Hirakawa Neputa Festival 2026

• August 1, 2026 at 10:29 am
  Event date:
• August 7, 2026 at 10:29 am
  Event end:

Illuminate the Night — Experience the Vibrant Floats of Hirakawa Neputa Festival 2026!

Overview

The Hirakawa Neputa Festival is a spectacular summer tradition held annually in the historic city of Hirakawa, Aomori Prefecture. Celebrated over two days in early August, this vibrant event features approximately 30 elaborate fan-shaped floats (neputa), showcasing heroic and fantastical warrior paintings. The festival is renowned for its monochrome aesthetic, resembling ink wash paintings, and has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan since 1980.

Festival Origin and Features

The origins of Neputa trace back to a local custom called Nemuri Nagashi, a ritual to drive away sleep demons during the intense farming season. Over time, lanterns and music evolved into today’s neputa—grand illuminated floats depicting scenes from folklore and mythology. Each neputa has a gallant “kagamie” (front image) and a graceful “miokuri” (rear image). They are paraded through the streets, accompanied by the stirring rhythms of taiko drums and flutes, played by groups of citizens from local neighborhoods. What sets Hirakawa’s Neputa apart is their monochrome aesthetic, resembling ink wash paintings. For example, a Neputa depicting a samurai might feature a face filled with a fiery expression and flames painted in red, while the weapons and armor remain in black and white. When illuminated at night, only the red portions seem to burn brightly, creating a distinct and immersive atmosphere. The Ohayashi music draws from nearby Hirosaki’s Neputa Festival but is played at a slightly faster tempo.

Festival Highlights

The parades begin with smaller floats and progress to larger, more dramatic displays. Among the crowd favorites are:

• The towering neputa, some as tall as 9 meters, maneuvering skillfully through city streets.
• The Ōdaiko (giant taiko drums), including the legendary Tsugaru Joppari Ōdaiko, which is 3.3 meters in diameter and weighs 2 tons.
• The Goldfish Neputa, charming floats held by children and modeled after Tsugaru Nishiki goldfish.
• At the end of the parade, the “World’s Largest Fan-shaped Neputa,” standing 12 meters tall, 9.2 meters wide, and weighing approximately 6 tons, makes its grand appearance.

Schedule and Venues

• August 1st – 2nd: Main parade course in central Hirakawa, Parade begins at 19:00
• Location: Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture
• Main Venues: Central streets around Hirakawa City Hall and parade route

Tickets

• Paid Reserved Seats: Adults ¥1,800, Children ¥900 Tickets go on sale around July 1st. Other viewing areas are free of charge.

Access and Directions

From JR Hirosaki Station:

• Train to Konan Railway Hiraka Station (13 minutes)
• 5-minute walk from Hiraka Station to the main venue Alternatively, it’s about a 30-minute drive or bus ride to the central parade area.

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Contact Information

• Hirakawa City Tourism Section: 0172-38-2111
• Hirosaki Tourism Convention and Association: 0172-35-3131

The Hirakawa Neputa Festival offers a unique blend of tradition and energy, drawing visitors to experience Aomori’s rich cultural heritage up close.

Location