Neputa Mura, located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, is a museum dedicated to the Nebuta Matsuri, a prominent festival celebrated in Aomori Prefecture. First opened in 1981, the museum provides an in-depth look at the festival’s key feature: the nebuta and neputa floats. These floats are elaborate, illuminated structures adorned with vibrant designs and are central to the festival’s festivities. In Aomori prefecture, these festivals take place from 1 August to 7 August each year.
Nebuta and Neputa floats are large displays withmade from wood, painted paper, some wire framing, and some well-planned lighting to depict images and illustrations of mythological creatures, beautiful women, folklore tales, and anything else the artist can conceptualise in the form of the float. During the Nebuta and Neputa Matsuri, these floats are paraded through the streets, often requiring several people to carry them. The largest Neputa float created stands at 23 meters, and is hosted at the Tachineputa Museum, in the nearby city of Goshogawara.
At Neputa Mura, visitors can view a range of these detailed neputa floats up close. The museum offers insights into the artistic techniques and materials used in their creation, as well as the historical and cultural significance of the Nebuta and Neputa Matsuri. Exhibits include interactive displays that explain the festival’s origins, its role in the community, and the process of constructing the floats.
In additon to the main exhibition hall, the museum also has a gift shop, teahouse, and traditional garden attached the main visitor route. Visitors can also enjoy perfromances, and classroom lessons, depending on the time of visit.
The Nebuta Museum offers a completely different experience to the more famous Nebuta Museum in Aomori City, and again to the Tachineputa Museum in Goshogowara. While the floats are fundamentally similar – using the same materials and techniques, each museum offers up a unique experience, highlighting the local flair, folklore and artistic design.
Hours and Admission
- Hours: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (Last entry at 5:00pm)
- 550 JPY
- Average Time Spent: 30-60 minutes
- Official Website
Accessing Neputa Mura
The Neputa Mura is located on the eastern side of Hirosaki Castle Park.
From JR Hirosaki Station, it is about a 15-20 minute walk to Neputa Mura.
If you wanted to save yourself a longer walk, there is a the Dotemachi Loop bus which will take you within a short 5 minute walk to Neputa Mura. This bus departs from JR Hirosaki Station every 10 minutes, and each trip costs 100JPY, or an all day pass for 500JPY.
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