Don't worry even if it's your first time! "Aomori Nebuta Festival" Complete Guide|Thorough explanation of dates, origins, and how to enjoy

*This article was created for travelers planning to visit Japan, but readers in Japan may also find it useful.

Aomori Nebuta is made of wire and Japanese paper, and is about 5 meters high and 9 meters wide, and is attractive for its complex shapes, dynamism, and splendor. During the festival operation, Aomori about 20 large Nebuta parade in a formation along the approximately 3km course in the city center. Before and after the large nebuta, the nebuta "koko" who plays drums and flutes, the "flag bearer" who leads the way with the flag held high, and dancers called "jumpers" join in to form the festival as a whole.

The biggest attraction is the large Nebuta. The detailed modeling has a sense of realism that cannot be conveyed through photos or videos. Don't overlook the front side, which is the main character of the theme, but also the back side, which is called the "sending picture". The difference in facial expressions before and after the lights are turned on is also attractive.

Aomori There are various theories about the origin of the Nebuta Festival, but the most likely one is the relationship with the Tanabata event "Nebuta Flowing" that has been held since ancient times. It is believed that the custom of transferring drowsiness and evil spirits to dolls and lanterns and pouring them into rivers and seas to pray for good health and good fortune has been passed down while changing its form. There are various theories about the origin of the word "nebuta", and there are theories that it comes from the word "nebuta" (sleepiness), which means drowsiness that occurs during summer farm work, and that it means "a light that dispels sleep". These customs were combined with Tanabata events and the culture of illumination that were introduced from China, and gradually the prototype of the current Nebuta Festival was born.
In the past, it was a small event where people walked around town with lanterns lit, but when electricity was used, the nebuta gradually grew larger and developed into a three-dimensional and powerful figure. Since then, it has been carefully passed down to the local people, and today it is popular as a summer festival representing Aomori, where giant nebuta parade through the city.

Access
From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station and take the train to JR Aomori Station.
Aomori The Nebuta Festival takes place in downtown Aomori and can be viewed within walking distance of JR Aomori Station.

Notes
During the festival, traffic restrictions and congestion are likely to occur, and it is difficult to arrange nearby Accommodation facilities, so it is recommended to use a tour if you want to reduce the burden of transportation and arrangements.

Aomori The Nebuta Festival is usually held for six days from the 2nd to the 7th of Aug.. The main dates are as follows.

*This is a guideline based on information from previous years. It may change depending on the year.

Aug. 1st: Eve Festival (Aomori Event held in the city
Aug. 2nd and 3rd: Around 19:00 - Night service of children's and large Nebuta
Aug. 4th to 6th: Around 18:45 - Night operation of large Nebuta (on the 6th, you can watch the Nebuta after each award is announced)
Aug. 7th: Around 13:00 - Daytime operation of large Nebuta
Around 21:00 ~ Maritime operation and fireworks display by large Nebuta (4 units) including the award-winning Nebuta

●Night service
Aomori This is the central operation of the Nebuta Festival, and large Nebuta parade through the city center at night Aomori. The lighted Nebuta has a more three-dimensional expression and color, and the power is exceptional. The sound overlaps with the shouts of jumpers and musicians, and you can experience the heat and realism unique to the festival with your whole body.

●Daytime service
It is a daytime nebuta operation that takes place on the last day, and it is characterized by the fact that you can take your time to admire the modeling and coloring of the nebuta. Compared to night operations, there is a calmer atmosphere and less crowding. It is also suitable for photography because it is easy to see the details.

●Maritime operation
In a special service on the last night, only four of the award-winning Nebuto selected by the judging board will travel through Aomori Harbor. The lights of the Nebuta reflected on the water surface and the fireworks of the Aomori Fireworks Festival held at the same time overlap, creating a fantastic scenery. Aomori You can enjoy an emotional moment that is suitable for the end of the Nebuta Festival.

Aomori The Nebuta Festival can be viewed freely from the roadside, and you can enjoy the powerful Nebuta operation without making a reservation in advance. The fact that you can easily stop by and enjoy the viewing while moving at your own pace can be said to be a unique advantage of free viewing. On the other hand, it can be very crowded during the festival, and you may have to wait early to secure a place where the Nebuta service is easy to see. Since standing is the basics, watching for a long time can be a physical burden. Also, during the festival, nearby hotels may sell out early. For free viewing, it is important to understand in advance the securing of accommodations, congestion conditions, traffic regulations, etc. before making a schedule.

If you are visiting the Aomori Nebuta Festival for the first time, we recommend taking a tour. If it is a tour, you can secure bleachers, move, and even Accommodation all at once, so you can enjoy the festival with peace of mind even in the crowd. Since you can enjoy the Nebuta from a designated seat, you don't have to worry about taking up space, and you can calmly watch the powerful operation.
Also, depending on the tour, there are plans that will guide you to Aomori tourist spots or enjoy it as a set with the Akita Kanto Festival. On a tour accompanied by a tour guide, you can also receive guidance on the flow of the day and precautions, making it a reassuring option for those who are not familiar with the area.

Aomori You can freely watch the Nebuta Festival from the roadside, but it can be very crowded during the festival and you will often have to stand for long periods of time. If you join the tour, you can enjoy the nebuta from the pre-reserved bleachers and enjoy it calmly. In addition, there is a chance to see the overwhelming performance of a large nebuta circling in front of you and a rapid approach to the audience. You can take a closer look at the detailed expressions and colors of the nebuta, as well as the movements of the jumpers and pullers, making it a highly satisfying experience even for first-time visitors.

The giant Nebuta floats are moved by hand by people called "Hiki-te." It's a spectacular sight to see the Nebuta, which weighs around 3.5 tons, move back and forth and turn 360 degrees without the use of an engine. The people who guide them are the control towers called Sensu-mochi, who stand in front of the float and communicate directions with the movement of a whistle and a fan. It's also worth paying attention to the detailed coordination.
Additionally, the "hayashi" (musicians) who beat out rhythms with drums and flutes, and the "haneto" (dancers) who dance around the Nebuta, liven up the festival. Dressed in white with bells, the dancers leap around while shouting "rassera, rassera" and can be said to be a symbol of the Nebuta Festival.

Aomori During the Nebuta Festival, a Nebuta hut called "Lasseland" was built, and Nebuta gather in this place except during operation. It is a rare opportunity to observe the unlit daytime nebuta up close, as well as the shape, color, and expression of the nebuta. If you're lucky, you might be able to see Nebuta being repaired. The impression of Nebuta changes greatly before and after the lights are turned on, so it is recommended to compare both.

Aomori The Nebuta Festival is a rare festival that even tourists can participate in as jumpers. Anyone can participate in formal attire, and some tours may include a complete set of costumes. The experience of actually bouncing around the Nebuta and shouting as you move forward will be a special memory that cannot be experienced just by looking at it.
There is no pre-registration or reception, but please note that you can only participate if you are not in "formal attire" of the jumper. You can buy formal clothes at department stores, but if you are new to them, we recommend asking a store that will lend them out and dress them.

Aomori On the last day of the Nebuta Festival, four large Nebuta vehicles, including the Grand Prize selected by the judging, will board the ship and operate by sea at Aomori Port. According to one theory, the nebuta is a variation of the lantern float of the Tanabata Festival, and it is believed that the "Nebuta flow" in which lanterns are floated on the night of Tanabata to pray for good health and good health, has led to the current maritime operation.
The sight of the Nebuta lights reflected on the water surface and the simultaneous "Aomori Fireworks Display" lighting up the night sky is fantastic, and it is a moving scene suitable for the finale of the Aomori Nebuta Festival.

Aomori The Nebuta Festival will be held rain or shine. In rainy weather, the Nebuta is covered with vinyl, and you can see a different expression. The scenery of the festival, such as jumping people who bounce with all their might even in the rain and the netta reflected in the puddle, is also a sight to behold. The bleachers do not have a roof, so it is a good idea to bring a raincoat. Also, if you go to Lasseland during the rain forecast at noon, you may encounter a rare sight of putting plastic on the nebuta.

Aomori The Nebuta Festival can be viewed freely, but it can be crowded and it may be difficult to move around or secure a viewing spot. If you join the tour, you can leave it to securing seats, Accommodation, and even transportation, so even first-timers can focus on the festival with peace of mind.

Club Tourism also offers tours where you can watch the night operation of Nebuta from the bleachers, tours where you can enjoy the sea operation and fireworks display on the last day, and tours around Tohoku 's representative "Aomori Nebuta Festival" and "Akita Kanto Festival", which are popular among those who want to experience multiple festivals in a short period of time. Please check it out. Departure Place is also set from all over the country, including the Tokyo metropolitan area, Kansai, Chubu, Hokkaido, Tohoku, etc., so please choose according to your itinerary.

Aomori Nebuta Festival tours are usually announced on Nov. ~ Dec. of the previous year, and popular plans with bleachers tend to be Full early. If you want to enjoy it reliably, we recommend checking the information as soon as possible.

Q: Can foreigners enjoy the Aomori Nebuta Festival?
A.Yes, even first-time visitors to Japan can enjoy it.
Aomori The Nebuta Festival is free to watch, but it can be crowded during the festival, making it difficult to move around or arrange Accommodation. If you join the tour, you can arrange transportation, Accommodation, and bleachers together, so you can enjoy the festival with peace of mind.

From those who actually participated in the tour from outside Japan,
"It was a great experience. I didn't have to look for a hotel or think about my own travel schedule, and I was able to enjoy my trip with peace of mind even in Aomori where the tourist attractions are far away. During the Nebuta Festival, Accommodation facilities tend to be full, but by participating in the tour, I didn't have to worry about transportation or Accommodation, and the bleachers were secured in advance, so I didn't have to reserve a place early. In addition, the Japanese guide worked hard to communicate in English, so the whole travel experience was very good!" Voices such as

Questions about meeting and departure
Q: How can I confirm the meeting place and time after booking?
A: After making a reservation, you can check the "meeting place", "meeting time" and "emergency contact" on My Page. Before departure, you can also see the "travel bookmark" online.

About luggage
Q: Can I bring my suitcase to participate?
A: If you are traveling by bus, we have space for luggage, so you can bring your suitcase. However, please limit yourself to two large suitcases per person.

Language support
Q: Can I participate even if I don't speak Japanese?
A: Yes, you can. The tour is operated in Japanese, but important information is available in English and Chinese (Traditional) using AI translation equipment and written information. Tour conductors and drivers also use translation apps, so there is no need to worry about the language.

About payment
Q: What is the payment method? What is the currency?
A: Payment is made online in Japan yen (credit card). The exchange rate is subject to the rules of the credit card company. Instant payment is required at the time of booking.

About local support
Q: Do you have physical stores in Taiwan or overseas?
A: In Taiwan, KNT Taiwan is the sole distributor of Club Tourism. For on-site consultations, please contact KNT Taiwan.

For passengers in Taiwan, please contact "Taiwan General Agent, Taiwan Kansai International Travel Agency"
Online Registration https://www.knt-taiwan.com/contact.php
Call to register 02-87717551 (Mon~Fri 09:15~18:00 (excluding holidays))
Email info@knt-taiwan.com

Aomori The Nebuta Festival is one of the most powerful summer festivals in Japan, with a huge Nebuta, a jumping man, and a musician in one. There are plenty of attractions not to be missed, such as not only seeing but also participating in and enjoying, such as the sea operation on the last day. With a tour, you can enjoy the festival comfortably and with peace of mind even in the crowds. Why not take a summer Aomori for a special experience that will leave a lasting impression on you?