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Hirosaki Neputa Festival: Where to Watch the Dote-machi Parade and Ekimae Parade? Top 3 recommended Spots for Each!

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Publication on：March 6, 2025

The Hirosaki Neputa Festival, one of the biggest summer events in Tsugaru, is just around the corner!

If you’re attending for the first time, you might have many questions—Are there designated seating areas? Where are the best viewing spots? What are the etiquette rules for spectators?

The festival features two main parade routes:

  1. Dote-machi Route (August 1–4)
  2. Ekimae Route (August 5–6)

On August 7, the final day, the parade takes place in the morning with a special route.

In this guide, we’ll introduce recommended viewing spots and important etiquette tips to help you enjoy both parades to the fullest!

Enjoying the Hirosaki Neputa Festival: Tips for a Smooth Experience

The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is an exciting event with many ways to participate, whether by watching the parade or even joining a group. Some organizations recruit musicians for festival music practice sessions, while others look for people to help pull the floats. If you’re interested, some groups even allow walk-in participation on the festival day.

When watching the festival, you may need to cross the parade route at times. Unlike other festivals where crossing a procession is unthinkable, in Hirosaki, it is allowed. However, always be mindful of the floats and wait for a gap between them before crossing to avoid disrupting the procession.

Food stalls line the streets during the festival, but please note that most vendors only accept trash from items purchased at their stalls. Bringing a small garbage bag for your waste is a good idea. Also, since you’ll be navigating through crowds, carrying fewer belongings will make moving around easier. It’s not about theft concerns, but more about avoiding bumps or difficulties in tight spaces.

If you’re bringing a stroller, be aware that maneuvering through the crowd can be challenging. Consider using it to transport your child to a viewing spot before the parade, then folding it during the event. In less crowded areas with wider spaces or nearby side streets, using a stroller should be less of an issue.

Festival Etiquette: Rules to Keep the Celebration Enjoyable

Since the Neputa Festival takes place on public roads, the parade route passes by various shops and even residential areas. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable event for everyone, please follow these etiquette guidelines:

  • Do not reserve spots with tape. Using tape to mark territory was already a concern before COVID-19, as it ruins the scenery and causes inconvenience when left behind. This practice is prohibited.
  • Avoid placing chairs or objects on the street before the event. Blocking roads during the daytime disrupts local businesses and residents. Please wait until the evening to set up chairs or seating.
  • Be considerate and avoid disputes over seating. The festival draws large crowds, so securing an excessive amount of space is discouraged. Watching with a spirit of cooperation will help maintain the event’s friendly atmosphere.

Disregarding these guidelines could lead to tighter restrictions in future festivals. By respecting the rules and being mindful of others, we can all help keep the Neputa Festival an enjoyable tradition for years to come.

Where to Watch the Dote-machi Parade?

The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is one of the most exciting summer events in Tsugaru, and choosing the right spot to watch the parade can make your experience even more memorable. Below, we introduce three recommended viewing locations along the Dote-machi Route, each offering a unique perspective on the festival’s energy and tradition.

1. Sakura Ōdōri Intersection – See It First, Then Celebrate!

If you want to be among the first to see the Neputa floats in action, Sakura Ōdōri is the perfect spot. This wide street marks the starting point of the Dote-machi parade, meaning you’ll get a front-row seat to the excitement as the floats begin their journey through the city.

Before the parade officially starts, the Neputa floats gather in this area, arriving from various locations across the city. Watching them line up in order is a spectacle in itself—you can see the teams preparing, hear the taiko drummers warming up, and feel the anticipation build.

Another advantage of this location is the early start time, making it ideal for families with young children. And for those who want to enjoy a drink afterward, this spot offers the chance to watch the parade early and then head to the bars in the Kaji-machi area to continue the festivities.

However, keep in mind that the floats set off before sunset, so if you prefer to see them illuminated against the night sky, you may want to consider a different spot. Also, food stalls are limited in this area, so if you plan to eat while watching, it’s best to bring your own snacks and drinks.

2. Kita-Ōdōri Intersection – Experience the Parade Like a Judge

As the Neputa procession moves through Dote-machi, it reaches Kita-Ōdōri Intersection, a prime viewing spot where the festival’s judging takes place. This means every Neputa team puts on their best performance here, making it one of the most dynamic and exciting locations to watch.

Expect to see more intense taiko drumming, lively Japanese Traditional flute performances, and spectacular float movements as teams try to impress the judges. The recently expanded intersection provides even more space to enjoy the action.

If you visit on August 1 or 2, when the official competition takes place, you’ll get to experience the heightened energy and tension as teams compete for the top prizes.

This area does get crowded, so arriving early is recommended. However, access after the parade is relatively easy, as you can leave through Kita-Ōdōri or Tomita-Ōdōri, making it a convenient spot for those who want to explore more of the city after the festival.

3. Tomita-Ōdōri Intersection – The Beauty of the Farewell Procession

At the end of the parade route, near Tomita-Ōdōri Intersection, the Neputa teams begin their journey back to their storage locations. Unlike the energetic performances at the start of the parade, this area offers a quieter, more emotional atmosphere, where you can witness the farewell procession of the floats.

Rather than stopping completely, the floats continue moving while playing a special “returning” version of the festival music, creating a bittersweet yet elegant ending to the night. This is a rare sight that few spectators take the time to appreciate, making it a great spot for those looking for a unique perspective on the festival.

If you prefer a less crowded viewing experience, Tomita-Ōdōri is a great choice. The streets here are more open, making it easier for families with strollers to navigate. While you won’t be able to see every float up close (since they split into two directions), the peaceful and nostalgic atmosphere makes it well worth a visit.

Where to Watch the Ekimae Parade?

Below, we introduce three recommended viewing locations along the Ekimae Route, each offering a unique perspective on the festival’s energy and tradition.

1. In Front of CiiNA CiiNA Hirosaki – Experience the Excitement

The Ekimae Route (Station Route) of the Hirosaki Neputa Festival starts near the Hirosaki Post Office and moves straight toward Hirosaki Station. One of the highlights of this route is the large intersection in front of CiiNA CiiNA Hirosaki (formerly Ito-Yokado).

This spacious intersection makes it an excellent viewing spot, and thanks to the recently opened road leading toward Wattoku, there are now even more areas where you can watch the parade.

One unique aspect of this area is the enthusiastic audience. Many local residents and businesses secure seats in advance, creating a lively atmosphere even before the parade begins. In the Hirosaki Neputa Festival, calling out to the performers can bring unexpected surprises—small Neputa floats might rush toward you, or musicians might perform right in front of you. Around CiiNA CiiNA Hirosaki, many spectators energetically cheer, encouraging parade teams to engage with the crowd. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the excitement, this is the place to be!

Another advantage of this location is that the road has no median strip, allowing for dynamic performances. Floats move from side to side, spin, and even get lifted, showcasing each group’s varied unique performances. If you prefer to enjoy the spectacle from a distance, perhaps because your child finds the taiko drums or painted floats a bit overwhelming, the newly opened road toward Wattoku offers a spacious and relaxed viewing area without disturbing nearby residents or shops.

Plus, it’s just a five-minute walk from here to Hirosaki Station, making it easy to catch a train on the Konan Railway Konan Line or JR lines after the event.

2. In Front of Hiroro – A Food Lover’s Paradise

As the parade continues from Hirosaki Station, it reaches the large intersection in front of Hiroro, a prime spot for food lovers!

This area is packed with food stalls, offering a diverse selection of local and seasonal specialties. Many of the restaurants inside Hiroro also set up outdoor booths, making it nearly impossible to choose what to eat!

The wide viewing space here is another plus. Not only are the roads along the parade route open for spectators, but part of Namiki Street is also closed to traffic, providing plenty of room to move around. The area is stroller-friendly, and many families spread out large picnic blankets to enjoy the festival at a relaxed pace.

If you’re looking for a casual and fun viewing experience, this is a great spot to sit back, eat delicious food, and watch the Neputa floats pass by. It’s also perfect for taking stunning photos, as the sun sets and the glowing Neputa create a breathtaking contrast against the darkening sky.

3. Dote-machi Intersection – Enjoy the Beautiful Farewell

The final stop on the Ekimae Route is the Dote-machi Intersection, near Matsumoricho Fureai Square and the ENEOS gas station.

Since this part of the route has a median strip, the floats move in two separate lanes, making the parade feel a bit more structured compared to the energetic performances at earlier points. However, this location offers a rare opportunity to see the Neputa approaching head-on, creating a truly memorable sight.

As the floats reach their final destination, each group shows off its own style—some switch to the “returning Neputa” performance mode, while others put on one last energetic display before exiting. Watching these final moments is an experience you won’t want to miss.

One hidden gem of viewing at the final stop is that you can walk alongside the Neputa as they return to their storage areas. If you have a favorite float or parade group, this is a wonderful chance to follow along and soak in the atmosphere a little longer.

Want a Guaranteed Seat? Consider Paid Seating!

For those who want a comfortable and hassle-free viewing experience, paid seating is available along Sakura Ōdōri. These reserved seats provide a clear view of the parade without the need to arrive early or stand for long periods.

For the Ekimae Route, paid seating is available around the bus terminal near Hirosaki Station. This area is easy to find, close to food stalls. Sitting comfortably on provided chairs makes it much easier to enjoy the event.

Paid seating is especially recommended if:

  • You’re visiting Hirosaki for the first time and aren’t familiar with the best spots.
  • You’re traveling with family or friends from outside the area.
  • You want to secure a good spot without worrying about crowds.

Unlike the Dote-machi Route, where the first two nights are judged and floats maintain a formal and polished performance, the Ekimae Route has no judging criteria. Since it takes place toward the end of the festival, the parade groups often bring an extra level of excitement, fully embracing the festive spirit.

Each route and each night of the Hirosaki Neputa Festival offers a different experience. You might find a favorite group to follow, cheer on your local neighborhood float, or even join the parade yourself!

Join the Excitement – Don’t Be Shy!

Unlike the Aomori Nebuta Festival, where spectators jump in to dance, the Hirosaki Neputa Festival is more about watching and interacting with the performers. However, that doesn’t mean you have to be a silent observer!

The parade teams chant “Yā-yadō!” as they march, and if you clap along, cheer, or call out to them, you might get a special up-close performance—such as a taiko drummer playing directly in front of you or a float team stopping to spin their Neputa for the crowd.

So, don’t be shy! Join in the excitement and make the most of Tsugaru’s short but passionate summer—come and enjoy the magic of the Hirosaki Neputa Festival!

Event Information

Hirosaki Neputa Festival

Dates: August 1 – August 7

Location: Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture

Official Site: