Countries
Kuroishi Neputa Festival
30
Jul
Date
30 Jul (Thursday)
Time
Thu, Jul 30 – Wed, Aug 5
Venue
Miyuki Park, 62 Uchimachi
Kuroishi, Aomori, Japan
📝 Useful Information
The Kuroishi Neputa Festival is a historic summer celebration in Kuroishi, Aomori Prefecture, that takes place annually from July 30th to August 5th. It is known for featuring both fan-shaped (Ogi Neputa) and man-figure (Ningyo Neputa) lantern floats, with over 50 massive lanterns parading through the town.
The festival is easily accessible from Kuroishi Station on the Konan Railway, approximately a 10-minute walk to the main venues like Miyuki Park.
Would you like more details on transportation from Aomori City or recommendations for local specialty foods like Kuroishi Yakisoba to try during the event?
2026 Event Details
Festival Highlights
Schedule & Timing
Recommended Experiences
Getting There
•Dates: July 30 – August 5, 2026
•Joint Parades: The grandest processions, where all floats gather for a joint operation, occur only on July 30 and August 2.
•Main Venue: Miyuki Park (starting point for parades)
•Entry Fee: Free to watch
•Unique Floats: Unlike many other Aomori festivals that specialize in one style, Kuroishi features both the fan-shaped warrior paintings and 3D doll-shaped figures.
•Traditional Atmosphere: Floats are accompanied by hayashi bands (flutes, taiko drums, and gongs) and the spirited chant of "Ya-re Ya-re Ya".
•Historic Setting: The parade route often includes the historic Nakamachi Komise Street, famous for its Edo-period wooden covered walkways.
•Daytime Viewing: Arrive early at Miyuki Park to see the massive neputa floats lined up under the daylight before they are illuminated for the night.
•Lantern Making: Visit Handmade Workshop Irodori on Komise Street to make your own lantern using upcycled washi paper from actual festival floats.
•Handmade Workshop Irodori
•Kuroishi Yosare: If you visit later in August (August 14–20), you can catch the Kuroishi Yosare Festival, featuring one of Japan's three major Nagashi Odori dances.
Updated at 18 Mar 2026