Tohoku · AomoriFestival
Aomori’s Nebuta Matsuri is one of Japan’s most spectacular summer festivals, filling the streets with huge illuminated warrior floats and thousands of leaping haneto dancers.
Overview
Enormous washi-and-wire floats depicting warriors, gods and mythical figures are lit from within and pushed through the city each night, accompanied by flutes, drums and costumed haneto dancers anyone can join.
When and Where
The festival runs every year on August 2–7 in central Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. Floats parade in the evening on August 2–6, with a daytime run and a marine parade with fireworks on August 7.
Getting There
The parade route circles the centre of Aomori, a short walk from JR Aomori Station (about 3 hours from Tokyo by Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori, then a few minutes to Aomori).
What to Expect
Dozens of giant glowing floats, teams of drummers, and haneto dancers in flower hats chanting “Rassera!” To join as a haneto you only need to rent or buy the costume.
Tips for Visitors
Evenings of August 2–6 are the classic float parades; the August 7 daytime parade plus fireworks and floats on boats is a grand finale. Paid roadside seats sell out early; otherwise arrive well before the start.
Access and Map
| Dates (2026) | August 2–7 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Central Aomori City, Aomori |
| Access | Short walk from JR Aomori Station |
| Admission | Free (paid grandstand seats available) |
| Official site | Aomori Nebuta Matsuri |
Source: Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (official)
Image: Photo: Fisherman / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
