🎎 Aomori Nebuta Festival

The "Aomori Nebuta Festival," held in Aomori City from August 2 to 7 each year for a total of six days, attracts up to one million visitors. It is generally believed to have origins dating back to the Nara period, and this historic festival is one of the "Three Great Festivals of Tohoku," designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of the country. The highlight of the Aomori Nebuta Festival is the giant Nebuta floats. The largest Nebuta measures 5 meters high, 9 meters wide, and 7 meters deep, handcrafted by artisans known as Nebuta masters in preparation for the six-day festival each year. Starting from the parade route's beginning, the Nebuta floats depart one after another, synchronized with the fireworks display at 7 PM. The colorful Nebuta floats take turns captivating the visitors. For those who want to closely admire the Nebuta, it is recommended to choose a paid viewing area. If you wish to enjoy the festival more deeply, you can participate as a "haneto." Haneto are festival dancers who shout "ra-se-ra" while dancing along with the Nebuta floats in the parade. Costumes for haneto are available for rent in Aomori City, so please check in advance. On the last day of the festival, there is also a parade of Nebuta floats in Aomori Port. Award-winning Nebuta floats will parade at 7 PM. On the same day, a fireworks festival is held at Aomori Port, where you can see over ten thousand fireworks and the Nebuta floats floating on the sea, creating a mysterious scene.

It is an important intangible folk cultural asset of the country and one of the three major festivals in Northeast Japan. The giant Nebuta (lantern) parades through the city of Aomori. Dancers shout "ra-se-ra" while moving along with the Nebuta procession. As long as the dancers adhere to the rules, everyone can participate. Costumes can be rented within the city of Aomori. On the final day, several award-winning Nebuta float on the sea around Aomori Port, and there is also a fireworks festival held.