Aomori Nebuta Festival

Name: Aomori Nebuta Festival
Start: 2025-08-01
End: 2025-08-06
Location: Aomori city

The Biggest Summer Spectacle of Light and Rhythm in the North

2026/08/01 - 2026/08/06

Every August, the city of Aomori is enveloped in a whirlwind of color, sound, and energy during the Aomori Nebuta Festival. For six days, gigantic Nebuta floats—some as large as houses—parade down the city’s main streets, accompanied by the sounds of taiko drums and flutes, and thousands of dancers jumping and chanting “Rassera!” The festival’s energy is overwhelming, drawing over two million visitors from across Japan and the world to experience this legendary northern summer celebration[2][3][4][5][7].

Held every year from August 2 to 7, the Aomori Nebuta Festival is perfect for those who want to experience Japanese summer festival art, music, and excitement. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, or you’re a festival or photography enthusiast, this is an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss[2][3][4][5][7].

Main Attractions

Nebuta Floats

The stars of the festival are the giant Nebuta floats, made from washi paper and wire. These floats vividly depict warriors, mythological figures, and kabuki scenes, and can reach up to 5 meters tall, 9 meters wide, and 7 meters deep[2][3][4]. At night, they are illuminated from within and parade through the city as if brought to life. Up close, the brushwork and dramatic expressions are breathtaking[2][3][4].

Key Events

Every night from August 2 to 6, the Nebuta parade takes place in central Aomori. On the final day, August 7, there is a daytime parade and a special “Nebuta Ocean Parade,” where the award-winning floats are carried onto boats and paraded on the bay, followed by a grand fireworks display[2][3][4]. The excitement peaks from the eve of the festival, with Nebuta and fireworks lighting up both the sky and the sea.

Costumes and Decorations

The dancers, called “Haneto,” can be anyone who wears the official costume. Their outfits feature white with colorful sashes, bells, floral ornaments, and straw hats[2][3][4]. Lanterns and banners line the streets, and the Nebuta floats themselves are decorated with intricate washi paper and gold accents. The sound of bells and the flutter of costumes fill the night as waves of dancers surround the glowing Nebuta[2][3][4].

Traditional Food & Drink

Festival stalls offer local treats such as grilled scallops, Aomori apples, miso oden, and seafood rice bowls. The savory aroma of yakitori, the sweetness of chilled apples, and the steam of oden mingle in the night air, gently soothing dancers and spectators alike[2][4].

Cultural and Historical Background

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is believed to have originated from the lantern floating customs brought from China during the Nara period, later evolving into today’s float-style Nebuta[2][3][4]. The bold faces and heroic figures are designed to ward off evil and pray for a good harvest. Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1980, the festival is a symbol of Aomori’s pride, creativity, and community bonds[2][3][4].

For locals, Nebuta is a summer rite of passage and a special time to unite with family, friends, and visitors. Whether you jump as a Haneto or watch from the roadside, it’s a tradition loved across generations[2][3][4].

Participant Voices

I came from Tokyo to see the festival, and was overwhelmed by the size of the Nebuta and the power of the dancers. I rented a Haneto costume and joined in—people around me taught me the steps, and I quickly felt part of the group.

Fun Facts

Anyone can join as a Haneto dancer if they wear the official costume—rental outfits are widely available[2][3][4][8].
The largest Nebuta floats can reach 5 meters tall, 9 meters wide, and 7 meters deep[2][3][4].
On the final day, Nebuta floats are paraded on boats in the bay, followed by a fireworks show[2][3][4].