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In case you solely know one factor about Aomori, it’s in all probability the truth that it’s the snowiest metropolis in Japan. Nicely, on this planet if we’re being technical, however this weblog is about Japan.
I’ve frolicked in Aomori prefecture in winter, to make sure. And whereas it’s a particular expertise, it’s nothing in comparison with the spectacle that takes place in Aomori through the hottest a part of summer time. One I used to be fortunate sufficient, after years of ready, to attend final summer time.
I’ve talking, after all, in regards to the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri pageant, which could simply be probably the most spectacular summer time matsuri in all of Japan. However let’s miss the drama and declarations—this put up is about particulars.
How I Got here to Know Concerning the Nebuta
As has been the case for a lot of native matsuri in Japan, I discovered of the Aomori summer time pageant throughout my first journey to town, on a routine stroll by a metropolis museum. As had been the case in Akita and Tokushima, seeing the floats displayed made me need to come again and watch them in motion. This was particularly acute in Aomori, nevertheless, given how imposing the show of nebuta is throughout the Wa-Rasse Corridor.
This was in late 2017. In hindsight, I ought to’ve come again the next August and seen the pageant then. As a substitute I twiddled my thumbs, till Japan shut itself off to the world for almost three years in response to covid-19. The good information is that the six-year wait—I attended in 2023—was greater than price it. Regardless of how lengthy you’ve been ready, I feel you’ll find yourself agreeing.
Suggestions for Having fun with the Aomori Competition
Begin looking for motels ASAP
The excellent news? It’s unlikely that you just’ll even be capable to e book Aomori motels a 12 months upfront, as some locals advocate, even if you wish to. The dangerous information? In case you haven’t secured a room by about six months out (when most open for reservations), it’s unlikely that you just’ll find yourself with the ability to get one in any respect.
Discover the city earlier than the festivities start
Aomori is a captivating metropolis, even in case you disregard the presence of the Aomori Nebuta pageant. That is true whether or not you eat kaisendon that includes native hotate (scallops) on the Aomori Gyosai Heart, or take pleasure in views of the Aomori Bay Bridge from the waterfront simply behind the ASPAM Constructing, aka the “Pyramid.”
Plan on consuming early
Though one can find some meals stalls arrange alongside the pageant route, it’s unlikely that it would be best to divert your consideration away from the colourful Nebuta floating by. Reasonably, I like to recommend consuming earlier, be that an genuine native hotate restaurant, or one thing extra generic like kaitenzushi or yakitori.
(And discovering your spot early)
The Aomori parade heads southward from the aforementioned ASPAM Constructing; trying again towards the constructing, I discover that the left facet of the road presents barely higher views. Other than this, nevertheless, I recommend merely discovering anywhere alongside this avenue that gives comparatively obstructed photographs of the Nebuta.
Stroll alongside the parade route so far as you may
A part of the thrill of watching the parade, which additionally contains dancers and taiko drums, is shifting together with them as they shout “Wa-Rasse!” All the route extends for a number of miles, turning eastward after a number of blocks after which persevering with that method for dozens extra. Benefit from the begin of festivities, then stroll alongside the parade route.
When is the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri in 2025? What About 2026?
In 2025 as in each different 12 months, Aomori Nebuta Matsuri will happen between August 2-7. That is good for a number of causes, at the beginning as a result of so many different Tohoku matsuri happen throughout this time. Having flexibility about when you must be in Aomori additionally provides you the chance to be extra free about while you attend festivals in Akita, Sendai, Hachinohe and Goshogawara, in case you select to take action.
One other good thing about Aomori Nebuta pageant happening over six days? You’ve got 5 possibilities to discover a resort room, once more relying upon how versatile you’re. This makes it virtually actually that you just’ll be capable to get a room in some unspecified time in the future, and let me let you know: Having a resort inside Aomori’s metropolis limits—i.e. not having to take a prepare someplace else—actually makes the matsuri expertise extra pleasing.
Different FAQ About Aomori Nebuta Matsuri
Why is Aomori Nebuta Matsuri celebrated?
As you’ll study in case you go to the Wa-Rasse Corridor in Aomori Metropolis, historians have a considerably fuzzy thought of why the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri got here to be celebrated. Nicely, aside from the truth that it relates tangentially to the Tanabata Competition (the Japan-wide one, not the one in Sendai) that takes place across the similar time.
How lengthy is Nebuta Matsuri?
The Aomori Nebuta Competition takes place over the course of six nights in early August. Every night time, the core a part of the pageant begins at sundown and lasts for so long as it takes for the parade to snake by city, normally for round 3-4 hours. Afterparties might proceed properly into the night time, nevertheless.
How do I get to Nebuta Matsuri?
Aomori Nebuta Matsuri begins only a brief stroll from JR Aomori Station, with the few blocks of Hakko-dori simply south of the ASPAM “Pyramid” the bottom place to set your self up when you’re ready for it to start. Be aware that in case you’re developing on the Shinkansen, you will want to experience the Ou Line from Shin-Aomori to Aomori.
The Backside Line
The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is a ache to attend, however I promise you: It’s price it! The pageant transforms Aomori, Japan’s—and the world’s—snowiest metropolis into an enormous occasion through the hottest a part of summer time, and constitutes one of the crucial spectacular visible spectacles I’ve ever seen, in over a decade of touring in Japan. I particularly having fun with seeing the nebuta float by the streets of Aomori on condition that I went to the pageant at the side of one other in close by Akita. After all, in case you can’t pull this off, it’s no large. Regardless, I do hope you’ll enlist my assist in planning your summer time journey to Japan.
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