How are Nebuta, Neputa, and Tachineputa different? Choosing a festival in Aomori, Hirosaki, or Goshogawara

Aomori’s Nebuta, Hirosaki’s Neputa, and Goshogawara’s Tachineputa. Have you ever been unsure where to go because their names are so similar? Rather than focusing on just one character in the names, it’s easier to tell them apart by looking at the kinds of floats that move through each town. Here’s an overview of the 3 festivals to help first-time visitors choose.

Aomori: Look at the three-dimensional expressions and the movement around them

At Aomori Nebuta Festival, the three-dimensional forms of the large human-shaped lantern floats catch the eye. Look at the figures’ faces and body positions, and how the decorations overlap, then take in the haneto dancers and festival music around them, too. It’s not just the lights—the people and sounds moving around them come together to create the festival.（Aomori Prefecture, “Aomori’s Nebuta”）

The official website does not identify a single definitive origin, and instead describes connections with Tanabata and local customs. Rather than taking a simple anecdote such as “this person started Nebuta” as the whole story, it’s best to read it as a legend passed down over time.（Aomori Nebuta Festival Official Website, “Origins of Nebuta”）

Hirosaki: Look at the fan-shaped images and the differences between front and back

Hirosaki Neputa Festival is well known for its fan-shaped neputa, but it also features human-shaped group neputa. It’s important not to assume that only fan-shaped floats exist. The images look different from the front and back, so watching a float until it passes gives you a sense of what makes its design so interesting.（Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau, “Overview of Hirosaki Neputa Festival”）

First look at the image on the front, then check the expression on the back as the float passes. With this approach, you can enjoy the festival even if you don’t know all the names or themes. The parade route varies by day, so don’t choose a viewing spot based only on your hotel or station; check the schedule for the year you visit.（Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau, “Hirosaki Neputa Festival”）

Goshogawara: Feel the height of the floats standing in town

Goshogawara Tachineputa is known for its enormous floats, which can reach approximately 23 meters in height. Compared with the impression of a nebuta stretching horizontally, its vertical scale stands out when seen alongside the town’s buildings. To get a sense of the scale, don’t just look up from below; step back a little and see how the float relates to the town.（Aomori Prefecture Tourism Information Website: “Goshogawara Tachineputa”）

Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean you can see everything from far away, so choose a spot according to the official viewing information. When taking photos, don’t keep looking up at your screen; also watch your footing and the people around you. Plan your evening with a return to your accommodation after the parade in mind.

If choosing just 1, start with the form you like

Festival	What to look for first
Aomori Nebuta Festival	Three-dimensional human figures and movement from the haneto dancers and festival music
Hirosaki Neputa Festival	Fan-shaped neputa images, front and back, and how they differ from group neputa
Goshogawara Tachineputa	Vertical height and the sight of the float moving through town

These are not 3 different performances at the same venue. Even if you want to visit them on the same trip, planning around accommodation and daytime travel, with 1 festival per evening as a general rule, can make your trip less hectic. Once you’ve learned the names, the next question is: what kind of illuminated float would you like to see? Use that as a starting point to choose a summer trip in Tsugaru.

Official information referenced

• Aomori Prefecture, “Aomori’s Nebuta”
• Aomori Nebuta Festival Official Website, “Origins of Nebuta”
• Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau, “Overview of Hirosaki Neputa Festival”
• Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau, “Hirosaki Neputa Festival”
• Aomori Prefecture Tourism Information Website: “Goshogawara Tachineputa”

Compiled based on publicly available information from official sources, local governments, tourism associations, and others. Information checked: 2026/10/01. Check the official information for the year you plan to visit for dates, venue, traffic restrictions, and participation requirements.