Neputa Matsuri
MatsuriTohoku(Aomori)
Annual eventDates
—
Venue
Central Hirosaki City streets
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
CrowdedRelated guides for stays, meals, workspaces, and art stops around a festival trip.
Tohoku(Aomori)
Annual eventDates
—
Venue
Central Hirosaki City streets
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
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.
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Aomori Nebuta Matsuri: Japan's most spectacular summer festival. Aug 2–7, 2026. Giant illuminated warrior floats parade through streets. Free to watch.
Samurai horse festival in Fukushima with mounted warriors in armor.
Morioka's drum and dance festival, the world's largest taiko drum parade.
Hirosaki's fan-shaped illuminated float festival, sister event to Nebuta.
Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri features large fan-shaped illuminated floats (neputa) depicting legendary warriors and beautiful women. Unlike Aomori's Nebuta, the Hirosaki floats are predominantly fan-shaped (ogi-neputa) and are known for their elegant, painterly designs. The festival has over 300 years of history and is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Neputa Matsuri takes place from 2026-08-01 to 2026-08-07.
Neputa Matsuri is held at Central Hirosaki City streets in Aomori, Japan.
Use the official website for Neputa Matsuri to confirm the latest schedule, tickets, route changes, weather notices, and cancellation updates: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=cat02_summer_neputa.
Yes, Neputa Matsuri is free to attend.
The admission fee for Neputa Matsuri is ¥0.
The crowd level at Neputa Matsuri is typically high.
Yes, Neputa Matsuri is held annually.
Neputa Matsuri is a matsuri festival in Japan.
Highlights of Neputa Matsuri include: Elegant fan-shaped ogi-neputa floats with painted warriors and beauties; Yawameru chanting by festival participants; Final day Nanukanichi event with floats carried to the river.
Tips for Neputa Matsuri: Hirosaki Neputa is generally less crowded than Aomori Nebuta and offers a more intimate experience. Combine with a visit to Hirosaki Castle. The parade starts around 7 PM each evening..
Neputa Matsuri welcomes international visitors. It is a great way to experience Japanese culture.
Access information for Neputa Matsuri: 15-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station. The parade route runs through the central shopping district. Free shuttle buses operate during the festival..
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Tips: Hirosaki Neputa is generally less crowded than Aomori Nebuta and offers a more intimate experience. Combine with a visit to Hirosaki Castle. The parade starts around 7 PM each evening..
Photography is generally welcome at Neputa Matsuri. Check specific rules at the venue.
Neputa Matsuri is a family-friendly festival that visitors of all ages can enjoy.
Festival food stalls (yatai) at Neputa Matsuri typically serve popular Japanese street food including yakisoba, takoyaki, and kakigori. Some festivals feature regional specialties.
Yes, wearing a yukata (casual kimono) is very common and encouraged at Neputa Matsuri. Many visitors rent yukata nearby.
Parking can be limited during Neputa Matsuri. Public transportation is recommended. Check access details: 15-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station. The parade route runs through the central shopping district. Free shuttle buses operate during the festival..
Elegant fan-shaped ogi-neputa floats with painted warriors and beauties; Yawameru chanting by festival participants; Final day Nanukanichi event with floats carried to the river
15-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station. The parade route runs through the central shopping district. Free shuttle buses operate during the festival.
Hirosaki Neputa is generally less crowded than Aomori Nebuta and offers a more intimate experience. Combine with a visit to Hirosaki Castle. The parade starts around 7 PM each evening.
📍 Central Hirosaki City streets