
Tsugaru Han Neputa Village
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of the Hirosaki Neputa festival with stunning floats, live music, and hands-on crafts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the actual Neputa Matsuri!

Tsugaru Han Neputa Village
Best Time
Experience the actual Neputa Matsuri!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of the Hirosaki Neputa festival with stunning floats, live music, and hands-on crafts.
"Such a fun and informative place! The staff were very considerate and explained everything in English."

🎯 Catch a Live Performance
Don't miss the Taiko drumming and shamisen shows – they're a highlight!
✋ Try a Craft Workshop
Engage with local traditions by painting a kite or making a kokeshi doll.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giant Neputa Floats
Main Exhibition Hall
Marvel at the intricate, illuminated floats that are the heart of the Neputa Matsuri. Each is a work of art!

Live Performances
Performance Stage
Experience the energy of traditional Taiko drumming and shamisen music. You might even get to join in!

Craft Workshops
Workshop Area
Try your hand at traditional Aomori crafts like kite painting or kokeshi doll making.

Japanese Garden
End of Visitor Route
A serene escape with beautiful landscaping, offering a peaceful end to your visit.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Catch a Live Performance
Don't miss the Taiko drumming and shamisen shows – they're a highlight!
✋ Try a Craft Workshop
Engage with local traditions by painting a kite or making a kokeshi doll.
🗣️ English-Speaking Staff
Staff are often very helpful and can explain exhibits in English.
📱 Digital Menus
Restaurant ordering is digital; be prepared for a slight learning curve.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Catch a Live Performance
Don't miss the Taiko drumming and shamisen shows – they're a highlight!
✋ Try a Craft Workshop
Engage with local traditions by painting a kite or making a kokeshi doll.
🗣️ English-Speaking Staff
Staff are often very helpful and can explain exhibits in English.
📱 Digital Menus
Restaurant ordering is digital; be prepared for a slight learning curve.
🎟️ Worth the Admission
Many visitors find the ticket price well worth the experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tsugaru Han Neputa Village for its vibrant displays of Neputa floats and engaging cultural performances. Many highlight the interactive workshops and the friendly, English-speaking staff as significant positives. While the digital menu system in the restaurant can be a minor hurdle, the overall experience is highly recommended for its informative and enjoyable immersion into local traditions.
"Such a fun and informative place! The staff were very considerate and explained everything in English about the history of the festival. The exhibits were so beautiful, but the highlight was the Taiko/flute performance and the shimasen performance. So beautiful (I even got a chance to join and play the drums ... badly, but I tried!) Highly recommend for anyone in the area to visit!"
Stephanie Jones
"Aomori has a fantastic Nebuta Festival in summer. But if you are visiting outside the festival time you can still go to the museum and see what it’s all about. You can see the way the giant floats are made and learn about how it all started. There’s also a restaurant and gift shop of course. The restaurant is self ordering on the digital menu which was a bit difficult to work out. The restaurant is licensed. Food was good."
Desleigh Dunnett
"A great place to spend a few hours at! This museum shows the Hirosaki style neputa, which is different from the ones people usually associate with Aomori Nebuta. There are regular live shamisen shows, and there’s a workshop to try your hand at the traditional Aomori crafts.
The museum itself is small, but it’s filled with lots of neputa lanterns and artifacts explaining the history and culture of the festival."
Youko Fujima
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The village is located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. You can reach Hirosaki by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori, then transfer to the JR Ou Line to Hirosaki Station. From Hirosaki Station, local buses or a taxi can take you to the village.
Yes, there is typically parking available for visitors, which is convenient if you are traveling by car. It's advisable to check the official website for any specific parking fees or restrictions.
While the village is accessible by bus, exploring Hirosaki itself is often best done by renting a car or using local buses and taxis. Many visitors also enjoy cycling around the city, especially during warmer months.
Absolutely! Tsugaru Han Neputa Village is a perfect destination for a day trip from Hirosaki or even other parts of Aomori Prefecture. You can easily spend a few hours here and still have time for other sights.
Yes, Hirosaki Castle and its surrounding park are major attractions nearby. You can also explore the Hirosaki Apple Park and other cultural sites within the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The village is generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit.
Admission fees are typically reasonable and considered worthwhile by many visitors. Check the official website for current ticket prices for adults and children.
For general admission, booking in advance is usually not required. However, if you plan to participate in specific workshops or group tours, it's advisable to inquire about reservations.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. It's a good idea to inquire at the ticket counter or check the official website for any applicable promotions.
Re-entry policies can vary. Typically, general admission allows for a single entry. If you plan to leave and return, it's best to confirm with the staff at the entrance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's renowned for showcasing the unique Hirosaki-style Neputa floats, offering insights into the festival's history, and providing interactive cultural experiences like craft workshops and live performances.
You can enjoy energetic Taiko drumming, traditional shamisen music, and sometimes even opportunities to play instruments yourself. Staff often provide explanations in English.
Yes, the village offers workshops where you can try traditional Aomori crafts like kite painting and kokeshi doll making, providing a fun, interactive experience.
Absolutely! Children often enjoy the vibrant floats, the interactive performances, and the hands-on craft activities. It's a great place for families to learn about Japanese culture.
The Hirosaki Neputa features large, fan-shaped or warrior-shaped floats with intricate designs, often depicting historical or mythical figures, and are known for their dramatic illuminated artistry.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on-site that serves local cuisine. It's a convenient place to grab a meal after exploring the exhibits.
The restaurant offers a selection of local Aomori dishes. You can expect to find regional specialties, and the restaurant is licensed to serve alcohol.
The restaurant uses a self-ordering digital menu system, which might take a moment to get used to. Be prepared for this ordering process.
While specific options may vary, Japanese restaurants often have vegetable-based dishes. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant staff about dietary accommodations.
Yes, Hirosaki City has numerous restaurants and cafes offering a variety of Japanese and international cuisine. You can find many options near Hirosaki Station or in the city center.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the village, especially for the floats and exhibits. However, always be mindful of any posted signs regarding photography restrictions, particularly during performances.
The illuminated Neputa floats themselves are the main photographic draw. The Japanese garden at the end of the route also offers beautiful scenic shots.
It's usually best to avoid using flash photography, especially during performances or in areas with sensitive exhibits, to avoid disturbing others or damaging artifacts.
Capture the scale and detail of the giant floats, the vibrant energy of the live music performances, and the intricate designs of the traditional crafts.
For the illuminated floats, especially in lower light, a camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a night mode will be beneficial. Consider a wider lens to capture the full scale of the floats.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the hands-on craft workshops, where kids can enjoy activities like kite painting or making their own kokeshi dolls. These interactive experiences provide a fun and educational way for children to learn about Japanese culture. The village is generally easy to navigate, making it a stress-free outing for parents.
🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts
Engage with the live performances of traditional music and consider participating in the craft workshops to experience local artistry firsthand. The village offers a comprehensive cultural immersion that goes beyond just viewing exhibits, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the region's heritage.
📸 Photographers
Beyond the floats, the Japanese garden provides a serene backdrop for landscape photography. Be mindful of lighting conditions and any restrictions on flash photography, particularly during performances, to get the best shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Neputa Floats
During the actual festival, these illuminated floats are paraded through the streets, accompanied by music and dancers, creating a spectacular visual and auditory experience. The village provides a fantastic opportunity to see these magnificent floats up close, learn about their construction, and understand the cultural significance behind this vibrant tradition, even if you can't visit during the summer festival.
Visitors often express awe at the sheer scale and detail of the floats, noting that they are a testament to the region's rich artistic heritage. The village aims to give a comprehensive overview, from the historical context to the modern-day celebration, making it an educational and engaging visit for all ages.
Interactive Cultural Experiences
Furthermore, the village provides opportunities to engage in traditional craft workshops. Visitors can try their hand at activities such as kite painting or crafting kokeshi dolls, iconic Japanese wooden dolls. These workshops are not only fun but also offer a tangible connection to the local artistic traditions. It's a chance to create your own souvenir and learn a new skill under the guidance of local artisans.
These interactive elements are frequently praised by visitors for making the experience more engaging and memorable. The ability to not just observe but also participate in cultural activities is a key reason why many recommend the village as a must-visit destination in Aomori.
Dining and Amenities
It's worth noting that the restaurant utilizes a digital menu system for ordering. While efficient, some visitors have mentioned that it can take a little getting used to. Being prepared for this modern ordering method can help ensure a smoother dining experience.
Beyond the restaurant, the village also includes a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and local crafts. The presence of these amenities enhances the overall visitor experience, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring and enjoying all that the village has to offer.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit