Nebuta Matsuri

Letter from Japan #5

Hello from the UK!

I’m back home in the UK now, but I still have a few more stories from my time in Japan this summer that I’d love to share with you.

So, for a little while longer, I’ll be bringing you some more Letters from Japan. 🇯🇵

I previously told you about 三社大祭 (さんしゃたいさい, Sansha Taisai), one of the biggest summer festivals in my hometown. Today, I’d like to tell you about another amazing festival, ねぶた祭 (Nebuta Matsuri).

When you see it in person, the first thing you notice is the すごい迫力 (すごい はくりょく, sugoi hakuryoku), the incredible sense of power and excitement.

It takes place in Aomori City in northern Japan from 2 to 7 August. The main attraction is the enormous, colourful floats, with giant figures that light up from inside.

But the festival isn’t just about watching the floats. People dance alongside them to the sound of drums and music. The rhythm is exciting and makes you want to join in!

Compared with the 三社大祭 (さんしゃたいさい, Sansha Taisai), Nebuta feels very different. Both festivals involve a huge amount of work from the local community, but the music, dancing and enormous illuminated figures make Nebuta feel especially energetic.

I was lucky enough to see the festival during the day, but the most magical part came on the final evening.

The illuminated floats were taken out onto the water. Seeing the huge glowing figures on the sea, with their reflections shimmering across the water, was unforgettable.

Then came the 花火 (はなび, hanabi), fireworks lighting up the night sky.

It was beautiful.

Japanese summers can be very hot and humid, but I think these festivals are one of the things that make summer so special.

There is something wonderful about seeing an entire community come together to celebrate.

A question for you

Imagine you’re at a Japanese summer festival. What would you want to do first?

Watch the fireworks? Try the food? Listen to the drums? Dance?

日本の夏祭りで、何をしてみたいですか？
Nihon no natsu matsuri de, nani o shite mitai desu ka?

If you’re curious

🎆 Learn more about Nebuta Matsuri

Aomori Nebuta Festival Official Website

🌸 Another famous festival in Aomori

There is another spectacular festival in nearby Hirosaki, called ねぷた祭 (Neputa Matsuri). It takes place from 1 to 7 August, so if you visit northern Japan in early August, you can experience several incredible festivals during the same period.

Hirosaki Neputa Festival

Northern Japan in summer is full of 祭り (まつり, matsuri). If you ever get the chance to visit, bring a fan, drink plenty of water, and enjoy the energy!