Festival Hirosaki Neputa

Event Overview

The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is a traditional celebration held in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, and is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. It is celebrated as one of the 'Four Great Festivals of Hirosaki,' alongside the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, the Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Colors Festival, and the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival. The highlight of this event is the magnificent 'Ogi-neputa' (fan-shaped) and 'Kumi-neputa' (figure-shaped) floats, beautifully decorated with warrior paintings. As the floats parade through the streets, hundreds of local citizens pull them with powerful shouts of 'Yaayado!' This festival originated from the tradition of driving away sleepiness during the summer farming season and warding off bad luck.

Highlights and How to Enjoy

The greatest charm of this festival is the sight of colorful, glowing lanterns floating through the dark streets. During the period when approximately 80 floats parade through the city, the entire atmosphere becomes electric. The large fan-shaped Neputa, featuring intricate warrior illustrations, captivate spectators with their overwhelming presence and artistic beauty. Additionally, the rhythmic performance of 'Neputa Hayashi'—the music of drums and flutes—combined with the energetic shouts of the crowd, is a must-see. The sight of these massive floats moving through the streets to the beat of heavy drums perfectly symbolizes the traditional Japanese summer landscape.

Schedule and Dates

The festival takes place annually for seven days from August 1st to August 7th. Please note that the parade routes and content vary depending on the date.

• *August 1st–4th**: Dotemachi Course (Parade starts around 7:00 PM)
• *August 5th–6th**: Ekimae (Station Front) Course (Parade starts around 7:00 PM)
• *August 7th (Final Day)**: Known as 'Nanukabi,' the parade begins around 10:00 AM at the Dotemachi Course. In the evening, the 'Nanukabi-okuri' takes place at the Iwaki Riverbed to mark the grand finale.

Venue and Access

The main parades take place in the central areas of Hirosaki City (Dotemachi, Ekimae, Chuo-dori, etc.). The specific routes change depending on the year and date.

• *Main Parade Areas**: Around Hirosaki City Hall, Hirosaki Station, Sakura-odori, Ichibancho, and Nakadotemachi.
• *Access**: The main venue is the area around Hirosaki Station. As traffic restrictions are likely during the festival, using public transportation is highly recommended.

Tips for Visitors

To feel the full power of the Neputa, watching from the roadside along the parade route is the best option. Since the routes are split into the 'Dotemachi Course' and 'Ekimae Course' depending on the date, we recommend checking the schedule in advance. Also, be aware that on the final day, August 7th, the parade starts in the morning, which is different from the other days. Immerse yourself in the energy of the local community and experience authentic Japanese culture.

What to Bring and Etiquette

• *Clothing**: As this is an outdoor event on a summer night, wear comfortable clothing suitable for the heat. It may be helpful to bring a light outer layer in case the temperature drops.
• *Payment**: We recommend preparing cash for food stalls and local shops. Please check the official website for more details.
• *Etiquette**: This festival is a precious tradition preserved by the local community. Please enjoy the festivities respectfully and follow local etiquette to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.