The city of Nagaoka is surrounded by rich nature like
Mt. Sumon and the Shinano River (the longest river in
Japan). Since time immemorial, the city's people have
been blessed by their natural surroundings.
The cherry blossoms of spring, the sea of Japan in summer,
the colorful foliage of autumn, the terraced hillsides
and beautiful snow of winter -- these beautiful scenes
in each of the four seasons have a special place in the
hearts of the people of Nagaoka.
Various festivals and activities make experiencing
each season in Nagaoka worthwhile.
In spring, the Hanami festival is celebrated by almost
all companies, organizations, communities as well as
individual families. Hanami (watching flowers) is a
tradition of outdoor partying, sitting under blossomed
cherry trees for eating, drinking and partying of all
sorts. The cherry trees are lighted up in the night
for one of the most beautiful scennaries anyone can
experience.
The Nagaoka Festival (August 2-3), attended by hundred
of thousands of people every year boasts of the best
(the most popular) fireworks in Japan.
Thouhsands of poeple come from the Kanto area to enjoy
skiing on the hillsides of Nagaoka city. Winter sports
in general and snow festivals are very popular due to
the abundance of high quality snow which also accounts
for good quality
water
used in rice production and derivative products like
Sake (rice wine), rice crakkers, etc. |
