Aomori | A Must-See Once-in-a-Lifetime Nebuta Festival

The sound of flutes fills the summer night with a fiery celebration. If you've already visited major cities, why not head to Aomori? The Nebuta Festival held in early August each year is sure to leave you in awe. Legend has it that the origins of the Nebuta Festival date back to the 8th century, when General Sakanoue no Tamuramaro used giant lanterns, drumbeats, and flute sounds to confuse the enemy during battles with the Emishi. This traditional festival has been passed down through generations, becoming a symbol and historical mark of Aomori. The giant lanterns are divided into two styles: Aomori's three-dimensional lanterns, which incorporate historical figures and exude an imposing aura, and Hirosaki's fan-shaped lanterns, which highlight the beauty of painted designs. As the floats pass traffic lights and power lines, they are raised and lowered to avoid obstacles. Pulled by manpower, the giant lanterns are intentionally rotated and moved back and forth at intersections, allowing spectators to experience the awe-inspiring presence of the floats. For the Aomori Nebuta Festival, you can start your evening at ASPAM and Blue Sea Park to admire the intricate floats. These areas also feature food stalls typical of festivals, where you can grab a bite and enjoy a cold beer. Then, head to the city center intersections to await the arrival of the Nebuta Hayashi, a group of dancers shouting "Rassera" accompanied by drum and flute performances, followed by the giant lanterns of the Nebuta Festival. I personally started my afternoon in Aomori, enjoying the lanterns and the Nebuta Festival for an hour before heading to Hirosaki to catch another Nebuta Festival. I stayed overnight in Hirosaki, allowing me to experience two distinct festival atmospheres in one evening. The 2025 Nebuta Festival will be held from August 2nd to August 7th. 🚗 Aomori Nebuta Festival: A 15-minute walk from JR Aomori Station; Hirosaki Nebuta Festival: A 2-minute walk from Chuo Hirosaki Station on the Konan Railway.