Aomori Nebuta vs Hirosaki Neputa: Which Festival Should You Choose?
- Iris
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 17
Aomori Nebuta and Hirosaki Neputa take place during the same summer festival period, but they do not feel like smaller and larger versions of one event. Aomori is brighter, louder and more crowded; Hirosaki moves at a slower pace through castle-town streets.
The quick difference
Aomori Nebuta: large three-dimensional warrior floats, energetic music and a major-city crowd.
Hirosaki Neputa: fan-shaped floats, calmer movement and a more traditional streetscape.
Aomori Nebuta
Aomori’s floats are enormous illuminated figures based on warriors, legends and dramatic scenes. The music, dancers and repeated chants create a festival that feels intense from the moment the procession begins.
The main route is close to Aomori Station, but spectators line the streets early. Paid seats are useful when you need a guaranteed view; otherwise arrive in daylight and choose a position before the crowd thickens.
Hirosaki Neputa
Hirosaki is known for tall fan-shaped floats decorated with bold images on the front and more delicate paintings on the reverse. The procession feels steadier and less overwhelming than Aomori, especially along streets near the castle-town centre.
Routes can change between nights, so check the current map before choosing a hotel or viewing position. Hirosaki Station and the castle area are not beside each other, which makes accommodation location important.
Which festival should you choose?
Choose Aomori for the largest visual impact, strong music and a high-energy evening.
Choose Hirosaki for a slower atmosphere, traditional town scenery and fan-shaped floats.
Choose both if you have two nights and can reserve accommodation before rooms disappear.
Can you see both in one night?
Trying to watch one procession and then travel to the other usually means leaving before the best part, walking through dense crowds and depending on a late train. Use one full evening for each festival instead.
Where to stay
Stay in Aomori for the simplest access to the larger festival and regional trains. Stay in Hirosaki if you want to walk back after Neputa and see the town in the morning. Splitting two nights between the cities is often easier than commuting after both processions.
A simple two-night plan
Night 1: Aomori Nebuta and a hotel near central Aomori.
Day 2: travel to Hirosaki, leave luggage and explore the castle area.
Night 2: Hirosaki Neputa and stay in Hirosaki or return on a confirmed train.
Practical tips
Reserve hotels before finalising every sightseeing detail.
Check the current route and final train on the day of travel.
Bring a light raincoat and comfortable shoes.
Eat before the procession or keep a simple late meal as backup.
Further reading
More reading
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