Home » The Celestial Fire Festival: An Ancient Spectacle of Mikawa

A Curated Journey Through Noble Samurai Heritage and Ancient Pyrotechnic Artistry

The Celestial Fire Festival: An Ancient Spectacle of Mikawa

Meeting Point: Nagoya station

Finish Point: Nagoya station

Recommended Season: May through November

Duration: 3 days

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Tour Highlights

Exclusive Private Viewing of Tezutsu-hanabi: A Privileged Experience of Japan’s Most Spectacular Hand-Held Fireworks Tradition

Journey to Inuyama Castle: One of Japan’s Last Original Medieval Fortresses and a National Treasure Standing Proudly Above the Kiso River

Journey Through Time at Futagawa-juku: An Immaculately Preserved Edo Period Post Town Along the Historic Tōkaidō Highway

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This bespoke journey centres around the spectacular Tezutsu-hanabi festival, where intrepid fire masters create an enchanting display of centuries-old pyrotechnic artistry. From your exclusive vantage point, you shall witness an extraordinary performance that embodies the noble spirit of the Mikawa region.

The magnificent Inuyama Castle, one of merely five original castles designated as National Treasures, stands as a testament to medieval Japanese architectural excellence. The distinguished Tokugawa Art Museum’s remarkable collection of samurai treasures offers profound insights into Japan’s aristocratic heritage, whilst Jo-an, an exceptional tea house celebrated for its refined aesthetics, and the historic post town of Futagawa-juku provide an authentic glimpse into Japan’s cultural legacy.

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Recommended Program

Exclusive Private Viewing of Tezutsu-hanabi: A Privileged Experience of Japan’s Most Spectacular Hand-Held Fireworks Tradition

Experience the awe-inspiring traditional firework festival from a specially arranged vantage point. Watch as skilled fire bearers carry large bamboo tubes filled with gunpowder, creating magnificent columns of golden sparks that illuminate the night sky. This centuries-old tradition, unique to the Mikawa region, demonstrates the remarkable courage and skill of the performers who literally hold fire against their bodies.

The spectacular Tezutsu handheld fireworks
Up-close view of Tezutsu fireworks　©Toyohashi Visitors & Convention Association

Journey to Inuyama Castle: One of Japan’s Last Original Medieval Fortresses and a National Treasure Standing Proudly Above the Kiso River

Visit one of Japan’s oldest surviving original castles, a magnificent example of medieval Japanese architecture. Perched strategically atop a hill overlooking the Kiso River, this 16th-century fortress is one of only five castles designated as National Treasures. Its original wooden keep offers breathtaking panoramic views and provides fascinating insights into samurai-era military architecture and engineering.

Inuyama Castle: Japan’s oldest original castle, standing since 1537
Elegant Inuyama Castle standing gracefully by the Kiso River

Journey Through Time at Futagawa-juku: An Immaculately Preserved Edo Period Post Town Along the Historic Tōkaidō Highway

Step back in time at Futagawa-juku, a beautifully preserved post town along the historic Tōkaidō road that once connected Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with Kyoto. Explore perfectly maintained traditional buildings, including former merchant houses and inns that served travelers during the Edo period. The town’s authentic atmosphere and architectural heritage offer a genuine glimpse into the daily life of old Japan.

The Futagawa-juku Honjin Museum with its magnificent entrance gate
Visit the Futagawa-juku Honjin Museum to explore valuable historical items from the Edo era
Arimatsu: Famous for traditional tie-dye craftsmanship
Mystical atmosphere at Toyokawa Inari, home to thousands of fox statues
Urakuen: Where centuries of tea ceremony tradition bloom
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Itinerary

3 Days

City

Schedule

Meal
Included

Day 1

Nagoya station

The Tokugawa Art Museum

Inuyama (Inuyama Castle and Jo-an Tea House)

■Begin your exclusive journey at Nagoya Station, where your private guide will escort you to the prestigious Tokugawa Art Museum. Here, you shall encounter an extraordinary collection of Japanese feudal treasures, including the legendary Tale of Genji scrolls to masterfully crafted samurai artifacts.

■Explore the magnificent Inuyama Castle, a National Treasure from 1537, where visitors can tour one of Japan’s oldest wooden castles while enjoying panoramic valley views.

■Experience Jo-an, a National Treasure and masterpiece of 17th-century tea house architecture, where the refined simplicity and meticulous details exemplify the philosophical essence of Japanese tea ceremony.

(Accommodation: Luxury Ryokan in Inuyama)

   

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Day 2

Inuyama

Arimatsu

Toyokawa Inari

Toyohashi (Tezutsu Hanabi)

■Discover Arimatsu, a beautifully preserved Edo-period district along the historic Tokaido Road, where traditional merchant houses showcase centuries-old shibori tie-dye craftsmanship through workshops and authentic textile shops.

■Explore Toyokawa Inari, a unique 1441-established spiritual complex that harmoniously combines a Soto Zen Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine, famous for its thousand fox statues, ornate buildings, and as one of Japan’s Three Great Inari Shrines dedicated to prosperity and success.

■Marvel at Tezutsu Hanabi, an awe-inspiring Edo-period firework tradition where you can witness skilled performers demonstrate their bravery by shouldering massive bamboo tubes that shoot powerful streams of fire, making it one of Japan’s most spectacular and dangerous pyrotechnic arts (Note 1).

（Accommodation: Toyohashi）

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Day 3

Toyohashi

Yoshida Shrine

Nagoya station

■Discover Yoshida Shrine, the birthplace of Tezutsu Hanabi hand-held fireworks and one of Toyohashi’s most historic sites, where feudal lords and ancient warriors once gathered to worship amid traditional architecture and serene grounds.

■Experience Futagawa-juku, the 33rd post town along the historic Tokaido Road, featuring a well-preserved Honjin and authentic Edo-period architecture that showcases the vibrant life of a former station town.

■End of of the tour at Nagoya station.

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What’s Included

■Professional English-speaking guide

■Chartered coach

■Admission fees as listed in the itinerary

■Meals included: Breakfast (2), Lunch (3), Dinner (2)

What’s NOT Included

■Travel and Medical Insurance

■Gratuities for guides and drivers

■Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, etc.)

Explanation of marks in the itinerary and approximate times

Explanation of marks in the itinerary:

Move

Plane:

Bus:

Car:

Train:

Ship:

Ropeway:

Walking:

Helicopter:

Meal

Breakfast:

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Lunch:

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Dinner:

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Places to see and visit that day

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Travel Conditions

Minimum Number of guests

15 people

Meeting point

Nagoya station

Meals

Breakfast (2), Lunch (3), Dinner (2)

Guide

Included

Important Notes

Note 1: Tezutsu Hanabi (hand-held fireworks) performances may be cancelled in case of adverse weather conditions such as rain or strong winds.

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