Nebuta Museum

Catch Aomori’s most famous festival at any time of the year

Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is one of japan‘s most famous festivals and Aomori Prefecture’s best-known event. Held annually between August 2-7, this spectacular festival attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. The highlight of the festival is the massive lantern floats that are paraded through the streets, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of colors and lights. If you can’t make it to the festival, you can still experience the magic of Nebuta Matsuri at the Nebuta Museum, which is open year-round.

Don’t Miss: Discover the meticulously detailed Nebuta floats

The Nebuta Museum offers visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with the stunning Nebuta floats. These floats are meticulously crafted with intricate designs and vibrant colors. Each float tells a unique story, often depicting historical and mythical figures. The attention to detail is truly impressive, and it’s fascinating to see the floats up close and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating them.

Learn about the festival’s 300-year history

Nebuta Matsuri has a rich history that spans over 300 years. At the Nebuta Museum, you can delve into the fascinating history of the festival through informative exhibits and displays. Learn about the origins of Nebuta Matsuri and how it has evolved over the centuries. Discover the different techniques and styles of float construction and see how the festival has become an integral part of Aomori’s cultural heritage.

Take on the role of a Nebuta Festival dancer (haneto), and try taiko drumming

One of the highlights of Nebuta Matsuri is the lively haneto dancers who accompany the floats. These dancers wear colorful costumes and move to the rhythm of traditional music, creating an electrifying atmosphere. At the Nebuta Museum, you can try your hand at being a haneto dancer and learn the dance steps. You can also experience the exhilaration of taiko drumming, a traditional Japanese drumming style that adds to the energy of the festival.

How to Get There: Conveniently located next to Aomori Station

The Nebuta Museum is conveniently located right next to Aomori Station in Aomori’s central waterfront district. Getting to Aomori from Tokyo is easy and takes just under four hours on the bullet train. Take the Hayabusa Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori and then change to the Ou Main Line bound for Aomori. From Aomori Station, the museum is just a two-minute walk away. The convenient location makes it easy for visitors to include a visit to the museum in their Aomori itinerary.

View the floats up close: A unique opportunity at the Nebuta Museum

While the atmosphere of the Nebuta Festival is undeniably incredible, it can be challenging to properly see the parade when you’re one of the millions of revelers jostling for space. However, at the Nebuta Museum, you can not only see the floats up close but also touch them. Some of the displays are actual floats from previous years’ festivals, allowing you to admire their beauty and intricacy. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos of these one-of-a-kind art forms.

Feeling festive: Hands-on experiences at the museum

A visit to the Nebuta Museum is not just a passive experience. The museum offers various hands-on opportunities to immerse yourself in the festival’s spirit. You can dance to the music that accompanies the festival, just like a haneto dancer. On weekends and holidays, you can witness experienced Nebuta performers playing flutes and taiko drums, accompanied by dancers recreating the lively festival atmosphere. The performers may even invite you to join in and teach you the haneto dance steps. Additionally, you can try your hand at painting a classic Nebuta face or learn how to apply washi paper to the giant floats’ wire and wood frames.

See how the Nebuta floats are made: A glimpse into the intricate process

The main hall of the Nebuta Museum showcases the floats from previous years’ festivals. Here, you can witness the giant scale and intricate detail of the floats up close. The displays highlight the technical work involved in float creation, which is otherwise difficult to grasp. You can touch the wire frames and washi paper exteriors, just like those found on the actual lanterns. The museum’s dim lighting adds to the authenticity, allowing you to experience how the floats are lit up during the nighttime parade.

Walking through Aomori history: Explore the festival’s evolution

One of the highlights of the Nebuta Museum is the “Aomori Nebuta Tunnel,” which takes visitors on a journey through the festival’s 300-year history. As you walk through the tunnel, you can see the changes in float construction techniques and styles, the parade route, and the growth of the event itself. The historical displays provide a fascinating insight into how Nebuta Matsuri has become the iconic festival it is today.

Special previews: Witness the creation of the floats in real-time

Adjacent to the museum, you’ll find white tents called Nebutagoya, which house the workshops for the in-progress floats. These tents have convenient viewing windows that allow visitors to see the different stages of lantern construction and work in real-time. It’s an incredible opportunity to witness the dedication and skill of the artisans as they bring the floats to life before the next event.

In conclusion, the Nebuta Museum in Aomori offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the magic of Nebuta Matsuri at any time of the year. From getting up close to the intricately designed floats to trying your hand at traditional dance and drumming, the museum provides a comprehensive and immersive experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about Japanese culture, a visit to the Nebuta Museum is a must when in Aomori.

Address And Maps Location:

Find Direction On Google Maps

Subscribe, follow @idbcpr and idbackpacker.com