The Aomori Nebuta Festival is one of the three major festivals in northeastern Japan, and it is a representative summer celebration in Aomori City. Held annually from August 2nd to 7th, it attracts numerous tourists who come from afar to witness it. The centerpiece of the festival is a giant lantern float, known as “Nebuta”, which measures 9 meters in width, 7 meters in depth, and 5 meters in height.
1. Schedule
On August 1st, there is the Nebuta Festival Eve Festival, held at the designated venue. During this event, visitors can meet the “Miss Nebuta” of the year and the craftsmen who create the Nebuta lanterns. It’s also a chance to see all the large Nebuta lanterns created for that year in one place.
During the Nebuta Festival, more than 20 large Nebuta lantern floats parade through the main streets, covering a route of approximately 3 kilometers. These lanterns depict historical stories and legends, vividly colored and lifelike. Particularly at nightfall, when the lanterns are illuminated, the entire street transforms into a fantastical world.
On the final day of the festival, the Nebuta lanterns are carried onto boats for a procession at sea. Simultaneously, the “Aomori Fireworks Festival” launches over ten thousand fireworks, adding a dazzling finale to the festivities.
2. Features
The standout feature of the Nebuta Festival is undoubtedly its large and intricately crafted Nebuta lanterns. These lanterns are painstakingly created over several months by local craftsmen, each one embodying their dedication and skill. Constructed from wire frames covered with paper and painted, the lanterns have a simple structure but require skilled craftsmanship at every stage. Various groups compete to achieve artistic excellence, elevating the Nebuta to a high art form, leading to the emergence of specialized “Nebuta masters”.
Accompanying the Nebuta parade are musical ensembles featuring taiko drums, flutes, and cymbals. Taiko drums set the rhythmic beat, flutes play melodies, and cymbals emphasize accents. The ensemble moves and stops in sync with the rhythm, creating a dynamic atmosphere where the infectious melodies compel people to dance along.
Among the parade participants, those joyfully dancing alongside are known as “haneto” or jumpers. Anyone can join the procession by donning official haneto attire at the starting point of the Nebuta parade, adding to the allure and charm of the Aomori Nebuta Festival.
3. Origin of the Aomori Nebuta Festival
The exact origin of the Aomori Nebuta Festival, which was ranked among the top three festivals in northeastern Japan, remains uncertain to this day.
According to one theory, it evolved from the integration of Chinese “Qixi Festival” customs with local Tsugaru traditions and festive activities. With the spread of paper, bamboo, and candles, lanterns were created, which later transformed into Nebuta. Originally created by townspeople, Nebuta were made on a neighborhood basis, and annual parade events were held to pass down these traditions. Over time, the lanterns grew larger and more elaborate, shaping the festival into what it is today.
One theory is that in order to drive away sleepiness, as people easily feel drowsy during the hot summer days, and to prevent drowsiness from hindering work while preparing for the autumn harvest season, the Nebuta Festival gradually emerged as a celebration.
Another theory is that according to legend, during the Heian period, General Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, while on an expedition to the east, created giant lanterns to deceive enemies. In commemoration of this feat, people imitated the creation of large lanterns and established this festival.
4. Experience Nebuta Culture
At Tsugaru-han Nebuta Village in the city of Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture, visitors can get up close to the large Nebuta lanterns, kites, and traditional musical instruments used in the festival celebrations.
Here, you can participate in a variety of engaging and fun activities, such as crafting Nebuta lanterns by hand, painting Tsugaru kites, and coloring Hirosaki puppets and ceramic bells shaped like apples.
