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[Tourism Conditions]
Departure place/destination: Sendai⇄Aomori
Tour duration: 1 day
Transportation: Private car hire, large taxis or buses
Bus companies: Senan Kotsu or East Japan Express Bus
Meal arrangements: No meals provided.
Accommodation: Not included
Minimum group size: 20 people
Accompanying personnel: There is one tour leader.
Tour guide service: No tour guide
[Tourism Planning & Organizing Unit]
Company Name: Tour Wave Co., Ltd. (Japanese company)
Address: 2F, NL Sendai-Hirose-dori Building, 2-5-1 Honmachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan 980-0014, Japan
Tourism Business Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner's Registered Travel Business No. 1665
Affiliation: Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Contact information:
• Telephone: +81-22-212-1980
• Email: twc-inb@tourwave.net
Service hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 to 17:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Japanese national holidays)
※For emergencies outside of business hours, please use the official LINE account or the emergency contact method notified in advance, and we will respond as soon as possible.
【Reseller/Distributor】
Company Name: KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Tourism Business Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner's Registration Number for Travel Businesses No. 2045
Affiliated Association: Japan Travel Agents Association (JATA)
A minimum of 20 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 7 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location on time to complete the check-in process. Check-in may take time when there are many travelers, so we recommend arriving early to allow sufficient time. Latecomers will be considered as not present (No Show), and no refund will be given.
All pre-departure notices and important messages will be sent via email. Please check your email regularly to avoid missing any information.
This is a day trip in Japan with shared transportation. Participants will be traveling with tourists from other countries, so please be punctual and keep up with the group pace.
The vehicle type will be arranged according to the actual number of passengers, and may be a bus or a large taxi. We regret that we cannot specify the vehicle type.
It is not recommended to bring children under 2 years old or people with mobility impairments. Infant seats and accessible facilities are not provided on the tour.
If you need to bring large luggage or have any transportation needs, please inform us in advance when registering, and we will assist in making arrangements as appropriate.
This tour includes viewing seats for the festival. Please follow the instructions of the staff and abide by the venue regulations. Please also keep your personal belongings safe.
This is a summer outdoor activity, so please prepare sun protection, a hat, rain gear, and drinking water in case of weather changes. We recommend wearing lightweight, comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to walk in and take photos in.
The Aomori Nebuta Festival is one of Japan's most renowned summer festivals, celebrated annually in Aomori City. It is famous for its spectacular, large-scale illuminated floats, known as "nebuta," which often depict brave warriors, historical figures, and mythical creatures. What makes it particularly unique is the vibrant energy of the "Rassera" chant from the accompanying dancers and musicians, creating an immersive and thrilling cultural experience unlike any other Japanese festival.
The name "Nebuta" is believed to originate from "nemuri-nagashi," an ancient ritual intended to ward off sleepiness and exhaustion (nemuri) that could hinder farm work during the hot summer months. By floating or washing away paper lanterns into rivers or the sea, people symbolically cast away their fatigue. Over centuries, these rituals evolved into the elaborate lantern floats seen today, transforming the act of "driving away sleep" into a vibrant and energetic celebration.
The Aomori Nebuta Festival is a summer-limited event, typically held annually from August 2nd to August 7th. The main parade featuring the giant nebuta floats usually takes place during the evenings from August 2nd to August 6th, culminating in a daytime parade and a fireworks display over Aomori Bay on August 7th. It is a highly anticipated and popular summer festival in Japan.
During the main festival period from August 2nd to August 6th, the large nebuta floats are paraded through the streets in the evenings. These evening parades typically start around 7:10 PM and conclude by 9:00 PM. On the final day, August 7th, there is usually a daytime parade in the afternoon, followed by a sea parade of the nebuta floats and a grand fireworks show over Aomori Bay in the evening, marking the festival's end.
The main features of the Aomori Nebuta Festival are the massive, intricately designed "nebuta" floats, which are illuminated from within and carried through the streets. A key highlight is the energetic participation of "haneto" dancers, who jump and chant "Rassera, Rassera!" to the lively rhythm of taiko drums, flutes, and hand cymbals. Spectators can also participate by joining the haneto if they wear a traditional haneto costume, adding to the immersive experience.
Visitors on this tour can expect a comfortable and convenient experience. You will travel by private coach directly from Sendai to Aomori. The highlight is the Aomori Nebuta Festival itself, where you will witness the grand illuminated floats and dynamic performances. The tour includes designated viewing seats, allowing you to enjoy the night parade without battling crowds. Additionally, you will visit the ASPAM Sightseeing & Products Building to explore local goods and enjoy the scenic views before the main festival.
The most convenient way to travel from Sendai to the Aomori Nebuta Festival as part of this specific experience is by utilizing the comfortable private coach transportation provided. This service offers direct travel from Sendai to Aomori, eliminating the need to plan complex public transport routes or worry about inter-prefecture travel. It ensures a relaxed and hassle-free journey for enjoying the festival as a day trip.
Beyond experiencing the spectacular Aomori Nebuta Festival parade from designated viewing seats, the day tour includes a visit to the ASPAM Sightseeing & Products Building. Here, you can explore a wide selection of local souvenirs and specialties, offering a chance to discover more about Aomori's culture and produce. The tour also provides multi-language staff (Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese) to assist you throughout the journey, ensuring clear communication and a smooth experience.