What this is
The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is a celebrated summer tradition from Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan, renowned for its spectacular large illuminated fan-shaped and warrior-figure floats that glow brilliantly after dark. This Kobe edition brings that iconic Tohoku festival culture south to the waterfront, offering city residents and visitors a rare chance to experience authentic Aomori heritage without travelling to the far north. Over three days, the event features float parades, traditional Tsugaru music performances, the Apple Girls mini-concert, and hands-on float-pulling demonstrations. It also showcases the food culture of Aomori, including Tsugaru regional cuisine and apple-themed treats, making it both a visual spectacle and a culinary journey.
Who should go
This event is ideal for families, culture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Japan's regional festival traditions beyond the well-known Kyoto or Tokyo events. The waterfront setting at Kobe Harborland umie Mosaic Front gives it a relaxed, open-air atmosphere that's welcoming to all ages, including young children who will be captivated by the glowing floats. Fans of Tohoku culture or those who have never had the chance to visit Aomori will find this a genuinely authentic slice of northern Japan. Arrive in the early evening to catch the floats illuminated at their most dramatic as daylight fades.
Good to know
This is an outdoor free-admission event at the Kobe Harborland umie Mosaic Front, a popular waterfront shopping and leisure complex — no tickets are required to attend. Food vendors will likely operate on a cash basis, so bring yen in small denominations. The venue is a large open plaza directly facing the harbour, offering plenty of space, but the float parade route may draw significant crowds, especially on weekend evenings — arriving 30–45 minutes before the parade begins is advisable. The Apple Girls mini-concert and Tsugaru music performances are ticketed or timed separately, so check the official event schedule on arrival. Strollers and wheelchairs are generally well accommodated in the Harborland area, which has flat, paved surfaces throughout.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.