2023 Aomori Nebuta Festival | Experience the Traditional Haneto Dance from August 3rd to 5th (Chinese Service)

Only available from August 3rd to 5th, 2023! Japan's fire festival, the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, registered as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1980, takes place from August 2nd to 7th, attracting over 3 million visitors annually from home and abroad. Over 20 large Nebuta lanterns, inspired by kabuki, history, and mythology, participate in the parade.

From the evenings of August 2nd to 6th, and on the morning of August 7th, the final day, colorfully costumed Haneto dancers, accompanied by a piccolo and taiko drum ensemble, participate in the Nebuta Matsuri parade. On the evening of August 7th, a Nebuta lantern parade takes place on the sea, in conjunction with the fireworks display.

Haneto refers to the group of dancers that march alongside the Aomori Nebuta Festival.

Join Japan's largest summer festival, the Nebuta Festival.

Follow a large group of Haneto dancers as they chant the ritual slogan "Rassera-Ra-Sse-Ra-Sse-Rassera."

Dancing alongside the cheers of the onlookers is a truly engaging experience.

-Event Schedule-

3:20 PM - 3:30 PM Meet at JR Aomori Station for check-in.

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Walk to the changing area and don your Haneto costumes.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Free time.

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Experience the Haneto dance.

9:00 PM - 9:30 PM Arrive at the changing area and return your costumes.

[Haneto Costume Information]

Wear rental costumes.

The fee includes the clothing, yukata, petticoat, hand tie (binding), front sash, waist cord, obi, headband, and bell ring. Tabi socks, Japanese slippers, flower hat, and waist bag for valuables are not included. We will provide recommendations for local stores where you can purchase these items if needed. (Japanese slippers and tabi are generally best worn with rental clothing. However, given the long hours of dancing and moving with the group, we recommend wearing sneakers for better mobility.)

You can wear the clothing directly over your underwear. However, we recommend bringing a separate spaghetti-strap bra or tank top for cold weather. (The sleeves of the yukata are tied with hand tie (binding), so wearing sleeved clothing like T-shirts inside may be inconvenient.) In case of rain, please bring your own raincoat or other rain gear. Please adjust your clothing based on your personal preferences and the weather.

Meet at JR Aomori Station from 3:20 PM to 3:30 PM for check-in.

3:30 PM to 5:00 PM: Walk to the costume changing area and don your tōjin costume.

Proceed to the festival venue (20 minutes).

Tōjin dance practice.

5:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Free time.

Besides experiencing the tōjin dance, we recommend purchasing local snacks and souvenirs from the stalls to fully experience the atmosphere of a Japanese festival. Please return your costume to ASPAM between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM.

7:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Experience the tōjin dance.

A Chinese-speaking guide will be on hand to provide instruction on dance steps and formations.

The procession is grand, featuring flute, taiko, and cymbal ensembles, followed by a large group of tōjin dancers, chanting the ritual phrase "Rassera-Ra-Sse-Ra-Sse-Rassera." The crowds of onlookers create a truly engaging experience. Please adjust your pace to your own energy and pace, and stay hydrated. Avoid overdoing it to avoid heatstroke.

21:00-21:30 Return Costume

The Nebuta Festival ends at 21:00. Please return to the venue by 21:30 to return your costume and change clothes.

~22:00 Disbandment. Aomori Nebuta Festival. See you next year.

After changing, disperse on site.

What is the Aomori Nebuta Festival?

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is said to have evolved from the Chinese Tanabata Festival, incorporating local customs from the Tsugaru region to create lanterns made of paper, bamboo, and candles. Because candles were used in the lanterns, it is also called a "fire festival."

The Nebuta Festival used to be a parade held by villages, but now is hosted by businesses and private groups, making it one of Japan's most representative festivals.