Every summer, the city of Aomori in Japan comes alive with the vibrant colours and sounds of the Nebuta Festival. This event, one of the most famous festivals in Japan, attracts thousands of visitors each year, both local and international, who come to witness the spectacle of large, colourful floats parading through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and dance.
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A Glimpse into the Past
The Nebuta Festival is believed to have originated as a variant of the Tanabata Festival, a traditional star festival in Japan. As paper, bamboo, and candles became more commonly available, these materials were used to create lanterns, which eventually evolved into the large, dramatic floats, or ‘nebutas’, that are the main attraction of the festival today.
These nebutas, which can be up to 9 meters wide, 7 meters deep, and 5 meters high, are most often designed to resemble ancient warlords, historical characters, and kabuki characters from early days. The creators of these large nebutas, known as Nebutashi or nebuta masters, are specialists who decide the basic design, the entire structure, and colours of the nebutas. The process of creating a nebuta takes an entire year, with the first draft of the design completed during the winter, and the final touches added just in time for the festival in August.
The Festival Experience
The main event of the Nebuta Festival is the parade of these large, dramatic floats through the streets of Aomori. Accompanying the nebutas are the Haneto dancers, who bounce down the streets to the exciting music of Nebuta bayashi bands, consisting of drums, flutes, and hand cymbals. The dancers, dressed in traditional haneto costumes, add to the festival’s appeal with their energetic performances.
The festival takes place over several days in August, with different events scheduled each day. On the first two days, the parades are somewhat smaller, with only about two-thirds of the lantern floats participating. However, from the 4th to the 6th of August, the parades are in full swing, with every float making an appearance. On the final day of the festival, some of the floats are put onto boats and paraded around the bay, followed by a two-hour fireworks display along the waterfront, marking the end of the festivities.
Joining the Celebration
One of the unique aspects of the Nebuta Festival is that anyone can join the dance as long as they wear a haneto costume. These costumes, which can be bought at grocery stores and shops around the prefecture for about 7000 yen or rented from rental shops around town for about 4000 yen, are an integral part of the festival experience.
For those who prefer to watch the spectacle, there are paid seats along the route, as well as free seating on the ground along the nearly three-kilometer-long parade route. However, these spots can get crowded, so it’s recommended to purchase paid seats in advance.
Nebuta Festival 2023: What to Expect
The 2023 Nebuta Festival is set to take place from August 2nd to 7th. The festival will kick off at 4:00 PM on August 2nd, with approximately 15 children’s nebutas and large nebutas parading through the streets. From August 4th to 6th, the parades will be in full swing, with approximately 20 large nebutas making an appearance. On August 7th, the final day of the festival, the nebutas will be paraded from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a marine procession and a fireworks festival from 7:15 PM to 9:00 PM.
The festival will take place in the centre of Aomori City, with the parade route spanning approximately 3.1 kilometers. The route is a 10-minute walk from JR Aomori Station, 30 minutes by car from Aomori Airport, and 15 minutes by car from Aomori Chuo IC.
The Nebuta Festival is more than just a celebration; it’s a vibrant display of Japanese culture and tradition that offers a unique experience for all who attend. Whether you’re dancing in the parade, watching the nebutas pass by, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, the Nebuta Festival is sure to be an unforgettable experience. So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan this summer, make sure to include the Nebuta Festival in your itinerary. You won’t regret it!
