Neputa Matsuri
MatsuriTohoku(Aomori)
Annual eventDates
—
Venue
Central Hirosaki City streets
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
CrowdedTohoku(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.
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.
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.
Related guides for stays, meals, workspaces, and art stops around a festival trip.
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 source for the latest schedule, route changes, and cancellation updates: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=cat02_summer_neputa.
The current listing status is scheduled. Last checked: 2026-08-04.
Yes, Neputa Matsuri is free to attend.
The admission fee for Neputa Matsuri is ¥0.
The typical crowd level is high.
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.
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