The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is a grand event held in Hirosaki City every year from August 1st to August 7th, where magnificent, colorful Neputa floats are paraded through the streets under the cover of darkness. If you’re interested in experiencing the magical sight of these illuminated floats or want to feel the energy of the festival, this is the event for you.
In this section, we’ll cover the essential details about the Hirosaki Neputa Festival, its history, and the key highlights. We’ll also share tips on the best moments to capture photographs and how to take great shots, so be sure to read through to the end if you’re planning to visit the festival.
Dates: Every year, from August 1st to August 7th
Location: JR Hirosaki Station, Hirosaki Park, and surrounding areas
Estimated Schedule:
Parking: There are plenty of parking lots around JR Hirosaki Station and Konan Railway Chuo-Hirosaki Station. (Note: Parking fills up quickly, so using public transportation is recommended)
The origins of the Hirosaki Neputa Festival trace back to the Edo period, originating from the practice of floating torches or spirits on water for purification. The earliest known reference to the festival can be found in the 1722 “Gokoku Nikki” (National Diary), which mentions Tsugaru Nobuhisa, the fifth lord of the Hirosaki Domain, attending a “Nemuta Nagashi” (spirit-floating ceremony).
Originally, the Neputa floats were simple lanterns made in the shape of boxes. However, during the late Edo period, the floats grew larger as the status of the Hirosaki Domain increased. Over time, the floats became more elaborate, with additional decorations and the inclusion of figures, eventually evolving into the luxurious forms seen today. During the Meiji Restoration, a period of upheaval, simpler fan-shaped floats became more common due to the decreased cost and complexity of construction. Today, the festival is centered around the creation and parade of these beautifully designed fan-shaped Neputa floats.
Spanning a week, the Hirosaki Neputa Festival offers numerous highlights each day. From the first to the last day, the Neputa floats are paraded at different times and along different routes, so it’s essential to plan ahead. A must-see event is the “Nanukabiokuri” ceremony on the evening of the final day. Here, we present four tips for making the most of the festival:
The Neputa floats are paraded every day during the festival, but the routes and times vary, so make sure to check the official website or brochures in advance. The best time to see the Neputa is in the evening when the lights are turned on. The powerful brush strokes and vibrant colors of the Neputa paintings come to life, creating a truly mesmerizing spectacle in the dark.
Daytime parades offer a different perspective, with the Neputa floats advancing majestically under the blue sky. The delicate color schemes of the Neputa paintings are more visible in the daylight, making it a perfect opportunity for clear and detailed photographs.
As you watch the Neputa parade, you’ll hear lively traditional music, taiko drums, and the loud shouts of the participants. The rhythm of the music, the size of the taiko drums, and the voices of children and adults alike will add to the festive atmosphere.
The type of music and the instruments used can vary from float to float, and as the parade progresses, you’ll find yourself eagerly anticipating the next performance. You can either find a spot where you can see several Neputa floats pass by or choose a favorite float to follow until the end.
The traditional shout used during the festival is “Yaa Yaa Doo,” which likely originates from the phrase “Iya Iya Iya Yo” in Neputa songs. Join the crowd in cheering along with the participants!
On the last evening of the festival, the “Nanukabiokuri” ceremony takes place. “Nanukabi” refers to the seventh day after the Bon Festival, when people used to send the Neputa floats down the river. Today, the floats are set alight in a symbolic fire ceremony. Only a few of the floats are burned, while the others, destined to be used in future festivals, are gathered along the banks of the Iwaki River. Participants watch as the burning floats go up in flames, marking the end of the festival. It’s a poignant and powerful sight.
There are food stalls at the venue, so it’s a great idea to enjoy a meal before leaving the festival.
With over 1.6 million visitors during the festival’s week-long run, securing a good spot to view the Neputa parade can be challenging. A great solution is to reserve a paid viewing seat, which was offered during the 2022 festival. These seats provide a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the parade without the hassle of finding a spot.
Additionally, those who book a paid viewing seat may receive special perks such as Aomori-grown apple juice and a Neputa fan. Seats fill up quickly, so be sure to check the latest information and book early.
The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you’ll want to capture the experience in photos. Here are some tips to help you take memorable photos:
Each Neputa float is different, with unique themes and designs. Some depict scenes from Chinese epics like the “Sangokushi (Romance of the Three Kingdoms)” or “Suikoden (Water Margin),” while others feature local characters like Hirosaki’s mascot, “Takamaru-kun.” When taking photos, try capturing the entire float to convey the festive atmosphere, or zoom in on the intricate details of the Neputa paintings. Since the floats are always moving, it’s best to take your shot slightly earlier than you think to get a crisp, dynamic image.
At night, try to capture the illuminated Neputa floats along with the participants pulling them. The contrast of the glowing floats against the dark background, along with the people dressed in traditional costumes called Happi, creates a truly iconic festival scene. A great angle is to position the Neputa in the upper two-thirds or three-quarters of the frame and the participants in the lower part. Shooting from an angle, rather than straight on, will give your photo more depth and excitement.
You may have heard both “Neputa” and “Nebuta,” and it can be confusing to know what the difference is. In Aomori Prefecture, we have three different types of Festvals: Aomori Nebuta Festival, Hirosaki Neputa Festival, and Goshogawara Tachineputa festival. They have differet names, but interestingly, historical records don’t use these terms consistently, so there is no definitive answer about the distinction. For reference, the Aomori Nebuta Festival is registered as “Aomori Nebuta” and the Hirosaki Festival as “Hirosaki Neputa” in Japan’s important intangible folk cultural properties list.
Locals tend to use “Nebuta” universally, while some differentiate by saying “Nebuta” for Aomori and “Neputa” for Hirosaki, but the usage isn’t fixed.
The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is a major summer event in Hirosaki City. Held from August 1st to August 7th, the festival features daily parades of nebuta floats and food stalls. Each Neputa float is unique, and the illuminated floats in the evening create a magical, otherworldly atmosphere. The finale, “Nanukabiokuri,” where the floats are burned, is a powerful and moving sight. Throughout the festival, you can enjoy the festival with your eyes and ears, making it an unmissable experience. Come join the excitement of Hirosaki this summer!
