Aomori Nebuta Odyssey: A Special Trip Limited to One Group Per Day to Fully Experience Japan’s Summer Festivals

The trip begins at a popular local restaurant, where you will enjoy a scallop fishing experience followed by lunch. Fresh seafood, landed that very morning in Aomori Bay, is beautifully presented. Aomori is especially famous for its scallops, and you can savour their simple yet luxurious flavour that highlights the natural umami of the ingredients.

Step behind the scenes of the Nebuta Festival. First, you will try on the colourful costumes worn by the Haneto dancers who leap and dance through the festival. With vibrant yukata robes, swinging bells, and tightly tied obi, the moment you put them on, your mind will instantly switch to “festival mode.” This special experience is sure to become an unforgettable memory.

Next, visit the Nebuta production site. Seeing the giant lanterns handcrafted by artisans over several months will be jaw-dropping, making it hard to believe they are made from paper and bamboo. Observing the delicate brushwork and three-dimensional shapes up close reveals that the festival is not just a celebration, but a true work of art.

As the sun sets, get ready as the festival reaches its climax. The whole town is illuminated by the lights of the Nebuta, and as the giant floats begin to move, the powerful sounds of drums and flutes, along with the spirited calls of “Rassera!” echo into the night sky. Feel this excitement with your whole body from your exclusive seating spot. This is truly a living traditional culture to be experienced with all five senses. Experience the passion and pride the people of Aomori have for their festivals, and immerse yourself in the true essence of the Japanese summer.
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After basking in the enthusiastic afterglow of the festival, we head to your accommodation. You will have exclusive use of an entire traditional Japanese house located in a quiet village in Tsuruta Town, western Aomori Prefecture. This home is lavishly constructed from Aomori Hiba, a high-quality wood unique to the region. Its gentle, refreshing scent is not only relaxing but also has antibacterial and insect-repellent properties. A precious material used in temples and hot springs since ancient times, Aomori Hiba envelops you in warmth, allowing you to soothe your mind and body, much like taking a “forest bath.”

In the morning, head to Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge, which forms an elegant arc over the lake with Mount Iwaki in the background. It is the longest wooden triple-arched bridge in Japan, and its charm lies in how its appearance changes with the time of day and season. It is especially stunning in the early morning, when mist hangs over it, making it a perfect spot for Instagram posts.
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The next stop is the nationally famous Rice Field Art. Different types of rice are planted to create giant pictures across the fields. From the observation deck, the vast rice fields unfold like a magnificent painting. The theme changes every year, and the art, carefully created by local people, features subjects such as anime characters and traditional performing arts. It stands as a symbol of Aomori’s creativity and love for its hometown.

For the final part of your trip, we will take you to a place filled with tranquility where history and nature come together in beautiful harmony. First, visit Sarugajinja Shrine, surrounded by a beautiful pond filled with blooming lotus flowers. The serene grounds are the perfect place to calm your mind after the frenzy of the festival. Next, you will visit Seibien, a famous Japanese garden built during the Meiji era. Its unique design blends Japanese and Western aesthetics, creating a tranquil space where nature and architecture harmonise with the changing seasons.

At the end of your trip, we will drop you off at Aomori Airport or Shin-Aomori Station. These two days, filled with the excitement of the Nebuta Festival, the tranquility of Aomori, and the local culture and nature, will leave you with irreplaceable memories that will stay deep in your heart.