Festival

Liven up Aomori Prefecture's summer with the two major festivals of Aomori Nebuta and Hirosaki Neputa!

When you think of Aomori Prefecture, many people probably think of the Nebuta Festival. The sight of the giant Nebuta and Neputa floats parading through the town is a powerful sight, and it's sure to be a
Among them, the Aomori Nebuta Festival and the Hirosaki Neputa Festival are the largest in scale. We'll take a closer look at the appeal of each!

Over 3 million tourists! What is the Aomori Nebuta Festival?

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is thought to have evolved over time from the floating lanterns of the Tanabata Festival, but its origins are unclear

The Tanabata Festival, which was introduced from China, and traditional Tsugaru events such as sending off spirits and sending off dolls and insects, which have been passed down since ancient times, merged and became one. As paper, bamboo, and candles became more widespread and lanterns were created, these evolved into dolls and fan-shaped floats, which are thought to have become the prototypes of the modern Nebuta and Neputa

The "Nebuta Sea Parade" that still takes place on the final day of the Nebuta Festival is said to be a remnant of the Tanabata Festival's "Mizogi (purification) ceremony in which impurities are washed away into the river or sea," which has been passed down to the present day, although it has changed over the years

The name "Nebuta" is thought to have been derived from the word "nemurinagashi," a Tanabata festival in which people bathe in water and send floats (katashiro) on lanterns or bamboo poles down rivers or into the sea

Event period and location

The Aomori Nebuta Festival, held every year for six days from August 2nd to 7th around JR Aomori Station, is Aomori's largest festival, attracting over 3 million tourists from outside the prefecture every year

During the festival, craftsmen take a year to make a 4-ton doll lantern, which is paraded around the area, and dancers dance wildly to the accompaniment of flutes and drums.
Enjoy the festival while chanting "Rassera, rassera!"

Aomori Nebuta Festival Operation Schedule

Every year on August 2nd and 3rd, between 7pm and 9pm, a total of about 30 children's and large nebuta floats are paraded to the sound of large drums

From the 4th to the 6th, only about 20 large Nebuta floats are paraded between 7pm and 9pm. On the 6th, all of the Nebuta that were selected for that year's awards are on display, so be sure to check them out

On the final day, the 7th, the Nebuta floats will parade through the town during the daytime from 1pm to 3pm. The climax will be a fireworks display at Aomori Port in the evening. The sight of the awarded Nebuta floats being placed on barges and swaying in the sea is sure to be a memorable one

How do I participate?

You can participate in the Aomori Nebuta Festival procession without prior registration, as long as you're wearing a Haneto costume! Wear a Hanagasa hat, a yukata, and a bell

There are also shops around Aomori Station that will rent you costumes and help you get dressed, so it's worth checking out

Aomori Nebuta Festival Information

  • Name: Aomori Nebuta Festival
  • Event period:
    • August 1st Eve of the Festival
    • August 2nd and 3rd: Children's Nebuta and some large Nebuta floats will be paraded
    • August 4th to 6th: Large Nebuta floats are in operation
    • August 7th: Maritime operation
  • Location: Around JR Aomori Station and downtown
  • Official URL: https://www.nebuta.jp/

The fan-shaped Neputa floats are impressive! Check out the Hirosaki Neputa Festival

The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is counted as one of the four major summer festivals in Tsugaru along with the Aomori Nebuta Festival

The Hirosaki Neputa Festival, which is said to have originated from a farming event to ward off evil spirits, features nearly 80 Neputa floats, each with a warrior theme, parading through the town every year

It is held every year from August 1st to 7th, and you can view the Nebuta floats departing from Hirosaki Park and JR Hirosaki Station from a variety of spots

Hirosaki Neputa Festival Schedule

On August 1st and 2nd, half of the participating groups will sail on the Dotemachi course from 7pm for two days, and the judging will take place

On the 3rd and 4th, a joint night parade will take place, parading along the Dotemachi course from 7pm

On the 5th and 6th, a joint night service will run from 7pm, but please note that the route will change to the Hirosaki Station route

The final day, the 7th, is called "Nanuka Day" and from 10am the procession will march in reverse along the Dotemachi route

How to view the Hirosaki Neputa Festival

Unlike the Aomori Nebuta Festival, the Hirosaki Neputa Festival has different routes depending on the day. There are two courses: the Dotemachi Course and the Station Front Course. If you want to see the Neputa up close, we recommend the Dotemachi Course, but if you want to enjoy it in a more spacious area, we recommend the Station Front Course

At wide intersections, the floats spin and perform dances to entertain the spectators

Hirosaki Neputa Festival Information

  • Name: Hirosaki Neputa Festival
  • Event period: August 1st to 7th
  • Location: Around the central city area from JR Hirosaki Station to Hirosaki Park
  • Official URL: Hirosaki Neputa Festival

summary

The Aomori Nebuta Festival and the Hirosaki Neputa Festival each have their own unique charms, so you'll want to visit both during their periods. Seeing the impressive Nebuta floats amidst the powerful music will make you glad you came to Aomori Prefecture

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