Nebuta Matsuri
MatsuriTohoku(Aomori)
Annual eventDates
—
Venue
Central Aomori City streets
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Extremely crowdedTohoku(Aomori)
Annual eventDates
—
Venue
Central Aomori City streets
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Extremely crowdedLooking for Japan festivals 2026 dates? This Japanese festivals 2026 guide maps where to go month by month, from cherry blossom season and summer matsuri to autumn parades and winter snow festivals.
Summer festival in Japan planning starts here: compare famous matsuri, fireworks, dance events, food stalls, yukata, heat, crowds, and access before you choose July or August dates.
Japan's best festivals don't have to cost a thing. Discover free matsuri, fireworks shows, and cultural events across every region — plus budget tips for paid events.
Hirosaki's fan-shaped illuminated float festival, sister event to Nebuta.
Samurai horse festival in Fukushima with mounted warriors in armor.
Morioka's drum and dance festival, the world's largest taiko drum parade.
Related guides for stays, meals, workspaces, and art stops around a festival trip.
Aomori Nebuta Matsuri: Japan's most spectacular summer festival. Aug 2–7, 2026. Giant illuminated warrior floats parade through streets. Free to watch.
Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is one of Japan's most spectacular summer festivals, featuring enormous illuminated paper floats (nebuta) depicting warriors and mythical figures. The floats, some reaching 5 meters tall and 9 meters wide, are paraded through the city streets at night. Energetic dancers called haneto join the procession, and anyone wearing the traditional costume can participate.
Nebuta Matsuri takes place from 2026-08-02 to 2026-08-07.
Nebuta Matsuri is held at Central Aomori City streets in Aomori, Japan.
Use the official source for the latest schedule, route changes, and cancellation updates: https://www.nebuta.jp/.
The current listing status is scheduled. Last checked: 2026-08-04.
Yes, Nebuta Matsuri is free to attend.
The admission fee for Nebuta Matsuri is ¥0.
The typical crowd level is extreme.
Giant illuminated nebuta floats parading through the streets at night; Haneto dancers that anyone can join by wearing the costume; Final day ocean float parade and fireworks on August 7
10-minute walk from JR Aomori Station. The parade route runs along Shinmachi-dori and surrounding streets in central Aomori.
Rent a haneto costume (about 4,000 yen) to dance alongside the floats - no reservation needed for most rental shops. The final day (August 7) features a daytime parade and evening fireworks. Book accommodations months in advance.
Giant illuminated nebuta floats parading through the streets at night; Haneto dancers that anyone can join by wearing the costume; Final day ocean float parade and fireworks on August 7
10-minute walk from JR Aomori Station. The parade route runs along Shinmachi-dori and surrounding streets in central Aomori.
Rent a haneto costume (about 4,000 yen) to dance alongside the floats - no reservation needed for most rental shops. The final day (August 7) features a daytime parade and evening fireworks. Book accommodations months in advance.
📍 Central Aomori City streets