Japan's summers are famous for their lively local festivals, or 'matsuri,' ranging from quirky to grand. Among the most spectacular is the Nebuta Matsuri, celebrated annually in Aomori, a northern prefecture. If you're looking to experience a traditional Japanese festival at its finest, the Nebuta Matsuri is a must-see, offering one of the most visually striking displays of all the summer celebrations.
What Makes the Festival So Special?
The Nebuta Matsuri features over 20 brilliantly colorful floats, crafted from traditional 'washi' paper and illuminated by lanterns that enhance their vibrant hues. These stunning decorations are even more breathtaking in person, as photos can't capture their true magnificence. The floats, known as nebutas, often depict scenes from mythical or historical tales, showcasing towering gods or dramatic kabuki characters in impressive detail.
A Little About the History of the Festival
Many believe the Nebuta Matsuri dates back to ancient Japan, when shogun Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro used the nebutas to distract and intimidate enemies with their fearsome imagery. Others think it evolved from the Tanabata Festival, which itself has roots in China's Qixi Festival. The exact origin remains debated, with various theories in circulation, but it's widely agreed that these elaborate floats have been crafted for centuries, even though their style has evolved over time.
What to Do There
While watching the vibrant spectacle of Nebuta Matsuri is captivating, the real magic lies in joining the festivities yourself. Anyone can participate as long as they wear the traditional attire called haneto. You can rent this outfit for about ¥4,000 at various stores around Aomori, which often start advertising in the weeks leading up to the festival.
Details of the Festival
The Nebuta Matsuri takes place annually during the first week of August, with exact dates varying each year, so it's important to check ahead of time. For the first five days, the parades begin at 19:00 and continue until 21:00, while the final day features an afternoon parade and concludes with a spectacular fireworks display and the releasing of the floats into the water in the evening.
The parade route runs through the streets near Aomori Station. For detailed information about the parade route or costume rentals, head to the Aomori City Tourism Information Exchange Center. While you're there, make sure to visit the nearby Nebuta Museum WA RASSE, which showcases floats from past festivals and offers a range of nebuta-themed souvenirs and food.
URL：https://www.nebuta.or.jp/
Museum Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Yasukata, Aomori, 030-0803 (9:00-1800)
Conclusion
Millions of people from all over Japan flock to witness this incredible festival each year, yet it's still relatively unknown among foreign tourists. Many international visitors tend to favor the more famous Gion Matsuri. While Gion Matsuri is indeed impressive, Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri offers an even more spectacular experience that's worth the journey.