Aomori Nebuta Festival

Breathtaking three-dimensional floats light up the night in unbelievable ways

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is a summer festival held every August 2 to 7 in Aomori City, japan. Considered one of the most fabulous events in all of Tohoku, this festival attracts more than 3 million visitors each year. The highlight of the festival is the giant papier-mache dolls, known as nebuta, that parade through the city. These floats are truly breathtaking and showcase the artistic skills and creativity of the local people.

The nebuta floats are not your ordinary papier-mache sculptures. They are built by teams of people who take a full year to design and construct them. These floats are often as wide as nine meters and as tall as five meters. The figures depicted on the floats are usually mythical figures, gods and spirits, local personalities, kabuki actors, or even TV characters, especially from historical “taiga” dramas. There are 22 brightly lit nebuta that parade through the city during the festival, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

The parade takes place at night, adding to the magical atmosphere of the festival. The floats are illuminated with thousands of paper lanterns, creating a stunning display of lights. The nebuta floats are accompanied by large groups of taiko drummers, flutes, hand cymbal players, and hundreds of dancers. The sound of the drums and the music fills the air, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the festival is the opportunity to rent a haneto costume and join in the dancing. Haneto is a traditional dance performed during the festival, and wearing the costume allows you to fully immerse yourself in the festivities. The haneto costumes are sold or rented around Aomori during the season, and the rental fee is around 4,000 yen. By wearing the haneto costume, you can join the procession and dance alongside the nebuta floats, adding to the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the festival.

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is not just about the floats and the dancing. It is a celebration of the local culture and traditions. The festival is deeply rooted in the history and folklore of the region. The nebuta floats depict various stories and legends that are significant to the local community. The festival is a way for the people of Aomori to preserve and showcase their heritage to the world.

Aside from the parade and the dancing, there are other activities and attractions that visitors can enjoy during the festival. There are food stalls offering a variety of local delicacies, such as grilled seafood, takoyaki, and shaved ice. There are also traditional arts and crafts exhibitions, where you can learn about the traditional craftsmanship of Aomori. The festival also features a fireworks display on the last day, which lasts around 2 hours. This is a grand finale to the festival and a spectacular way to end the festivities.

Getting to Aomori City for the festival is easy. The city is easily accessible from Tokyo, with a journey of about three hours on the shinkansen to reach Shin-Aomori. From there, you can easily access the parade route on foot. The floats are stabled at Rasseland, located next to the ASPM building along the waterfront, which is a ten-minute walk from Aomori Station.

In conclusion, the Aomori Nebuta Festival is a truly magnificent event that showcases the artistic skills and cultural heritage of the people of Aomori. The giant nebuta floats, accompanied by the energetic performances of taiko drummers, dancers, and musicians, create a mesmerizing spectacle that is not to be missed. The festival is a celebration of the local culture and traditions, and it offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are a fan of art, culture, or simply looking for a vibrant and lively festival, the Aomori Nebuta Festival is a must-visit event.

Address And Maps Location:

1-1 Yanakawa, Aomori-shi, Aomori-ken


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