[2025 edition] Aomori Nebuta Festival Complete Guide: even if it’s your first time!The definitive guide to how to enjoy the festival.

Giant lanterns that scorch the summer night sky, heroic warrior figures, and the enthusiastic shouts of “Rassera, Rassera!” — The “Aomori Nebuta Festival,” which brings Aomori’s short summer to a climax, is more than just a festival; it’s a soul-stirring, grand spectacle. Held annually from August 2nd to 7th, this festival captivates many people from both Japan and abroad. We’ll provide you with the information you need to enjoy it to the fullest.

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• The information in this article is based on research as of April 13, 2025.
• Details such as the festival’s operating hours, parade route, traffic restrictions, paid viewing seat information, various fees (parking, shuttle bus, participation fees, etc.), and application methods/periods may change from year to year.
• Before you go, please be sure to check the latest information directly from the [Aomori Nebuta Festival Official Website], organizers, and related organizations.

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• Basic Festival Information (Schedule & Venue)
• Highlights of the Aomori Nebuta Festival
• Recommended Viewing Spots (with precautions)
• Accommodation Tips
• How to Participate in the Festival as a “Haneto” Dancer?
• Tips to Enjoy the Festival 120% (Attire, What to Bring, Transportation, Gourmet)
• Nearby Sightseeing Spots
• Conclusion

Basic Festival Information (Schedule & Venue)

• Festival Period (Typical Year): August 2nd – August 7th
• Main Parade Times (Approximate – please confirm final schedule):
  • August 2nd-6th: Night Parade (approx. 19:00 – 21:00)
  • August 7th: Daytime Parade (approx. 13:00 – 15:00), and at night, the Marine Parade & Fireworks Display (approx. 19:15 – 21:00)
• Main Venue: Central Aomori City (along the parade route east of JR Aomori Station)
• General Schedule:
  • August 1st: Eve of the Festival (around ASPAM, etc. Nebuta displays, stage events, etc.)
  • August 2nd & 3rd: Large Nebuta Parade (not judged)
  • August 4th – 6th: Large Nebuta Parade (judged, prize-winning Nebuta are decided)
  • August 7th: Large Nebuta Daytime Parade (featuring prize-winning Nebuta), and at night, the Marine Parade of prize-winning Nebuta and the Aomori Fireworks Display

Highlights of the Aomori Nebuta Festival

1. The Overwhelming Large Nebuta: Giant lanterns (floats) reaching about 5 meters in height and 9 meters in width. The sight of vividly colored warrior figures, based on Kabuki, historical tales, and myths, illuminated from within against the dark night is breathtaking. They are works of art filled with the skill and passion of their creators, the “Nebuta-shi.” (*Approximately 20 large Nebuta floats participate each year.)
2. The Frenzied Dance of the Haneto: The “Haneto” dancers, who dance as if leaping while ringing bells to the chant of “Rassera, Rassera!” Dressed in unique costumes of colorful yukata, flower hats (hanagasa), and sashes (tasuki), they bring the festival to its peak excitement. A key appeal is that anyone can participate just by wearing the costume (details below).
3. The Soul-Stirring HayashI Music: The powerful yet somewhat melancholic “Nebuta Bayashi” music played on flutes, taiko drums, and hand cymbals (teburigane). This unique rhythm and melody create the festival’s exhilarating atmosphere and resonate in the hearts of the audience.

Recommended Viewing Spots (with precautions)

The official paid viewing seats (require advance purchase) are the most reliable way to watch, but there are also good points in the free viewing areas. However, these areas become extremely crowded, so mutual respect and good manners are essential.

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• 1. Shinmachi Street (especially near the end of the parade route): One of the main streets. Towards the end of the route (e.g., the area near National Route 4), the Nebuta floats may move a bit more slowly, which can be relatively good for taking pictures. However, it is a popular area and gets crowded.
• 2. Near intersections with National Route 4 (e.g., in front of Michinoku Bank headquarters): These are the “corners” where the Nebuta floats make sharp turns, offering a dynamic view of them changing direction. It’s a chance to see the skill of the Nebuta masters, but these spots get extremely congested, so securing a spot early is necessary.
• [Caution] Viewing from pedestrian bridges: While this has been suggested in the past, viewing from pedestrian bridges is likely prohibited or extremely dangerous as it obstructs passage and poses safety risks. Absolutely do not stop to watch from these bridges.
• 4. Around the Aomori Bay Bridge (during the August 7th Marine Parade & Fireworks): This is one of the suitable spots for viewing the final day’s marine parade and fireworks display. Good spots start filling up early.

Accommodation Tips

During the festival period, especially on the weekend from August 4th to 6th, accommodations in Aomori City become difficult to book and expensive.

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• Most Important: Book Super Early! Some hotels start taking reservations as early as the autumn of the previous year. Once your plans are set, act immediately. Check not only accommodation booking sites but also the hotels’ official websites.
• Utilize Nearby Cities:
  • Hirosaki City: About 35-45 minutes by JR train. There are relatively more vacancies and prices can be more reasonable even during the Nebuta period.
  • Hachinohe City: About 1 to 1.5 hours by JR or Aoimori Railway. It has a Shinkansen station and plenty of business hotels.
• Private lodgings (Airbnb, etc.): This is another option, but booking early is wise here as well. The chance to interact with locals is also an appeal.
• Consider a Day Trip?: A day trip from neighboring prefectures (like Hakodate or Morioka) is not impossible, but it is physically demanding. Be sure to confirm return transportation details (last train/bus times, availability of special services).

How to Participate in the Festival as a “Haneto” Dancer?

For those who want to not just watch, but also dance and participate, here are the ways to do it:

1. Participate freely in proper attire: The most distinctive feature of the Nebuta Festival is that anyone wearing the official Haneto costume (yukata, flower hat, etc.) can freely join in and dance behind any participating group’s float without prior registration.
   • Getting the costume: You can buy or rent the costume at department stores, kimono shops, and rental shops in Aomori City. Special rental and dressing stations may also be set up during the festival (confirm information). A full set rental costs around 5,000 yen as a rough guide (please confirm).
2. Plans for General Participants (Example): The Aomori Tourism and Convention Association and other organizations may offer packages for general participants that include costume rental, dressing assistance, and a simple lesson. The fee is roughly 10,000 yen (please confirm). Applications often open around spring each year, but be sure to check the official information and apply early. (*A specific package name like “Nebutin” could not be confirmed.)
3. Joining a Parade Group (for experienced participants/affiliates): Each Nebuta parade group (from companies, neighborhood associations, etc.) has its own affiliated Haneto dancers and musicians. While it might be possible to participate through an acquaintance or if a group is recruiting general participants, this is primarily a method for those with connections.
4. Experience HayashI and Haneto Dancing: Even if participating in the main festival is difficult, you can sometimes find experience classes and workshops for HayashI music and Haneto dancing during the off-season or before the festival at places like the “Nebuta Museum WA RASSE” (check for availability and reservations).

Tips to Enjoy the Festival 120%

• Attire & What to Bring:
  • Attire: Comfortable clothes that you don’t mind sweating in (T-shirt, comfortable pants, etc.). It can get chilly at night, so having a light jacket is a good idea. Comfortable sneakers are essential.
  • What to Bring: Towel, fan (uchiwa or sensu), drinks (essential!), mobile battery, small change, a small ground sheet (for saving a spot), and rain gear (a raincoat is more convenient than an umbrella).
• Transportation & Access:
  • Public transportation is recommended: JR Aomori Station is the central point. Special trains may operate during the festival period (please confirm).
  • By car: There are major traffic restrictions in the city center. The basic approach is to use temporary parking lots (e.g., the former Aomori rail yard) and shuttle buses (paid, please confirm). Parking lots are likely to fill up early.
  • By bus: Local buses will have detours. Sightseeing tour buses are also worth considering.
• Enjoying Aomori Gourmet:
  • Food Stalls: In addition to classics like yakisoba and takoyaki, look for Aomori specialties like ika-menchi (squid cakes), grilled squid, and candy apples.
  • Local Flavors: If you have time, it’s fun to find local eateries or izakaya that serve ginger-miso oden, kaiyaki-miso (scallops grilled in miso on a shell), or senbei-jiru (a hot pot with rice crackers, from the Hachinohe region).
• Nearby Sightseeing Spots:
  • In Aomori City: Nebuta Museum WA RASSE, Aomori Museum of Art, A-FACTORY, Sannai-Maruyama Special Historical Site.
  • A Little Further Out: Mount Hakkoda, Lake Towada & Oirase Gorge, Asamushi Onsen.

Conclusion

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is an event to be experienced with all five senses—the sounds, the lights, the heat, and the energy of the people. Participating as a Haneto dancer will surely enhance that sense of unity. If you gather enough information and prepare well, even first-time visitors are sure to be captivated by this magnificent festival. Please come and experience the passionate summer of Aomori, filled with the resounding chants of “Rassera, Rassera!” An unforgettable experience awaits you.