Aomori Nebuta Festival

The Aomori Nebuta festival is centered around massive, dramatic "nebuta" paper lantern floats designed in the shapes of deities, legendary animals, kabuki actors, and more. It is one of northern Tohoku's most notable events. During early August, the Nebuta festival is held in practically every region of Aomori Prefecture, with Aomori City, Hirosaki, and Goshogawara being popular spots to observe it. "Haneto" dancers surround the floats, doing an energetic performance timed to music and dressed extravagantly.

While most of these celebrations feature little lanterns drifting down rivers, those in Aomori have grown into huge sculpture-like nebuta lanterns that may reach up to 5 meters tall and 9 meters wide. It is one of Japan's largest events and one of Tohoku's Three Great Festivals, with over two million people expected to attend.

Location: Aomori, Japan

Date: Early August