What it is
Every August, Hirosaki, a castle town in the apple country of western Aomori, fills with neputa: floats of painted paper over a wooden frame, lit from inside. The local name is neputa, not nebuta as in Aomori city, and the floats are different too. Most are shaped like a huge fan, with a warrior battle in bold colours on the front and a calm, beautiful picture on the back.
Hirosaki’s neputa appear in written records from 1722, and the festival is an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Aug 1–4 | Dotemachi course: The floats parade along Dotemachi, the old shopping street, from 19:00 |
| Aug 5–6 | Station course: The parade moves to the streets in front of Hirosaki Station, from 19:00 |
| Aug 7 | Nanukabi: A final daytime parade on Dotemachi, from 10:00 |
Which day should you go?
Aug 1–4, evening
The classic route along Dotemachi, with the floats lit up after dark. Arrive before 19:00 to find a place.
Aug 5–6, evening
The parade runs right in front of Hirosaki Station, handy if you are staying in Aomori and coming for the evening.
What to look for
Fan-shaped floats
Most floats are ōgi neputa, shaped like a giant fan: a fierce warrior scene on the front, and a quieter picture, often a beautiful woman, on the back.
Figure floats
Kumi neputa are three-dimensional figure floats of warriors, the older style.
The pictures
The scenes come from warrior tales such as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms and the Water Margin, painted by local artists each year.
The music
Neputa-bayashi, slow and solemn flute and drum music, played as the floats roll forward.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Tōhoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori, then JR Ōu Line to Hirosaki | about 4 h |
| Aomori | JR Ōu Line from Aomori Station to Hirosaki | about 45 min |
On the day. Dotemachi is about 15 minutes on foot from Hirosaki Station. On August 5–6 the parade runs in front of the station.
Crowds. Streets along the route are closed to traffic in the evening. Arrive before 19:00 for a place at the front.
Where to stay
Hirosaki
Stay in town to walk to the parade and see the old castle town by day.
Aomori
More hotels, and you can see the Aomori Nebuta on another evening of the same week.
When to book. Book 3–4 months ahead: the whole prefecture fills up for the first week of August.
Book ahead
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Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Book early. The Aomori Nebuta is held the same week, so hotels across the prefecture fill months ahead.
- Paid seats. Reserved chair and group seats are sold in advance along the route, with a neputa fan included.
- Check the course. The route changes during the week. Check the official schedule before you go.
Glossary
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
Dashi山車
A general word for a festival float that is pulled through the streets.
References
- Tōhoku Tourism Promotion Organization: Hirosaki Neputa Festival (2026 schedule), https://www.tohokukanko.jp/attractions/detail_1003300.html
- Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Association: Hirosaki Neputa Festival, https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/
Last checked 2026-10-17.