This time, we were able to go see the Nebuta festival at the Hoshino Resort Aomoriya with the “Aomori Nebuta Festival Viewing Bus Shuttle Plan”. Please refer to another article for details about the inn.
Summer in Japan means festivals. Festivals of all sizes are held throughout the country, attracting many participants and tourists alike. The Aomori Nebuta Festival, held in Aomori, the northernmost prefecture on the main island of Honshu, brings a lot of excitement to the summer season. Usually held from August 2 to August 7, the festival attracts more than 1 million spectators (in fiscal year 2023) from all over Japan, who come to see the giant lanterns.
Enjoy the powerful Nebuta Festival!
In the evening, it’s time to go to see the Nebuta Festival. After picking up tickets for paid spectator seats, an official guidebook, fans, wet wipes, and other festival viewing goods at the reception desk, we boarded a sightseeing bus that left Aomoriya with two buses at 16:00 and arrived in Aomori City in about an hour, taking a restroom break on the way. The bus arrived right in front of our assigned seats, so it was a very easy ride.
However, because the setting up of the bleachers begins after the public roads are closed to traffic, it is not possible to be seated until just before 7:00 p.m., when the festival begins. Therefore, after receiving the bento box lunches for dinner, visitors will have some free time. Many food stalls around the area offer Aomori’s gourmet food, so you can enjoy them while picking up your bento, or you can watch the Nebuta waiting to depart.
Just before 7:00 p.m., the bleachers were released and we were seated under the guidance of Aomoriya staff. The Nebuta Festival finally gets underway at dusk when fireworks are set off. Each nebuta consists of a leader, a front nebuta, a jumpers (haneto), a nebuta, and a musician, and they come into view with the festival music. The large nebuta, the highlight of the festival, is 9 meters wide, 7 meters deep, and 5 meters high, making it a very impressive sight as it approaches the stage. Sometimes they change direction on the spot and come closer to the audience, which is sure to be a big hit.
The number of large nebuta floats varied by day, with the largest number of 22 on August 5 and 6, and fewer than 15 on August 2 and 3, with some children’s nebuta taking part.
Shortly before 9:00 p.m., as soon as all the Nebuta had passed by, we were told by the staff to return to the buses. It may seem a bit hectic, but I guess it is important to save time here to avoid traffic jams. After a short walk, we boarded the bus and arrived at Aomoriya just before 10:30pm. During the Nebuta Festival, the bathhouse and store are open extended hours, and it is a nice concern to be able to use them after returning from the tour.
The tour was a great experience, and I felt that everything went smoothly. The tour was very efficient, with appropriate guidance, and the walking distance was very short, so we were able to enjoy all the best parts of the Nebuta Festival in a very concentrated manner. The know-how of the festival and the hospitality of the staff are unparalleled, and it is no wonder that many repeat visitors come back year after year. Of course, I would definitely recommend this event to beginners who just want to see the Nebuta Festival for themselves.
© Source travel watch
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.