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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.