Why You Should Visit the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri
The Aomori Nebuta Festival is one of Japan’s most famous summer festivals, with a history of over 300 years. It is held annually for six days from August 2nd to August 7th. During the festival, magnificent floats called “Nebuta” parade through the city.
Originally a local traditional festival, it has grown into a major event attracting approximately two million tourists from Japan and abroad. It is also one of the Three Great Festivals of Tohoku and was designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1980.
This article provides details about the Nebuta Festival, its history, participation methods, access information, and recommended hotels in the area.
Official Website of Nebuta Festival
What is the Nebuta Festival?
During the festival, “Haneto” dancers accompany the Nebuta floats as they parade through Aomori City. The dancers energetically move to traditional Japanese festival music, played using drums, flutes, and cymbals, while chanting the distinctive call, “Rassera, Rassera!”
The Nebuta floats change daily, and on the final day, four Nebuta floats are taken to the sea, where they are paraded on the water. The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display of approximately 10,000 fireworks.
History of the Nebuta Festival
The origins of the Aomori Nebuta Festival are unclear, but it is believed to have evolved from the lantern-floating traditions of the Tanabata Festival.
During the Nara period (710–794), the Tanabata Festival was introduced from China, merging with local customs such as spirit-sending rituals, doll offerings, and insect-repelling ceremonies in the Tsugaru region. As paper, bamboo, and candles became more widely available, lanterns were created, eventually transforming into human-shaped and fan-shaped Nebuta floats.
The original form of the festival was likely a Tanabata celebration, where people floated lanterns down rivers or into the sea as a purification ritual to ward off illness. This custom, called “Nebuta Nagashi” (Nebuta floating), is reflected in today’s sea parade of Nebuta floats.
The name “Nebuta” (also spelled “Neputa” or “Nefuta”) is believed to have originated from the phrase “Nemuri Nagashi” (sleep-driving ritual). Similar terms exist in various regions, such as “Nenburi Nagashi” in the Shin’etsu area and “Nebuchi Nagashi” or “Neboke Nagashi” in the Kanto region, suggesting a linguistic evolution of the term.
Features and Production of Nebuta Floats
The highlight of the festival is the giant Nebuta floats, which stand about five meters tall. These floats are created with different designs each year, often featuring historical figures, mythology, or legendary themes.
In the past, Nebuta floats were illuminated using candles, but today, they are lit by over 1,000 electric bulbs. At night, these glowing floats create a breathtaking, magical atmosphere. The production of a single Nebuta float takes several months, requiring meticulous craftsmanship.
How to Participate in the Nebuta Festival
Visitors can actively join the festival as “Haneto” dancers and parade alongside the local dancers. The only requirement for participation is wearing the “Haneto” costume.
This costume can be purchased at local department stores (starting at around 10,000 yen) or rented for about 4,000 yen. No prior registration is required. For more details, please check the official Nebuta Festival website.
Accommodation Information for the Nebuta Festival
During the festival, hotels and inns in Aomori City become fully booked quickly. If you plan to visit during the festival period, it is highly recommended to make a reservation as early as possible.
Additionally, a temporary summer campsite is set up near the ferry terminal. This campsite is free to use, though it is a simple facility with only temporary toilets, washing stations, and waste collection areas. There are no bathing facilities, so visitors should use nearby public baths (sento).
For those with a larger budget, staying at a nearby hot spring inn is also a great option, allowing visitors to enjoy both the festival and a relaxing hot spring experience.
Recommended Hotels
ReLabo
1-1-5 Yanagawa, Aomori City, Aomori 038-0012, Japan
Inside Aomori Station East Exit Building
https://relabo.com/
Art Hotel Aomori
2-1-26 Honcho, Aomori City, Aomori 030-0802, Japan
https://www.art-aomori.com/
Natural Hot Spring Awayuki no Yu Dormy Inn Aomori
2-5-1 Shinmachi, Aomori City, Aomori 030-0801, Japan
https://dormy-hotels.com/en/
How to Get to Aomori from Tokyo
By Airplane
- Travel Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
- Details: Direct flights operate from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Aomori Airport. From the airport, it takes about 30 minutes by bus or taxi to reach central Aomori.
By Train
- Travel Time: About 3 hours 30 minutes
- Route: Take the “Hayabusa” or “Yamabiko” Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Aomori Station, a journey of approximately 3 hours 30 minutes. From Aomori Station, you can reach the festival venue by bus or on foot.
By Bus
- Travel Time: About 9–10 hours
- Details: Highway buses operate between Tokyo and Aomori. While the journey is long, direct routes allow for a comfortable trip without transfers.
How to Get to the Nebuta Festival Venue from Aomori Station
On Foot
- Travel Time: About 10–15 minutes
- Details: The main festival area (Nebuta Parade Route) is within walking distance of Aomori Station. Walking from the station allows you to soak in the festive atmosphere.
By Bus
- Travel Time: About 5–10 minutes
- Details: Shuttle buses operate between Aomori Station and the festival venue. Taking the bus is a convenient option to avoid crowds.
By Taxi
- Travel Time: About 5 minutes
- Details: Taxis are available for a quick ride to the festival area. This is a convenient option for those carrying luggage or seeking relief from the summer heat.
