2025 Event Outline

calendar_month Dates

Saturday, August 2, 2025 - Thursday, August 7, 2025

location_on Venue

Saturday, August 2, 2025 - Wednesday, August 6, 2025: Shinmachi Street, Hakkoda Street, National Highway, Heiwa Park Street, Honcho Teramachi Street

Thursday, August 7, 2025: [Daytime] Shinmachi Street, Hakkoda Street, National Highway, Heiwa Park Street, Honcho Teramachi Street

Thursday, August 7, 2025: [Nighttime] Aomori Port

footprint Access

Approx. 5 to 30-minute walk from JR Aomori Station (varies by venue location)

Festival Trivia

Powerfully dispelling calamities with valiant Nebuta floats

The "Aomori Nebuta Festival," usually held for six days from August 2nd to 7th, is synonymous with summer in Aomori, attracting many tourists from all over the country every year. In 1980, it was designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

It is believed that Nebuta originated from the "Tanabata Festival," which was introduced from China during the Nara period, combined with ancient customs and spirit-sending events from the Tsugaru region. With the popularization of paper and candles, lanterns were made, evolving into the current doll-shaped and fan-shaped Nebuta. Nebuta floats, created with motifs from Kabuki, history, and mythology, fascinate spectators with their varied expressions – gorgeous and beautiful, sorrowful, or valiant and glaring. Surrounding the beautiful and powerful Nebuta floats, both in front and behind, are festival musicians playing instruments including "Odaiko" (large taiko drums) as tall as a person, and dancers called "Haneto." The festival is further enlivened by the rhythmical chant of "Rassera, Rassera!" and the spirited dancing of the Haneto.

The schedule includes "Kodomo Nebuta" (Children's Nebuta) and "Ogata Nebuta" (Large Nebuta) from the 2nd to the 3rd, and "Ogata Nebuta" and "Odaiko" (large taiko drums, about 3m in diameter) parading through major city streets like Shinmachi Street and National Routes 4 and 7 from the 4th to the 5th. On the night of the 5th, the Nebuta floats that will win awards this year are selected, and on the 6th, the results of the judging are announced along with the parade of large Nebuta. On the final day, the 7th, the Nebuta float that won the grand prize leads a parade through Aomori city during the day. At night, it departs from Aomori Port and sails off the coast of Mutsu Bay. A fireworks display is also held for the grand finale, allowing spectators to enjoy the collaboration of Nebuta floats on the sea and fireworks.

Reserved seating is available along the streets, with sales typically starting around June each year. Details are posted on the official website of the "Aomori Nebuta Festival Executive Committee Office," so those interested should check for information early. Don't worry if you miss out on purchasing tickets; you can still fully enjoy the festival from the roadside. Moving along with the Nebuta parade while savoring takeout gourmet food from street stalls is another enjoyable experience.

Nebuta Production Huts Line the Area

Nebuta floats are impressive in scale, reaching up to 5 meters in height, 9 meters in width, and 7 meters in depth! The figures, fitted with about 600 to 800 light bulbs and fluorescent tubes, sometimes rotate with their pedestals or undulate back and forth, making them incredibly dynamic and a spectacular sight. About 300 people, centered around "Nebuta-shi" (Nebuta masters/artisans), are involved in their creation over approximately three months. The basic structure is a sculpture made of wire and "washi" (Japanese paper). The Nebuta-shi then draws the outlines with sumi ink based on Japanese painting techniques, applies wax ("rōbiki") to prevent color bleeding and enhance translucency, and finally adds the colors. Illuminated by internal lighting, these Nebuta are truly works of art.

Around early May, "Nebuta-goya" (Nebuta huts), used for production and post-completion storage, line up in "Rasse Land" at Aoi Umi Park, adjacent to the Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center ASPAM in the bay area. From July, when production is in full swing, volunteer guides offer free tours of the Nebuta huts, explaining the origin and history of Nebuta, the festival's structure, and the production process in an easy-to-understand manner. Learning about the production intent of each Nebuta and appreciating their designs up close will foster a sense of familiarity with each float, making the main festival even more enjoyable.

Anyone Can Join in as a Haneto!

Along with the dazzling "Nebuta," another famous feature of this festival is the "Haneto" dancers. In fact, as long as you follow the rules, anyone can participate in the festival as a Haneto without prior reservation or registration. There are three rules: wear the Haneto costume, do not bring musical instruments unrelated to the Nebuta "hayashi" (festival music), and follow the instructions of the event staff. Haneto costumes are sold at local department stores and are also available for rent. It's a bit difficult to put on the costume by yourself, but of course, there are shops that will help you get dressed. Doesn't it sound exciting to be able to jump in and become a Haneto? Costumes for children are also available for rent and sale, so families can participate together. Child Haneto dancers, jingling many bells, are incredibly adorable, so families with children should definitely participate actively.

Once you've changed into your costume, head to the Haneto assembly point before the Nebuta parade begins and join a waiting Nebuta group. When you hear the sound of fireworks, the Nebuta Festival has started! Dance vigorously and liven up the festival. It's a great way to experience the festival firsthand, so please give it a try.

Learn More and Enjoy the Aomori Nebuta Festival