The Hirosaki Neputa Festival returns from August 1 to 7, 2026, lighting up the summer nights with enormous illuminated floats, dramatic warrior paintings, and energetic chants of “Ya-ya do!”

Records trace the festival’s history in Hirosaki back to 1722. It is believed to have developed from nemuri-nagashi, a custom in which farming communities symbolically sent away the drowsiness that struck during the busy summer season. The name “Neputa” may also come from nepute or neputee, Tsugaru dialect words meaning “sleepy.”

Over the centuries, the tradition evolved into the spectacular parade seen today, best known for its towering fan-shaped floats. Smaller goldfish-shaped lanterns, known as Kingyo Neputa, are also thought to have inspired the festival’s three-dimensional floats and are still carried by children during the celebrations.

Unlike Aomori Nebuta, which is famous for large three-dimensional floats, Hirosaki Neputa is best known for its distinctive fan-shaped designs.

Forget dainty parade floats. The stars of the show here are the Neputa—giant, illuminated fan-shaped and doll-shaped floats adorned with incredibly vivid, dramatic paintings of heroes from classic tales like the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

The floats will weave through the historic castle town of Hirosaki City, giving you the perfect blend of Edo-period vibes and pure festival adrenaline.

Not content with standing on the sidelines? You can actually jump in and help pull the floats. Several groups welcome tourists to join the ranks.

If you want to run with the most dedicated locals, keep an eye out for the groups hitting the streets almost every single night! Two such groups are Sakura Gumi (さくら組) and the Nishi District Neputa Friendship Association (西地区ねぷた親交会). If you are curious to join, send a request ahead of time.

Gripping the ropes and hauling a glowing masterpiece through a cheering crowd is the ultimate way to feel the true jawamegu (a local Tsugaru word for that blood-pumping, skin-tingling festival excitement).

New for 2026: Want to play judge? This year introduces the Audience Award 2026! From August 1st to the 6th, you can cast a vote for the float that made your heart pound the fastest.

If giant warriors aren’t your aesthetic, don’t worry—the festival has a serious cute side, too. As part of the “Castle Town’s Beautiful Customs” initiative, Hirosaki City is reviving a retro tradition by decorating the town with around 240 adorable, glowing Goldfish Neputa lanterns.

Don’t Miss This: The Konan Railway Owani Line is transforming into the quirky and magical Goldfish Neputa Train! Decked out with about 200 goldfish lanterns, the train runs special night routes lit only by the glow of the fish until August 31. It’s equal parts enchanting, slightly surreal, and totally Instagram-worthy. See details on the official website.

From Tokyo, take the Hayabusa on the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori, then transfer to a local train for Hirosaki. The journey takes around 4.5 hours and costs approximately 18,500 yen one way. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR East Pass, and JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass. Seat reservations are required on Hayabusa trains.

While you're in Hirosaki City, make a trip out of it! This city is famous for having the highest apple production in Japan (apple pie crawl, anyone?), beautiful historic Western-style architecture, and the stunning Hirosaki Castle.

So, ditch the iced coffee, pack your bags for Aomori, and let the warriors of the Hirosaki Neputa Festival wake you up this August!