Aomori Nebuta Festival

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is a symbol of summer in Aomori City and a major event marking the end of the short northern summer. Held every year in early August, it is counted as one of the three great festivals of Tohoku along with the Sendai Tanabata Festival and the Akita Kanto Festival, attracting over one million visitors during the period.

The biggest attraction of the festival is the parade of giant lantern floats called 'Nebuta', themed on kabuki, mythology, and historical figures. These Nebuta are made by pasting washi paper onto wire frames, illuminated from within, and colorfully decorate the night streets. Some Nebuta reach up to 9 meters wide, 5 meters high, and weigh up to 4 tons, crafted by local artisan teams over a year. In 1980, the festival was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan, recognizing its cultural value.

The origins of the Nebuta Festival are unclear, but it is generally believed to have derived from the Tanabata Festival introduced from China. In the 700s, the Tanabata Festival merged with the traditions and customs of the Tsugaru region, and simple lanterns made of paper, bamboo, and candles began to be created. These gradually became larger, eventually evolving into the present-day Nebuta.

One theory suggests that the festival originated in the Edo period as a ritual called 'Nemuri Nagashi', where farmers tried to ward off summer drowsiness. It is also said to have been influenced by the floats of Kyoto's Gion Festival and kabuki. The current large-scale festival format was established during the post-WWII reconstruction period. At this time, with the increase in tourists, the size of the Nebuta also grew, giving rise to today's grand parade.

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is held for six days every year from August 2 to 7. Since it is held on the same dates regardless of the day of the week, it is easy to plan your trip.

The event times vary by day. On August 2 and 3, it starts at 7:00 p.m.; from August 4 to 6, it starts at 6:45 p.m. The final day, August 7, is special, with a daytime session from 1:00 p.m. and a nighttime session from 7:15 p.m. to around 9:00 p.m.

The main venue of the festival is the central area of Aomori City. It is about a 10-minute walk from JR Aomori Station, making it very accessible. It is about a 15-minute drive from the Aomori Chuo Interchange on the Aomori Expressway, and temporary parking lots are also available, so access by car is possible.

The eve festival is held on August 1 at Nebuta Rasseland, set up in Aoi Umi Park near JR Aomori Station. Here, all the large Nebuta floats scheduled to appear that year are gathered, and you can enjoy the magical sight of the completed works being illuminated.

The main part of the festival is the five nights of parades from August 2 to 6. At the signal of large fireworks, about 20 large Nebuta floats start moving all at once. The Nebuta are maneuvered by pullers, spinning, dipping, and gliding dynamically to captivate the audience.

The sight of the parade winding through the city's main streets for about two hours is breathtaking, with the vividly colored giant figures marching through the night—a spectacle you can't see anywhere else. The shouts of 'Rassera! Rassera!' from the Haneto dancers and the sound of drums fill the air, creating an excitement that makes even the spectators want to dance.

On the final day, the Nebuta are loaded onto boats and cruise around Aomori Bay—a spectacular sight. The collaboration with fireworks is the climax of the festival and not to be missed.

From 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Nebuta cruise on Aomori Bay and a two-hour fireworks display is held.

Around the festival venue, you can enjoy food stalls featuring Aomori's local specialties. Here are some typical menu items:

• Apple Sweets: Aomori is Japan's largest apple-producing region, and apple pies and apple juice are popular.
• Beef Skewers: Juicy skewers made with Aomori beef.
• Seafood Dishes: Seafood rice bowls and grilled dishes featuring fresh scallops and sea urchin.
• Senbei-jiru (Rice Cracker Soup): Aomori's local dish, featuring rice crackers soaked in soup for a unique flavor.

As for activities, participating in the parade wearing Haneto costumes is popular. Haneto costumes can be purchased or rented at department stores and specialty shops in Aomori City, and you can join the parade from the starting point without prior reservation. The costume includes a hanagasa (triangular hat with floral decorations) and a colorful sash, allowing you to fully enjoy the festival atmosphere. During the day, you can also see the Nebuta up close at Rasseland and interact with the artisans.

Aomori City is easy to access by the following means:

• Train: About 3 hours from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori Station by Tohoku Shinkansen 'Hayabusa', and about 5 minutes from Shin-Aomori to Aomori Station.
• Airplane: About 1 hour 20 minutes from Tokyo (Haneda Airport) to Aomori Airport, and about 35 minutes by bus from the airport to downtown Aomori.
• Car: About 15 minutes from Aomori Chuo IC on the Tohoku Expressway to the festival venue.

The festival venue is just a 10-minute walk from Aomori Station, making it easy to access by public transport. As parking is limited, public transportation is recommended.

Here are some tips to make the most of the Aomori Nebuta Festival:

• Arrive Early: Arrive at the venue 1–2 hours before the parade starts to secure a good viewing spot.
• Join as Haneto: You can experience the unity of the festival by joining the parade in Haneto costume. Costumes are available at stores in Aomori City.
• Purchase Reserved Seats: If you want to watch comfortably, you can purchase reserved seats (3,500–5,500 yen) on the official website. Tickets go on sale about a month before the festival.
• Clothing and Belongings: Summer nights can be cool, so bring a light jacket and wear comfortable shoes.
• Visit Rasseland: Visiting Rasseland during the day to see the Nebuta being made and talk with the artisans will deepen your understanding of the festival.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Aomori Nebuta Festival:

• Q: When is the festival held?
  A: It is held every year from August 2 to 7.
• Q: How can I participate as a Haneto?
  A: Anyone can participate by wearing a Haneto costume. Costumes can be purchased or rented at stores in Aomori City, and no reservation is required.
• Q: Where can I buy reserved seats?
  A: You can purchase them on the official website or at designated outlets about a month before the festival.
• Q: How do I get to Aomori?
  A: About 3 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo, or about 1 hour 20 minutes by plane. See the 'Access & Getting There Guide' for details.
• Q: Are there accommodations nearby?
  A: There are many hotels and inns in Aomori City, and early booking is recommended during the festival period.
• Q: What kind of clothing is suitable?
  A: Since summer nights can be cool, prepare comfortable clothes and a light jacket.

For the latest information and ticket reservations for the Aomori Nebuta Festival, check the official website. English is available, making it convenient for overseas visitors.

• Aomori Nebuta Festival Official Site
  • https://www.nebuta.jp/