2026 AOMORI NEBUTA MATSURI

NAGAOKA FIERWORKS

Aomori Nebuta Festival Tour

Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of Japan's most famous summer festivals.

◆ The Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of Japan's most famous summer festivals, is held in Aomori Prefecture, located in the northern part of Japan's main island, Honshu.
This festival, held at night, features giant lanterns illuminating the city streets, and dancers called "Haneto" parade through the town chanting, creating a fantastical atmosphere and a vibrant energy.
We've planned a tour that allows you to participate in the Nebuta Festival not just as a spectator, but as a dancer called a "Haneto"!
Don't worry, an English-speaking guide will explain how to wear the costumes and how to participate in the festival!
We also offer tours that allow you to enjoy the Nebuta Festival as a spectator, rather than as a participant.
Aomori Nebuta Festival Homepage
Tour price (per person)...
113,000 yen ~

Recommended points of the plan

Experience the Nebuta Festival, which is difficult to book for individual travelers, from a paid viewing seat!

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is one of Japan's most representative summer festivals. Because it is such a popular festival, booking hotels, transportation, and viewing seats can be difficult to arrange on your own, but with a tour, you don't need to worry! A tour guide will accompany you, so even first-timers can feel at ease.

Participate as a dancer in the Aomori Nebuta Festival!

We also offer a plan that allows you to participate in the thrilling Nebuta Festival as a dancer. You can rent a full set of costumes, from flower hats to tabi socks. Of course, an English-speaking guide will also assist you with getting dressed.

Experience other tourist attractions and festivals besides Nebuta!

We are planning tours that allow you to enjoy the Nebuta Festival as well as nearby tourist attractions and festivals. The itineraries are designed by a Japanese travel company with a long history and extensive experience.

Aomori Nebuta Festival Tour

Nebuta Festival

Nebuta Festival image

Nebuta Festival

Nebuta Festival image

Nebuta Festival

Nebuta Festival image

Nebuta Festival

Nebuta Festival image

[Viewing Seat Ticket] Aomori Nebuta Festival Viewing Seat Ticket + Original Souvenir Towel Included (Ticket sent in advance)

[August 4th (Tue), August 6th (Thu)]

[Included] Admission ticket

旅行代金：お一人様
9,500円
View details
Nebuta Festival

Akita Kanto Festival Image

Nebuta Festival

Nebuta Festival image

Chūson-ji Temple Golden Hall

Image of the Golden Hall of Chūson-ji Temple

Nebuta Festival

Nebuta Festival image

[Departing from Tokyo] A 2-night, 3-day Shinkansen (bullet train) sightseeing tour visiting the Aomori Nebuta Festival, the Akita Kanto Festival, and the golden age of Hiraizumi Chuson-ji Temple.

Meet at Tokyo Station
[August 2nd (Sun)]
旅行代金：お一人様
130,000円
詳細はこちら
Sendai Tanabata Festival

Sendai Tanabata Festival Image

Nebuta Festival

Akita Kanto Festival Image

Nebuta Festival

Nebuta Festival image

Nebuta Festival

Nebuta Festival image

[Departing from Tokyo] A 2-night, 3-day Shinkansen (bullet train) sightseeing tour featuring the three major summer festivals of the Tohoku region: Aomori Nebuta Festival, Akita Kanto Festival, and Sendai Tanabata Festival.

Meet at Tokyo Station
[August 4th (Tue)]
旅行代金：お一人様
150,000円
詳細はこちら

Learn more about the Aomori Nebuta Festival

About the Aomori Nebuta Festival

What is the Aomori Nebuta Festival?

Nebuta, known as one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region, is held every year in early August in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture.
It is Japan's most famous summer festival and has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
The giant, illuminated, human-shaped lanterns are called nebuta. They are placed on floats and paraded through the town accompanied by dancers called hanetomono.
Wearing flower hats decorated with lots of bells and flowers on their heads, yukata sashes and tabi socks, the dancers jump around the Nebuta while shouting "Rassera, rassera" to the sound of flutes, livening up the atmosphere.
The gigantic and impressive Nebuta floats and the energetic jumpers become one, and their fiery heat surges right into your heart.
Enjoy the moment when the short Tohoku summer burns brightly.

The origin of the Nebuta Festival

There are several theories about its origin, but one is that it originated from a farming event called "Nemuri Nagashi," in which farmers wash away the sleepiness and laziness that hinders the busy summer farm work. The word Neputa is also thought to have evolved from this "Nemuri Nagashi" into "Nemutanagashi," "Nemuta," and "Neputa."

History of the Nebuta Festival

Records of Nebuta in Aomori include those from around the Kyoho era near Yukawacho where people carried lanterns and danced in imitation of the Neputa Festival in Hirosaki.
Since the Meiji period, nebuta, lanterns in the shape of dolls, have become mainstream in Aomori and have become larger. Carry-type nebuta were the norm until the beginning of the Showa period, but it was only after the war that they became as large as they are today.
It was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 1980.

About the formal attire of the haneto

1. HANAGASA

It's a beautiful umbrella with flowers and bells.

2. YUKATA

It is a type of traditional Japanese clothing that is commonly worn at hot spring inns and summer festivals.

3. TASUKI

This string keeps the sleeves of your yukata in place so they don't get in the way.

4. SHIGOKI

This is a decorative obi that is wrapped around and hung down under the obi.

5. OKOSHI

It is worn under a yukata.

6. TABI

They also serve the same purpose as socks for Japanese clothing.

7. ZOURI

These are sandal-like footwear worn with Japanese clothing.

access

Access

Location of the Nebuta Festival in Aomori City

Aomori City belongs to Aomori Prefecture and is located about 720km north of Tokyo.

By train

from Tokyo From Tokyo Station or Ueno Station, take the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen bound for Shin-Aomori or Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.
Please change trains at Shin-Aomori Station and board the train bound for Aomori. Get off at Aomori Station. The journey between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori takes about 200 minutes, and between Shin-Aomori and Aomori takes about 7 minutes.

By car

from Tokyo It takes about 10 hours via the Tohoku Expressway.

By plane

from Tokyo ANA and JAL operate flights from Haneda Airport to Aomori Airport.
From Osaka ANA and JAL operate flights from Osaka Itami Airport to Aomori Airport.
From Nagoya FDA operates flights from Nagoya Komaki Airport to Aomori Airport.

Accommodation on the day of the Aomori Nebuta Festival

During the festival, accommodations in and around Aomori city will be extremely crowded and difficult to make reservations.
Hotels around Morioka Station, a Shinkansen stop, tend to have relatively frequent vacancies, so we recommend traveling from Aomori to Morioka and staying there.
It takes about 7 minutes by conventional train from Aomori Station, where the festival is held, to Shin-Aomori Station on the Shinkansen line. It takes about 1 hour by Shin-Aomori Station to Morioka Station. It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes by Shinkansen from Morioka Station to Tokyo Station.

Venue

Route

The venue is in the center of Aomori city, about a 10-minute walk from Aomori Station. The Nebuta parade takes place along a 3.1-kilometer route.

The route map is for 2023. The map is taken from the official Nebuta Festival website.

Helpful Guides & Tips

Information you should know about the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

Nebuta Festival
Complete Strategy Guide

Aomori Nebuta Festival: A Complete Guide to Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Japan's Most Representative Summer Festival

If you're planning to attend the Aomori Nebuta Festival independently, you'll face numerous challenges, including a severe shortage of hotels and difficulties securing tickets. This article explains the problems foreign travelers encounter and provides a complete guide to ensure you can enjoy the festival stress-free. Use this to help prepare for a comfortable trip.

Read the guide →
Nebuta Festival
What to wear and bring

Join the Aomori Nebuta Festival as a Haneto dancer! A complete guide to clothing, belongings, and how to participate.

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is a Japanese festival where foreign tourists can also participate as "Haneto" (dancers). This guide clearly explains the rules for participating in the festival without prior reservation, how to rent costumes, and essential items to bring, such as sneakers. Prepare thoroughly and experience this Japanese festival to the fullest!

Read the guide →

FAQ

Q&A

  • Q. Can I participate in the festival without wearing a costume?

    To participate in a festival, you must wear a festival costume.
    If you are just visiting the festival, dress code is optional.

  • Q. Can I do it as a day trip from Tokyo?

    It takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo to the festival venue in Aomori city. The festival ends at night, so if you are traveling from Tokyo, you will need to stay overnight.

  • Q: What happens if it rains?

    The Nebuta floats are covered with large plastic bags, so they will not be cancelled even in the rain. The parade has never been cancelled before.

  • Q. Can I store my valuables while I am participating in the festival?

    We cannot accept valuables. Please refrain from bringing expensive jewelry or watches, and only bring the bare minimum.

  • Q. Can I return the rental costume before the festival ends?

    The Nebuta parade ends at 9:00 p.m., but you are free to stop participating before that time. You can return your costumes at any time.

  • Q. I am a large person, are there costumes in my size?

    It's no problem if you're big. Our staff will dress you in a yukata no matter what your body type is. Please enter your height and shoe size in advance via the URL in the automatic reply email.

  • Q. Can I participate wearing sneakers?

    Sneakers are not permitted. You must be dressed formally. Rental tabi socks and sandals are available.

  • Q. Do they only wear underwear underneath their jumping costumes?

    Underwear is fine, but if you are concerned, some people choose to wear a thin inner layer on top.

  • Q.Are there any souvenirs you would recommend?

    Aomori Prefecture is the largest producer of apples in Japan, and apple juice and apple sweets such as pies are popular souvenirs.
    The fishing industry is also thriving, and processed seafood products using squid, scallops, and other seafood are famous.