Located in Hirosaki City, The Neputa Mura is a museum dedicated to the region’s iconic Nebuta and Neputa Matsuri, vibrant summer festivals celebrated across Aomori. Established in 1981, the museum offers an immersive look at the festival’s most striking feature—the nebuta and neputa floats. These magnificent, illuminated structures are adorned with vivid designs and play a central role in the festivities, which take place annually from August 1st to August 7th.
The Nebuta and Neputa floats are handcrafted using wood, painted washi paper, wire frames, and carefully placed lighting, bringing to life dynamic scenes of mythological creatures, legendary warriors, beautiful women, and folklore tales. Each float is a masterpiece of traditional artistry, requiring meticulous planning and teamwork to construct. During the festival, these massive displays are carried through the streets by teams of several dozen people. The largest Neputa float, standing at an impressive 23 meters, can be seen at the Tachineputa Museum in nearby Goshogawara City.
At Neputa Mura, visitors can admire an array of intricately designed floats up close, gaining insight into the artistic techniques, cultural significance, and history behind the Nebuta and Neputa Matsuri. The museum features interactive exhibits, where visitors can learn about the festival’s origins, the float-making process, and the deep connection between the festival and the local community.
Beyond the exhibition hall, Neputa Mura offers a well-rounded cultural experience. The museum complex includes a gift shop, teahouse, and a traditional Japanese garden, creating a tranquil space for visitors to relax. Depending on the time of visit, guests can also enjoy live performances and hands-on workshops, further immersing themselves in Hirosaki’s rich festival traditions.
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.
Discover Japan like never before with the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), your ticket to seamless travel across the Japan. Unlock the full potential of Japan’s extensive rail network, renowned for its punctuality, comfort, and convenience.
Discover Japan like never before with the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), your ticket to seamless travel across the Japan. Unlock the full potential of Japan’s extensive rail network, renowned for its punctuality, comfort, and convenience. Read More…
Forget the hassle of purchasing individual tickets for every journey. The JR Pass offers exceptional value for money, available in flexible durations ranging from 7 to 21 days, allowing you to tailor your travel experience to suit your itinerary. Read More…
English