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Traditional Festival (matsuri)
Aomori Nebuta Festival - Summer Festival Held Every August in Aomori Prefecture
Traditional Festival (matsuri)
Aomori / August
About This Event
Experience the spectacular Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of the three great festivals of Tohoku, held annually in August in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. This historic festival, with origins traced to tanabata lantern floating and "nemuri-nagashi" (sleeping spirit purification), has records dating back to the Kyoho period (early 18th century) and was designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1980.
<img src="https://assets.hldycdn.com/472ccb8f-1fc2-420e-b2ad-c2220a6a1412.jpeg" alt="Aomori Nebuta Festival - Spectacular illuminated floats parade through the streets of Aomori City">
The festival's main attraction is the massive "Nebuta floats" - enormous illuminated paper sculptures that can reach up to 9 meters wide, 7 meters deep, 5 meters tall, and weigh approximately 4 tons. These artistic masterpieces are crafted by skilled artisans called "Nebuta-shi" over a period of about 3 months, with total costs including materials reaching approximately 20 million yen per float. Inside these magnificent structures, hundreds to thousands of light bulbs and LEDs create stunning illuminations that beautifully light up the night streets.
<img src="https://assets.hldycdn.com/f74a4782-3647-43d1-ba72-2611911a451b.jpg" alt="Haneto dancers in traditional costumes participating in the Aomori Nebuta Festival parade">
During the festival, the Nebuta floats are accompanied by "Hayashi" musicians playing flutes, drums, and hand-held gongs, followed by dancers called "Haneto." Visitors can join the festivities by wearing the traditional Haneto costume, allowing tourists to participate on the spot. Throughout the festival period, approximately 100,000 people participate in the dancing, wearing traditional accessories like tabi socks, bells, and sashes while dancing through the streets shouting "Rassera, Rassera!" - a truly spectacular sight.
The festival represents a cultural heritage supported by the entire local community, with collaboration from local residents, businesses, and even the Self-Defense Forces. Educational programs for generational succession have been established, ensuring this cultural treasure continues to thrive.
<img src="https://assets.hldycdn.com/22cd7f14-5733-4412-a5c9-502e0b4c76af.jpg" alt="Fireworks Festival - Spectacular fireworks display during the final day of Aomori Nebuta Festival">
The final day's marine procession is particularly impressive, where award-winning Nebuta floats are loaded onto platforms and parade around Aomori Port. The competition between these illuminated floats reflected on the water surface and the fireworks blooming in the sky creates a spectacular festival of lights that serves as a fitting climax to the festival. After the festival ends, the award-winning Nebuta floats are displayed at "Nebuta no Ie Wa-Rasse" where visitors can appreciate their beauty year-round.
The Aomori Nebuta Festival, visited by over 1 million people annually, continues to be beloved both domestically and internationally as a quintessential Japanese summer tradition and an open festival where anyone can participate.
Reviews
Event Review
Tony Henshaw • 2024-08-07
Dear Holiday Travel Team We thoroughly enjoyed our Nebuta experience. Here are our thoughts: For international travelers, getting tickets through Holiday Travel works really well. We had ours delivered to our hotel and they were waiting for us when we arrived. The seats were great. Located at a wide section of the parade with lots of visibility of all the floats. The participants were super friendly and gave away fans and keepsakes. The drumming is very loud. So bringing some earplugs is a good idea. Overall, we loved the event and would recommend it to everyone.
Event Review
Tanny Koo • 2024-08-06
Dear Sirs, It was a wonderful nite. Thank you very much indeed. Regards
Event Review
Vicky Chen • 2024-08-05
I spent four days and three nights in Aomori, taking in two night parades, one daytime parade, the Nebuta lanterns' maritime procession, and the fireworks. I'm glad I managed to get reserved seat tickets, which let me sit and watch the parades from the best vantage point. If you get the chance, I highly recommend going in person to experience the powerful, life-filled Nebuta Festival and feel the enthusiasm and energy of the people of Aomori.
Main Experience
Aomori Nebuta Festival Viewing Seat Ticket
Witness the electrifying Aomori Nebuta Festival up close! See giant, illuminated floats blaze through the night, feel the pulse of taiko drums, and join the vibrant Haneto dance. Secure your exclusive viewing tickets now – don't miss this fiery spectacle! （Paper tickets, not digit） Experience the vibrant Aomori Nebuta Festival like never before with our viewing tickets! Get up close to the mesmerizing illuminated Nebuta, feel the energy of traditional music and dance, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Japan. Reserve your seat now for an unforgettable summer spectacle! **Important:** This is a **physical paper ticket** (not digital) and will be **delivered to your hotel in Japan** prior to the event. *Seat selection is not available. ## **Ticket delivery** When booking, please provide your accommodation details for delivery. **Required info:** - Hotel name - Hotel address - Check-in date and number of nights - Name used for the hotel reservation - Hotel reservation number（Tickets will be shipped based on this information） ## **How to use** - Please present your paper ticket to the attendant at the entrance gate. - Once you enter the venue, please be seated in the seat indicated on your ticket. ## **What's included** - Paper tickets - Pamphlet ## **What is not included** - Transportation to the venue - Other personal expenses ## **Cancellation Policy** - All sales finalTravelers will not receive any refund regardless of cancellation status. ## **Confirmation before booking** - Ticket Delivery ScheduleThe viewing tickets are scheduled to be shipped in late July. They cannot be sent before that. Please make sure that your shipping address in July is confirmed before purchasing the tickets. - Receiving the TicketsBefore purchasing, please confirm with your accommodation or recipient whether they can receive "Simplified Registered Mail" (Kan'i Kakitome).Tickets cannot be delivered to unmanned accommodations (such as some vacation rentals) or locations like schools where registered mail cannot be received. If your delivery location does not accept registered mail, please refrain from purchasing. - Tickets may be handed over at a designated location in Aomori on the day of the event, depending on circumstances. - Nebuta Parade will be held rain or shine. No refunds will be made unless the Nebuta Parade is not performed.Ticketing and delivery fees related to payment are not refundable. - We will send your ticket to the hotel where you are staying. Please present your ticket at the local entrance gate. - Paper tickets, not electronic tickets, mail to the hotel. Please let us know your hotel and check-in dates when you make your reservation. - will not be held responsible for any damage after receiving a report of completed delivery to the hotel where you are staying. Please be careful not to lose them. - Seat numbers are listed on the ticket. Please present your ticket to the receptionist near your seat and sit in the chair marked with your seat number. ## **Notes for the day** - We expect extreme heat, so please take care to stay hydrated and in good physical condition. Even if you are not thirsty, please drink water frequently. Please take precautions against the heat, such as bringing a hat. (Parasols are not permitted as they block visibility.) - We recommend that you bring a raincoat in case of rain. (Rain umbrellas are not permitted as they block visibility.)Please be aware that the restroom facilities at are inadequate. - The use of tripods is prohibited in the bleacher area. Photography and videography are not permitted in the bleachers area. - Persons who behave in a manner that disturbs other patrons inside or outside the venue and who do not follow the instructions of the staff will be forcibly asked to leave the venue. Tickets will not be refunded in such cases. - The event may be subject to change or cancellation due to the effects of new coronavirus infections, etc. - Please act in accordance with the policies of the national and local governments regarding infection control measures. - The organizers will not be liable for any damage caused inside the bleachers. 
$67.51 / person
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Event Information
- Location
- Aomori
- Categories
- Traditional Festival (matsuri)
- Event Dates
- August
- Official Website
- Visit Official Site
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