Surrounded by the vividly dressed Nebuta dancers called haneto are the famous colorful Nebuta floats in Aomori City, paraded through the streets and accompanied by the typical chants and shouts of the dancers: rassera, rassera!

The characteristic glowing floats of the Aomori Nebuta Festival are all based on historical legends and figures, and each is hand-made over a long time by a master craftsperson. Held from August 2nd to August 7th, it is one of Tohoku’s main summer attractions and draws in crowds from all over the country with its enigmatic, lively atmosphere.

Held in Akita City of Akita Prefecture, the Akita Kanto Festival is a thrilling event – skilled participants balance tall wooden poles adorned with numerous paper lanterns on their backs, shoulders, and forehead. The poles are called kanto, the name givers of this festival, and one such kanto can weigh up to 50 kilograms! This festival is known for its long and rich history, with its prototype dating back to the mid-18th century.

Originating as a festival of bamboo decorations, the Tanabata Festival, also called the Star Festival, was traditionally held on July 7th every year, following the old lunar calendar. The Sendai Tanabata festival is held from the 6th to the 8th of August, however, and during this time, the entire city is adorned with large bamboo decorations of 10 meters in height!

More than two million tourists flock to Sendai each year to celebrate the meeting of two star-crossed lovers, two deities who are not allowed to meet each other but once a year. This festival is as atmospheric as it is lively and an inherent part of every Japanese summer.