Countries
Aomori Nebuta Matsuri 2026
1
Aug
Date
1 Aug (Saturday)
Time
Sat, Aug 1 – Thu, Aug 6
Venue
Aomori Station
Aomori, Japan
📝 Useful Information
The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri 2026 is scheduled to take place from August 2 to August 7, 2026, in Aomori City, Japan. Recognized as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, it is one of Japan's most famous summer festivals, featuring massive illuminated lantern floats (nebuta) that parade through the city streets.
The festival peaks with nightly parades, culminating in a daytime procession and fireworks on the final day.
Would you like more information on where to rent haneto costumes or how to purchase reserved seating tickets?
Event Schedule & Highlights
Key Activities
Planning Your Visit
•August 1: Pre-festival eve events are held from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Aoi-Umi Park.
•August 2–3: Parades of Children's Nebuta and large floats starting at 7:00 PM.
•August 4–6: Grand Nebuta Parades featuring approximately 20 giant floats, starting at 6:45 PM. Prize-winning floats are featured on August 6.
•Daytime Parade: Starts at 1:00 PM.
•Evening Finale: From 7:15 PM, the festival concludes with the Aomori Fireworks Festival and a boat parade where floats are ferried around Aomori Bay.
•Haneto Dancers: Thousands of dancers in traditional costumes jump and chant "Rassera!" alongside the floats. Anyone can participate as a dancer provided they wear the official haneto costume, which is available for rental or purchase throughout the city.
•The Floats: These colossal 3D lanterns, some reaching 9 meters wide and 5 meters tall, depict mythical figures and kabuki actors. They are hand-pushed and rotated for the crowds.
•Rasse Land: Visit the "huts" at Aoi-Umi Park near ASPAM during the day to see the floats up close and meet the artists.
•Location: The main parade route follows a 3km loop through central Aomori, including Shinmachi-dori and National Routes 4 and 7.
•Seating: Viewing from the sidewalk is free, but reserved seats are highly recommended and typically go on sale in early July at convenience stores or via the official festival website.
•official festival website
•Accommodation: Hotels in Aomori City fill up many months in advance. It is advised to book early or consider staying in nearby cities like Hirosaki or Hachinohe and using the JR trains.
Updated at 18 Mar 2026