Every summer, the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, one of Japan’s largest and most famous festivals, attracts up to 3 million visitors. The exact origins are unknown today, but the festival probably originated from a mixture of various smaller traditions surrounding the Tanabata festival, which originally came to Japan from China.

The most famous feature is probably the large, internally illuminated floats, whose colorful motifs, which are redesigned every year, depict scenes from ancient Japanese legends, mythical creatures or well-known historical events.

Their […] motifs depict scenes from old Japanese legends, mythical creatures or well-known historical events

The procession is accompanied by traditional music and the Haneto, dancers in traditional dress.

You can join the procession as a haneto to not only see the festival and the impressive, rousing atmosphere, but also to experience it at close quarters. There are several rental stations in the city where you can slip into the costume.

The origin of the word Nebuta means “to wash away tiredness”. It is said that the festival in summertime washes away the tiredness of the hard-working population and awakens new spirits. Anyone who has ever taken part in the parade can confirm the invigorating effect of the dancing, music and parade. After the festival, you feel ready for the rest of the hot Japanese summer.

[…] particularly high Nebuta, which tower up to 23 meters into the night sky

There are parades of this kind not only in Aomori, but also in other cities and regions in northern Japan. The nebuta in particular, the colorfully decorated floats, differ from region to region. There are also particularly tall nebuta that tower up to 23 meters into the night sky.

There is still plenty to see for those who don’t want to actively participate in the parade. For example, the festival in Aomori ends with around two hours of fireworks, the bright colors of which are reflected in the water of the harbor.