Even if you can’t make it to Aomori in summer, Wa Rasse gives you the chance to experience the power and beauty of Nebuta up close.
Access 1-minute walk from JR Aomori Station Admission Adults: ¥620 (¥550 for groups of 10+)Some exemptions available. See the official website for details. Hours May–August: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (last entry 6:30 pm) Closed 31st December-1st January 9th-10th August
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The Origins of the Nebuta Festival
So, when did the Nebuta Festival actually begin?
The Legend of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro
Sakanoue no Tamuramaro One of the most famous stories links the festival to the legendary general Sakanoue no Tamuramaro , who led campaigns against the indigenous Emishi people in northern Japan.
According to the tale, Tamuramaro was struggling with enemy night raids. To fight back, he built giant lantern floats shaped like warriors. The enemy, curious about the glowing figures, approached them—and were then ambushed and defeated.
This unusual strategy supposedly inspired the first Nebuta Festival, which the locals later imitated.
The story comes from an early Edo-period chronicle called Tōtsugaru Yuraiki , but historians believe it is more fiction than fact. Still, the name recognition of Tamuramaro and the dramatic legend gave the story lasting popularity in Aomori.
In fact, there used to be an award named the “Tamuramaro Prize” , given to the best Nebuta float of the year. (Since 1995, it has been renamed the Nebuta Grand Prize .)
The Lantern Floating & “Nemuri Nagashi” Theory
The most widely accepted theory about the origins of the Nebuta Festival is connected to the Tanabata lantern floating tradition .
Even now, the festival’s finale on the last day features a spectacular Nebuta procession on the water . When you think about it, this tradition fits perfectly with the idea of floating lanterns out to sea.
In some regions, there was also a summer ritual called “Nemuri Nagashi” (“drifting away sleep”), meant to drive off the drowsiness caused by long days of farm work. People would chant “Nemuta nagare-ro!” (“Let sleepiness drift away!”) while sending lanterns into the water, praying for good health and a rich harvest.
According to this view, the word “Nebuta” actually comes from “Nemuta” (sleepiness) .
About the Nebuta
Photo: “Mokuroku Daio, Master of Sorcery” by Oshiro Gako, taken at Wa Rasse (August 2025) The Star of the Festival: The Giant Nebuta
Nebuta lanterns come in different sizes, but the highlight of the festival is without a doubt the giant Nebuta floats —about 9 meters wide, 7 meters deep, and 5 meters tall .
Unlike many traditional Japanese festivals, the Nebuta Festival did not start as a religious event dedicated to gods or temples. This openness allowed not only local communities but also various groups and corporations to join in, helping the festival grow into the grand event it is today.
Nebuta Fan Club – Work by Makoto Suwa The Nebuta Master: “Nebuta-shi”
The people who design and build these giant floats are called Nebuta-shi , or Nebuta masters.
Sunroad Aomori – Work by Yuki Yoshimachi “Oniwakamaru at Saito” Looking at the photos, it’s easy to see why:
Dynamic and refined composition
The ability to design on a massive 3D scale
Expressive poses for people and animals
Knowledge of artistic anatomy
It takes all of this to complete just one float.
As for income, the average pay for a Nebuta-shi is about 4 million yen per year. However, after covering material and labor costs, only about 2 million yen is left in their hands. And since sponsorship contracts are renewed annually, there’s no guarantee of work for the next year.
Even so, they continue to create. Why? Because of their passion and love for Nebuta.Aomori Nebuta Festival has become such a powerful and unforgettable event.
Powerful from Every Angle
“Oniwakamaru at Saito” Okuri ”: Benkei During the festival, the giant Nebuta floats are spun around in place to excite the crowd.“Okuri” .
For example, in “Oniwakamaru at Saito” :
The front shows young Benkei (known as Oniwakamaru) fighting a giant carp.
The back shows Benkei’s famous “standing death,” his final heroic moment.
In this way, a single float can tell a whole story from multiple angles.360-degree artworks , and paying attention to the Okuri on the back will give you an even deeper appreciation of their artistry.
The Nebuta Festival Parade
Yamato Transport Nebuta Committee – Work by Takashi Kitamura “Kido-maru” The Roles of “Sensu-mochi” and “Hikite”
The giant nebuta floats are carried through the streets of Aomori on wheeled platforms.9 meters wide, 7 meters deep, 5 meters tall, and weighs around 4 tons .
In one evening, the floats travel about 3 km. But because they often spin dramatically to excite the crowd—similar to striking a pose in kabuki—the actual distance pulled is much longer.hikite (pullers) , with around 20 people moving each float.
A nebuta spinning during the parade Directing the hikite is the sensu-mochi (fan bearer) .
A nebuta tilting forward, towering over the crowd The nebuta floats travel along regular city streets, which means there are traffic lights and street lamps along the way.
Behind the cheers of the crowd, the Nebuta Festival is supported by the skill and hard work of these unsung heroes.
Hayashikata (Festival Musicians)
The Nebuta Festival isn’t just about the incredible visuals. The sound is just as powerful and unforgettable.
Each parade team is joined by a group of musicians called hayashikata . They play instruments like the shime-daiko (taiko drum), shinobue (Japanese bamboo flute), and teburigane (hand-held cymbals) as they march.
Here’s the key point: everything is performed live —no speakers or pre-recorded music.
The refreshing, high-pitched notes of the shinobue
The bright, playful chime of the teburigane
The deep, booming beat of the shime-daiko that you can feel in your chest
All of these sounds blend together to wrap the glowing floats in music. Echoing through the summer night, the rhythm creates an uplifting energy that feels “truly Japanese festival style!”
Want to see (and hear) it for yourself? Here’s a video of the hayashikata in action:“Aomori Nebuta Festival – Hayashi Edition” by Aomori City Official Channel (Published April 21, 2015)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqpSst2VL3o
VIDEO
Haneto Dancers
Finally, let’s talk about the haneto dancers.“Rassera! Rassera!” as they parade with the nebuta floats.
Each parade group can have as many as 2,000 haneto , making them the driving force that takes the festival energy to the next level. You could think of them as the “cheerleaders of Nebuta.”
The best part? Anyone can join as long as you wear the proper costume! Even first-time visitors to Aomori can rent or buy the outfit and immediately join the parade as haneto. That kind of openness is rare and makes the experience extra special.
The dance itself is simple: just hop twice on one foot, then switch, all in rhythm with the festival music.
This is where you can really feel the welcoming spirit of Nebuta —a festival you don’t just watch, but actually join.
Want to join as a Haneto? [How to Join Haneto & Participation Rules – Aomori Nebuta Festival Official Website] (note: the content is in Japanese)[Haneto Costume Rental & Purchase – Aomori Nebuta Festival Official Website] (note: the content is in Japanese)
See the Haneto in action! “Aomori Nebuta Festival – Haneto Edition” by Aomori City Official Channel (Published April 21, 2015)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLXBGCluLrA
VIDEO
Conclusion
We’ve taken a closer look at the Aomori Nebuta Festival and the Nebuta Museum WA-RASSE. What do you think?
The origins of the festival remain unclear. Unlike many Japanese festivals, it isn’t tied to a specific shrine or temple, so at first glance it may seem to lack strong religious roots. And yet, when you experience it, you can’t help but feel, “This is the essence of a Japanese festival!”
That feeling may come from the themes—giant floats often feature characters from Japanese mythology or legendary warriors. Or maybe it’s the powerful sound of drums and flutes. But more than that, there seems to be a unique spirit rooted in Japan’s natural environment and cultural mindset that makes Nebuta truly special.
Local historian Yahachi Sakanakura once described the essential qualities of Nebuta as:
“Brilliant, heroic, mournful, violent, and grotesquely powerful.”
“Brilliant” and “heroic” are easy to imagine. But “mournful,” “violent,” and “grotesque” may sound out of place for a festival. The truth is, though, festivals in Japan were originally sacred rituals. They were meant not only to celebrate and give thanks for good harvests, but also to calm natural disasters and show reverence to powerful forces beyond human control.
Seen this way, the darker and more fearsome side of Nebuta reflects humanity’s awe toward nature’s power. Even the custom of sending away “nemuta” (symbols of illness and fatigue) into the sea, or destroying the floats at the festival’s end, can be understood as part of this ritual spirit.
So when you join the Nebuta Festival, don’t just enjoy the excitement—also take a moment to reflect on the layers of reverence, prayer, and awe behind it. Doing so will make the experience even more unforgettable.
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