Hirakawa Neputa Festival 2025

• Event date:
  August 1, 2025 at 12:03 am
• Event end:
  August 7, 2025 at 12:03 am

The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is a spectacular summer tradition held annually in the historic castle town of Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. Celebrated from August 1st to 7th, this vibrant event features over 80 elaborate fan-shaped floats (neputa), showcasing heroic and fantastical warrior paintings. The festival 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.

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.

Schedule and Venues

• August 1st – 4th: Dotemachi Course, Parade begins at 19:00
• August 5th – 6th: Station Front Course, Parade begins at 19:00
• August 7th: Dotemachi Nanukabi Course, Parade begins at 10:00

Location
Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
Main venues: Dotemachi Course, Station Front Course, Dotemachi Nanukabi Course

Tickets

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

We Recommend These Must-Try Moments

1. Aomori Nebuta Festival Reserved Seat Ticket 2025 Aug.
Secure your front-row spot to witness Aomori’s famous Nebuta Festival.
Marvel at giant illuminated floats, traditional music, and spirited dancing.
A must-see summer event celebrating one of Japan’s top cultural spectacles.

2. Morioka Sansa Festival Reserved Seats & City Walking Tour
Enjoy reserved seating for the world’s largest taiko drum parade.
Explore Morioka’s cultural landmarks and historic charm with a local guide.
A festive experience combining tradition, rhythm, and regional discovery.

3. Miyakojima: SUP and Snorkeling – Two Activities in One Day
Glide over crystal-clear waters with stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
Dive beneath the surface to explore vibrant coral reefs while snorkeling.
An active marine adventure in the tropical paradise of Miyakojima.

4. Sendai: Local Foodie Tour, Wander Around the Gourmet Town
Savor Sendai’s culinary delights, from gyutan (beef tongue) to zunda sweets.
Stroll through lively local streets with a knowledgeable food guide.
Perfect for food lovers eager to discover Tohoku’s flavors and culture.

5. Mount Yudono: Yamabushi Training 2-Day Tour
Embark on a spiritual journey with real Yamabushi monks in sacred Dewa Sanzan.
Participate in ascetic mountain rituals, meditation, and purification rites.
A rare opportunity to experience Japan’s ancient spiritual practices firsthand.

Access and Directions
From JR Hirosaki Station:

• Take the Dotemachi Loop 100 Yen Bus (¥100)
• Get off at Shita Dotemachi Bus Stop, then a short walk

Alternatively, it’s about a 30-minute walk to the Sakura Ōdori reserved seat area (Dotemachi Course).

Contact Information
Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center: 0172-37-5501
Hirosaki Tourism Convention and Association: 0172-35-3131

Location