Enliven the summer in Aomori Prefecture! The two major festivals of Aomori Nebuta and Hirosaki Neputa are hot!

Speaking of Aomori Prefecture, many people probably think of the Nebuta Festival.
The sight of gigantic Nebuta festival floats and neputa festival floats circling around the town is a powerful sight that will surely make you spend a hot summer night. The two largest festivals are the Aomori Nebuta Festival and the Hirosaki Nebuta Festival. Let's explore the charms of each!

Over 3 million tourists! What is Aomori Nebuta Festival?

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is thought to have evolved over a long period of time from the Tanabata Festival's lantern-nagashi festival, but its origins are unclear.

The Tanabata Festival, which was brought from China, and traditional events such as sending spirits off, sending off dolls and insects, etc. that have been passed down in Tsugaru since ancient times intermingled and became one. Paper, bamboo, and candles became popular and lanterns were made, which then became dolls and fan-shaped. It is believed that this change led to the creation of the current Nebuta and Neputa festivals.

Even today, the ``Nebuta sailing on the sea'' is held on the last day of the Nebuta Festival, and although the ``purification event of the Tanabata Festival in which impurities are washed away into rivers and the sea'' has changed with the times, it still remains the same today. It is said that this is a vestige that has been passed down to the present day.

The name ``Nebuta'' comes from the ``Nemuri-nagashi'' sleep that is part of the Tanabata festival, in which people take a bath or place objects such as katashiro (katashiro) on lanterns or bamboo bamboos and send them off into the river or sea. It is thought that it is a corruption of "Nebuta".

Event period and location

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

At the festival, puppet lanterns weighing 4 tons, which were made by craftsmen over a year, are paraded around, and jumpers dance to the music of flutes and drums.
Let's enjoy the festival while chanting "Lassera, Lassera"!

Aomori Nebuta Festival Operation Schedule

On August 2nd and 3rd every year, around 30 children's Nebuta and large Nebuta floats are paraded around to the sound of large drums between 7pm and 9pm.

From 4th to 6th, only about 20 large nebuta will be in operation between 7pm and 9pm. On the 6th, all the Nebuta that were selected for that year's Excellence Award will be on display, so be sure to take a look.

On the final day, the 7th, Nebuta floats will be paraded through the city during the day from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. At night, a fireworks display will be held at Aomori Port, reaching the climax. The sight of the award-winning Nebuta floated on a barge and swaying in the sea is sure to remain in your memory.

How can I participate?

You can participate in the Aomori Nebuta Festival procession without pre-registration as long as you are wearing a Haneto costume! Wear a flower hat, a yukata, and a bell.

There are also shops around Aomori Station that rent out costumes and help you get dressed, so be sure to check them out.

Aomori Nebuta Festival INFORMATION

  • Name: Aomori Nebuta Festival
  • Event period:
    • August 1st eve
    • August 2nd to 3rd: Children's Nebuta and some large Nebuta will be in operation.
    • August 4th to 6th Large Nebuta festival operation
    • August 7th Marine operation
  • Venue: Around JR Aomori Station/center city area
  • Official URL: https://www.nebuta.jp/

The fan-shaped Neputa is impressive! Also check out Hirosaki Neputa Festival

The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is considered one of the four major summer festivals in Tsugaru, along with the Aomori Nebuta Festival.

At the Hirosaki Neputa Festival, which is said to have originated from a farmers' event to ward off disaster, Neputa festival floats decorated with samurai paintings are paraded through the city every year. The number approaches 80.

Held every year from August 1st to August 7th, you can watch the Nebuta floats departing from Hirosaki Park and JR Hirosaki Station from various spots.

Hirosaki Neputa Festival Schedule

On August 1st and 2nd, half of the participating groups will operate the Dotemachi course from 7:00 pm for two days, and a review will be held.

On the 3rd and 4th, there will be a joint nighttime operation, and parades will be held along the Dotemachi course starting at 7pm.

On the 5th and 6th, there will be a joint night service from 7pm, but please note that the course will be changed to the Hirosaki Station course.

The final day, the 7th, is called ``Nanuka Day,'' and the parade begins at 10 a.m., going backwards along the Dotemachi course.

How to view Hirosaki Neputa Festival

Unlike the Aomori Nebuta Festival, the Hirosaki Nebuta Festival has different routes depending on the day. There are the Dotemachi course and the Ekimae course, but if you want to see Neputa up close, we recommend the Dotemachi course, and if you want a more spacious view, we recommend the Ekimae course.

At the wide intersections, floats are rotated and dance performances are held to entertain the audience.

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 different charms, so you'll want to visit both during the festival. When you see the impressive Nebuta festival while the powerful music resounds, you will be glad you came to Aomori Prefecture.

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