This site is an online media that delivers all sorts of trivia about the six Tohoku prefectures, from sightseeing and gourmet spots to local customs, history, and more
of Aomori Prefecture that color the prefecture's short summer.The Aomori Nebuta Festival, Hirosaki Neputa Festival, Sansha Taisai Festival, and Tachineputa FestivalWhile these festivals attract large crowds during their duration, do you know what happens after the festivals are over?
This time, I would like to focus on what happens after the festival, something that doesn't get much attention
[Aomori Nebuta] The festival ends with a spectacular parade on the sea and fireworks
The Aomori Nebuta Festival is held every year from August 2nd to 7th. The Nebuta floats parade through the city for six days, culminating in a "sea parade" on the final day, the 7th. This special day sees the floats leave land and celebrate the grand finale at the port with fireworks.
A fantastical Nebuta float sailing through the sea at night
On the final day, from 1:00 PM, the large Nebuta floats will begin parading around Aomori City. After a spectacular display during the day, the floats will finally begin their sea parade at Aomori Port from 7:15 PM
During this parade, four large nebuta floats, including one that won an award, are placed on a boat and slowly sail through the harbor, illuminated at night. The vibrant colors and flickering lights reflected on the water's surface create a fantastical atmosphere that is different from the daytime scenery
Fireworks display as the finale
Around Aomori Port where maritime traffic occurs
The climax of the parade is a spectacular display of fireworks. The spectacle of fireworks shining in both the night sky and the sea surface is accompanied by the music of the musicians. The sound of drums and flutes carried by the sea breeze and blending with the yells of the Nebuta floats is a moment that can only be experienced at the Aomori Nebuta Festival
The sight of the fireworks, Nebuta floats, and music all coming together is breathtakingly powerful and beautiful. The spectacle from the harbor and surrounding hills is deeply engraved in the hearts of spectators as a summer memory. It's a finale that everyone should experience at least once
What happened after Nebuta
After the parade, most of the Nebuta are dismantled on the spot. Some are displayed at tourist facilities or local events, and may continue to be used until next year. While the excitement of the festival has yet to die down, preparations for next year's construction have already begun
[Hirosaki Neputa] A melancholic end with the Nanukabi Okuri festival
The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is held from August 1st to 7th, with the "Nanukabi Okuri" on the final day marking the end of the festival. The Neputa floats are paraded through the city with their lights on, starting at 10am. From 5pm, a unique farewell ceremony takes place on the banks and riverbed of the Iwaki River.
"Neputa Nagashi" - a parade along the riverbank
In imitation of the old custom of actually floating Neputa down the river, the Neputa are paraded along the banks of the Iwaki River. The lights are reflected on the river's surface, and the sight of them quietly moving along to the sounds of drums and flutes creates a different atmosphere from the heat of the day
"Neputa Sending" - Purifying with Fire
In the second half, the Neputa are sent off and purified with flames. The Neputa, illuminated by the red flames, are a mystical sight, and are also meant to ward off evil spirits and misfortune. In the quiet air, this is a ritual that signals the end of summer
The sight of the powerful Neputa floats being engulfed in flames is fleeting, a stark contrast to the grand finale of the Aomori Nebuta Festival. In Tsugaru, it is said that "when Neputa ends, summer ends," highlighting the importance of this festival to the community.
What happened after the Neputa festival?
Once the festival is over, the Neputa floats are dismantled. The frames and illuminations are stored until the following year and are used to reassemble them. The Neputa paintings are usually discarded as they are recreated every year, but they are increasingly being reused. They are used for lanterns and fans, and are also exhibited at the Snow Lantern Festival held in Hirosaki City in February. Some of the paintings are also offered as gifts in return for Hirosaki City's hometown tax donations, playing a role in preserving the memories and traditions of the festival in a tangible form
[Hachinohe Sansha Grand Festival] Finale with a festival after the parade of floats
The Hachinohe Sansha Taisai festival is held from July 31st to August 4th, with the "After-Party" taking place on the final night. On this day, all the floats gather in the city center, showcasing their dazzling, illuminated appearance. Since the floats are not paraded, spectators can enjoy a peaceful viewing experience and fully savor the lingering atmosphere of the festival.
Gorgeous floats lined up under the night sky
During the festival's evening, the rows of floats are all lit up at once. Because there is no movement, the attraction is that you can take your time to appreciate the details of the decorations and dolls. It is so gorgeous that it has been registered as a Japan Night View Heritage Site
The fate of the floats after their performance
Once the festival is over, the floats are returned to their respective warehouses. They are basically works that are only made for that year, with the dolls and frameworks being reused and any missing parts being newly made. No two floats are exactly the same each year, and each one is imbued with the ingenuity and story of the year
[Goshogawara Tachineputa] The festival concludes with a spectacular "Omiai" (matchmaking)
The Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival will be held from August 4th to August 8th. The "matchmaking" ceremony takes place on the first and last days, marking the beginning and end of the festival. The sight of the gigantic Tachineputa floats, each over 20 meters tall, lined up is a breathtaking spectacle unique to Goshogawara.
The impressive sight of two 20-meter-tall statues facing each other
"Omiai" refers to the three large Tachineputa lining up at the starting point. The sight of three huge floats over 20 meters lined up together is a spectacular sight, so impressive that it will make your neck hurt just looking up. The illuminated sight is breathtakingly beautiful
After the festival, the permanent exhibition will be held
Tachineputa on permanent display at the Tachineputa Museum
After the festival ends, the Tachineputa floats are not dismantled but remain on permanent display at the "Tachineputa Museum." Here, visitors can see the Tachineputa floats up close all year round, making it a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy their impressive presence until the next festival.
Information
Name: Tachineputa Museum
Address: 506-10 Omachi, Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture, 037-0063
※Due to large-scale renovation work, Tachineputa Museum will be closed from April 1, 2025 to the end of June, 2026 (planned). *The museum is scheduled to reopen after July
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Summary | Once the festival is over, it's time for next year
Even on the final day of Aomori's four major summer festivals, the event doesn't end with just packing up. People head to the sea, the river, and under the night sky..
Each region has its own way of sending them off, and the familiar floats and Neputa look special for just that moment. The atmosphere where the summer heat suddenly subsides is something that we would like people from outside to experience as well. The end also marks the beginning of the next summer
