Nagara River.
One account of fireworks being set off on the Nagara River dates back to 1733, when Tokugawa Munemaru is said to have watched fireworks from a boat while viewing cormorant fishing.
The event itself ended in 2022 and, from 2023, was succeeded by a new event formed through its merger with the Nagara River National Fireworks Festival.
National Selection Nagara River Chunichi Fireworks Festival at a Glance
The National Selection Nagara River Chunichi Fireworks Festival was held along the banks of the Nagara River in Gifu City from 1957. It was known for its two-part daytime and nighttime program and for launching around 30,000 fireworks.
It ended after its 2022 edition and was merged with the Nagara River National Fireworks Festival from 2023.
There is no announcement that it will be held under the same name in 2026.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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