The Akita Kanto Festival is one of the three great festivals of Tohoku, held annually in August in central Akita City and designated as a National Imp...
Aomori Nebuta Festival - Summer Festival Held Every August in Aomori Prefecture
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Dear Sirs, It was a wonderful nite. Thank you very much indeed. Regards
Event Review
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 2026 - Viewing Seat Ticket
Witness the electrifying Aomori Nebuta Festival, a dazzling celebration of Japanese summer tradition. Be captivated by massive illuminated floats, powerful drumbeats, and energetic dancers filling the streets. Reserve before tickets sell out! Experience the Iconic Nebuta Parade of the Aomori Nebuta Festival! Witness one of Japan's most famous festivals, the Aomori Nebuta Festival Parade, from a reserved seat with excellent visibility. This dynamic summer event is held over several days: ・Nebuta Parade (featuring massive illuminated floats): August 2–6 ・Final Day Parade & Fireworks: August 7 Each night showcases enormous, vividly lit Nebuta floats inspired by historical and mythical figures, accompanied by rhythmic taiko drums, flutes, and the lively chants of "Rassera! Rassera!" With a reserved seat, you can relax and fully enjoy the spectacular atmosphere—no need to worry about crowds or long hours of standing. ✨ Limited Hotel Package Available (Optional) For a more comfortable and seamless experience, we also offer a limited-quantity hotel package, including a 1-night stay on the day of the festival along with your reserved seat ticket. Available hotels: ・Aomori Center Hotel ・Asamushi Onsen Nanbuya Kaisenkaku Hotel packages are available in limited numbers and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. **Time & Location** Parade Schedule (Start Times): ・August 2–3 at 19:00 – Children Nebutas & Large Nebutas ・August 4–6 at 18:45 – Large Nebutas ・August 7 at 13:00 – Large Nebutas / 19:15 - Fireworks Display & Nebuta Marine Parade (Aomori Port) Location: ・Chuo 1-Chome, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, 030-0822 (Aomori Nebuta Matsuri) ・10-minute walk from JR Aomori Station ## **Ticket Information & Pickup** This is a physical paper ticket, not an e-ticket. On the day of the festival, please come to the following location to receive your ticket directly from our staff. After your reservation, we will contact you with the specific pickup time by the day before the event. ・Pickup Location: Shinmachi Cube 6F, Multi-purpose Floor 2-6-25 Shinmachi, Aomori City, Aomori 030-0801 https://maps.app.goo.gl/481Bn4NX1wmvAydg7 ・Ticket Pickup time: Pickup time window for August 2nd - 6th:14:30〜18:30 Pickup time window for August 7th:9:30〜12:30 ⚠︎ From Shinmachi Cube (ticket pickup location) to the Nebuta viewing seats, it takes 15–20 minutes on foot. Please allow sufficient time and arrive early to pick up your tickets on the day of the event. *If you are unable to pick up your ticket during the designated time, we will be unable to issue a refund. *We will provide you with specific reception hours individually at a later date. ⚠︎Seat selection is not available. ## **About accommodation packages** ・Stay plan for Aomori Center Hotel Please make your own way to the hotel and check in. 1-night stay on the day of the festival We have Single and Twin rooms available. Breakfast included ADDRESS: 1-10-9-1 Furukawa, Aomori City, Aomori 030-0862 ・Stay plan for Asamushi Onsen Nanbuya Kaisenkaku Reservations for parties of two only Please make your own way to the hotel and check in. 1-night stay on the day of the festival Ocean-view Japanese-style room, 10-tatami size (for 2 guests) Breakfast included ADDRESS: 31 Hotarudani, Asamushi, Aomori-shi, Aomori 039-3501 ## **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 are final. Travelers will not receive any refund regardless of cancellation status. ## **Confirmation before booking** - No refunds will be issued unless the organizer decides to cancel the Nebuta parade. - Refunds will not be provided even if some Nebuta floats cannot be viewed because the parade was unable to complete a full circuit within the scheduled time. - Regarding the fireworks display seating, no refunds will be given except in the event that the fireworks display itself is canceled. Please note that if the event is postponed and you are unable to attend on the rescheduled date, a refund cannot be issued. - Since the chair seating is set up on the roadway, installation will begin around 6:40 p.m. after traffic restrictions go into effect. As we cannot guide you to your seats during the setup process, please arrive according to the designated entry time. ## **Notes for the day** - The seat location may be changed at the discretion of the organizer. - Please refrain from bringing large luggage, as space in the spectator area is limited. The organizer assumes no responsibility for the theft or loss of personal belongings. - The parade for the day will end once the Nebuta floats have completed one full circuit of the course within the operating hours. Depending on the progress of the parade, if a full circuit cannot be completed within the time limit, the parade will end without finishing the circuit. We appreciate your cooperation in exiting the area promptly after the parade ends. - The Aomori Nebuta Festival will be held even in the event of rain. Please note that the spectator seating area is not covered. Since seats may be wet when it rains, please bring your own rain gear, such as a raincoat. - Please refrain from any actions that may disturb other guests. The use or setup of items that obstruct the view of others (such as umbrellas, tall tripods, banners, and flags) is prohibited. - Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, is strictly prohibited throughout the seating area. - It is extremely dangerous to enter the parade route (roadway) to watch the festival, take photos, or pick up bells. Please do not do so under any circumstances. - Littering is strictly forbidden. Please take your trash with you. 
Stay Updated
Get notified about early ticket sales and event updates
Event Information
- Location
- Aomori
- Categories
- Traditional Festival (matsuri)
- Event Dates
- August
- Official Website
- Visit Official Site
Related Festivals & Events
View All →The Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three great festivals, is formally known as "Kamo Matsuri" and is an ancient ceremonial festival held at Shimogamo Shr...
The Arashiyama Momiji Festival (Autumn Leaves Festival) is an elegant riverboat celebration held every November in Arashiyama, Kyoto, one of Japan's m...