Wasshoi! Dancing with Luminous Warriors at Aomori Nebuta Festival
Hi there! Wasshoi Tonegawa here, your festival comedian guide!
Early August in Aomori City—the night sky blazes with color. Not from fire, but from massive "Nebuta" floats over 5 meters tall parading through the streets. This is the Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of Tohoku's premier summer celebrations. Wasshoi—for real!
The first time I witnessed it live, I got goosebumps. The heroic warrior figures, thundering taiko drums, and especially the "Rassera! Rassera!" chants from haneto dancers leaping through the streets—the energy is overwhelming. This festival isn't just about watching; you can actually participate.
Today, I'll share how to safely enjoy the Aomori Nebuta Festival while respecting local customs and etiquette.
What is Aomori Nebuta Festival?
The Aomori Nebuta Festival is Aomori City's largest annual celebration, held every year from August 2nd to 7th.
- Dates: August 2-7 (fixed annually)
- Main Venue: Central Aomori City (Route 4, Shinmachi Street, etc.)
- Attendance: Over 3 million visitors
- Feature: Participatory festival
What is "Nebuta"?
"Nebuta" refers to massive illuminated floats made with wire frames and washi paper. Each year, new creations depict warriors, kabuki scenes, or mythological tales.
- Size: Approx. 5m high, 9m wide, 7m deep
- Weight: About 4 tons
- Production time: Roughly 3 months
- Platform: Mounted on wheeled carts
Illuminated from within, these nebuta emerge in the darkness like living artworks—warriors with expressions so vivid they seem ready to leap into action.
Join as a Haneto Dancer
The greatest appeal of Aomori Nebuta Festival? Anyone can join as a haneto dancer!
Requirements for Haneto Participation
- Costume: Official haneto attire required (purchase or rental)
- Reservation: Not needed (same-day participation welcome)
- Fee: Free (costume cost only)
- Age limit: None (younger children should be accompanied by guardians)
Where to Get the Costume
Purchase Option
- Department stores and festival supply shops in Aomori City
- Set price: Approx. ¥15,000-25,000
- Includes: Yukata, sash, obi belt, flower hat, tabi socks, bells, etc.
Rental Option
- Rental shops near JR Aomori Station
- Cost: Approx. ¥4,000-6,000/day
- Advance booking recommended (especially during festival period)
Basic Haneto Rules
Here are Wasshoi Tonegawa's tips for "safe dancing"!
- Follow designated routes: Stay around nebuta, follow staff guidance
- Maintain distance from other dancers: Especially careful in crowds
- Use "Rassera" chant: Keep rhythm with the call
- Don't run or push: Prevents falls and injuries
- Don't touch nebuta or carts: Interferes with operation
- Don't photograph while dancing: Either participate or photograph—not both
Important: Avoid live-streaming or filming while participating as a haneto. Focus on participation ensures everyone's safety and enjoyment.
Best Viewing Positions
Planning to watch before joining? Here are my "3-choice positions"!
① Family-Friendly: Shinmachi Street (Reserved Seats)
- Features: Paid seating, comfortable viewing
- Price: ¥2,500-3,500 (varies by seat type)
- Benefits: Nearby restrooms and rest areas, ideal for families with young children
- Booking: Purchase in advance via Aomori City Tourism Association website
② Photographer's Choice: Route 4
- Features: Close to nebuta, capture powerful shots
- Benefits: Free admission, dynamic standing view
- Drawbacks: Crowded, standing for long periods
- Tip: Arrive 1-2 hours before parade starts to secure spot
③ Crowd Avoidance: Later Section of Route
- Features: Relatively less crowded
- Benefits: Lower stress viewing experience
- Note: End-section has different atmosphere as dancers show fatigue
Viewing Etiquette
- Don't enter parade routes: Follow staff guidance and barriers
- Careful with flash photography: Don't obstruct operators' or dancers' vision
- Tripods and selfie sticks often prohibited: Follow organizer instructions
- Take your trash with you: Keep the festival area clean
Wasshoi Point: For families with young children, I recommend early time slots (around 6 PM) to avoid peak crowds (7-8:30 PM).
Photography Guidelines
In our social media age, I understand wanting photos and videos! But good manners make good memories.
Photography DO's and DON'Ts
✓ OK
- Shooting from outside parade routes (non-restricted areas)
- Personal-use smartphone/camera photography
- Wide-angle shots capturing entire nebuta
✗ NOT OK
- Tripods or step-stools in restricted areas
- Unauthorized streaming with close-ups of dancers' faces
- Photography that obstructs nebuta operations
- Excessive flash use (nighttime, obstructs operators' vision)
About Live Streaming: Streams conveying the overall festival atmosphere are fine, but avoid persistently following specific individuals (especially minors). Privacy consideration is essential.
Tips for Best Shots
- Aim for nebuta front view: Best angle for warrior expressions
- Use continuous shooting mode: Capture fast-moving haneto
- Exposure compensation: Nighttime shooting at +0.5 to +1.0 brightness
- Wide-angle lens: Capture entire nebuta and surrounding energy in one frame
Respecting Festival Organizers
Aomori Nebuta Festival exists through many people's dedication:
- Nebuta Creators (Nebuta-shi): Spend months crafting each piece
- Operation Teams: Handle nebuta steering and safety management
- Hayashi Musicians: Taiko drums, flutes, hand bells enliven the festival
- Volunteer Staff: Guidance, assistance, cleanup
Their dedication makes the festival possible. Keep gratitude in mind.
Not touching or interfering is the first step of respect. Never touch nebuta, carts, musical instruments, or dancers' costumes without permission. While the urge to touch is understandable, festival items hold sacred significance for participants. Respectful observation is also a form of participation.
Access & Accommodation
Access
By Air
- Tokyo (Haneda) → Aomori Airport: Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes
- Aomori Airport → Aomori City: Bus approx. 35 minutes
By Shinkansen
- Tokyo Station → Shin-Aomori Station: Approx. 3 hours (JR Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa)
- Shin-Aomori Station → Aomori Station: Local train approx. 5 minutes
By Car
- 15 minutes from Tohoku Expressway Aomori IC
- However, major traffic restrictions during festival period
Accommodation
Hotels in Aomori City fill up months in advance during festival period. Early booking is essential.
- City Hotels: Near Aomori Station (walking distance)
- Nearby Cities: Day trips from Hirosaki or Hachinohe possible
- Vacation Rentals: Increasingly available option
Wasshoi Advice: If hotels are booked, consider staying on the 6th, viewing the final day (7th) with maritime parade, then departing.
A Bit of Festival History
Aomori Nebuta Festival's roots trace to Tanabata Festival lantern floating and "Nemuri Nagashi" (sleep-washing) ceremonies.
- Edo Period: Custom of floating lanterns in rivers and sea
- Meiji Era: Floats with figures begin appearing
- Early Showa: Electric lighting adds brilliance
- 1980: Designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property
Surviving wars and economic hardships, local people have preserved this tradition. Participating with awareness of this legacy brings different depth to the experience.
Nearby Attractions
Since you're in Aomori, don't miss more than just the festival!
- Aomori Museum of Art: Chagall's ballet backgrounds, Yoshitomo Nara's works
- A-FACTORY: Product hall at Aomori Station, abundant apple products
- Asamushi Onsen: 30 minutes by train from Aomori Station, seaside hot springs
- Sannai-Maruyama Site: Large Jomon-period settlement, World Heritage site
Food: Senbei soup, Nokkeden, Oma tuna, scallops—don't forget Aomori cuisine!
Summary: Keep the Heat, Keep it Safe!
Aomori Nebuta Festival is one of Japan's premier immersive festivals where light, sound, and human energy unite as one.
- Open participation for everyone
- Artistic mastery of massive nebuta
- Community bonds and tradition preservation
These elements fuse to create a unique experience awaiting you.
Whether participating or watching, remember: Safety first, strict etiquette, grateful heart. Organizers, operation teams, musicians, and fellow dancers—everyone creates this festival together, making the best moments possible.
Wasshoi—for real! Let's meet in Aomori this summer.
FAQ
Q1: Do I need advance reservations to participate as a haneto?
A: No reservation needed. On the day, anyone wearing official haneto attire can join spontaneously. However, if you plan to rent a costume, advance booking is recommended as rental shops get crowded during the festival period. Shops near Aomori Station handle rentals.
Q2: Can young children participate as haneto?
A: Yes, participation is possible. There's no age limit, but due to crowds and long parade duration, children of elementary school age or younger should be accompanied by guardians who monitor their condition. Feel free to switch from participation to observation if needed.
Q3: Is the festival canceled in case of rain?
A: Light rain usually means the festival proceeds. However, typhoons or heavy rain may result in cancellation or postponement. Check the official Aomori Nebuta Festival website or Aomori City Tourism Association social media for day-of updates. Bring rain gear (ponchos recommended; umbrellas can be dangerous in crowds).
Q4: Can I post photos and videos to social media?
A: Posts conveying the festival atmosphere are fine. However, avoid uploading photos/videos with large close-ups of specific individuals (especially minors) without consent. Privacy consideration is crucial. Also, commercial or profit-oriented filming requires advance permission from organizers.
Q5: Are there parking lots if I drive?
A: Temporary parking is provided in Aomori City, but it gets extremely crowded during the festival. Additionally, traffic restrictions are implemented around parade routes, so driving is not recommended. If possible, use public transportation. If you must drive, park at suburban lots and use shuttle buses.