Aomori Nebuta Festival | A Summer of Light and Heat in Tohoku
Photo: sakucameblog
The “Aomori Nebuta Festival,” held every year from August 2 to 7 in Aomori City, is one of the largest fire and light festivals in Japan. It is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and more than two million visitors come every year. Against the night sky, the sight of glowing giant nebuta moving through the city is overwhelming and continues to fascinate spectators.
Origin and History of the Aomori Nebuta Festival
Its origin is said to come from the Tanabata event “Nemuri Nagashi” (sending away sleepiness/impurities), introduced from China in the Nara period, combined with local customs in Tsugaru such as sending off spirits and insect-driving rituals. Lanterns made of paper and bamboo floated on rivers and the sea to pray for health, and these changed form into “toro” (lanterns) and later into giant doll-shaped nebuta depicting Kabuki and legends.
In the Meiji period, the festival disappeared for a time due to prohibition, but later revived. After the war, with tourism and technical innovation, it developed into the current large-scale and artistic form.
Features of the Aomori Nebuta Festival
Giant Nebuta
Lanterns up to 9 meters wide and 5 meters high, boldly depicting warriors or scenes from legends. Made of wire and washi paper, illuminated from inside, their shapes shine fantastically at night.
Haneto’s Great Dance
With the shout of “Rassera!”, thousands of dancers (Haneto) jump and hop along the parade. If you wear the proper costume, even tourists can participate, which shows the openness of the festival.
Hayashi Rhythm
The music consists of taiko drums, flutes, and hand gongs (shō), and its unique rhythm shakes the night streets and pushes the nebuta and Haneto forward.
Mainebuta
Smaller or corporate nebuta at the head of the parade. They create topics every year with unique designs. Recently, a “nebuta in a business suit using a laptop” became popular on social media.
Aomori Nebuta Festival Parade Route
From August 2 to 6, large nebuta start from departure points in central Aomori and proceed counterclockwise. The course includes Shinmachi Street, Hakkō Street, Heiwa Park Street, and Honchō Teramachi Street. On the final day, August 7, there is a daytime parade, and then the “Sea Parade” with fireworks, which recalls the original form of lantern floating.
Aomori Nebuta Festival Visitor Guide
Paid seats: Intersection areas are recommended, as nebuta rotate and show dynamic movements.
Haneto experience: Shops rent costumes, so even short-term visitors can join.
Crowd measures: The city center is restricted in the evening. Accommodation and parking should be secured early.
Weather: The festival is basically held even in rain. Rainwear is recommended.
Daytime sightseeing: At Nebuta House Wa Rasse you can see past works and learn about the making process all year round.
Aomori Nebuta Festival Schedule
As usual, it will be held from August 2 to 7. Night parades are from the 2nd to the 6th, and on the 7th the daytime parade, sea parade, and fireworks mark the finale.
Where to Experience Nebuta Outside the Festival Season
Visit Nebuta House Wa Rasse to see full-size nebuta all year round.
Smaller events such as Shibuya Center Street Nebuta (September) or the Onagori Festival in Noshiro, Akita Prefecture, also feature nebuta.
Which festival will you go to next?
Editor and writer from Japan. Not the best at English, but I share real stories with heart and honesty — aiming to connect cultures and ideas that matter.
