 Most viewed - Hirosaki 弘前市 |
Float pullers at Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri580 views
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Fan-shaped Neputa float.445 viewsThe painted picture on the front of the Neputa depicts mostly warriors and on the back are beautiful courtesans.
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Hirosaki Castle tower437 views
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Closeup of a Neputa float.432 viewsTheories concerning the origin of the Neputa are identical to those of the Nebuta. However, in the 1880's, the Neputa gradually changed from human figures into a fan shape. The floats have come a long way since then. Candles have been replaced by generator-powered lights and the washi paper has been replaced by washi paper blended with nylon. The festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Culture Asset.
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The floats were jerked left and right and spun around.411 viewsAt 7:00 p.m., the taiko drum-beating started and the floats left the starting point one by one. The beat of the taiko drums was the same as that in the Nebuta Matsuri. A few men stood on the top of the large Neputa and collapsed the hinged, top portion to clear overhead power lines. The floats were jerked left and right and spun around.
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There are three types of floats: the large fan-shaped Neputa, Nebuta-type figures, and the children's small Neputa.352 viewsI got to Hirosaki early enough before the parade to see the floats lined up at the starting point. Hirosaki is a 30-min. train ride from Aomori, and best known for Hirosaki Castle during cherry blossom season.
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Castle tower247 viewsThe castle tower is so small that it looks more like a turret.
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Honmaru231 views
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Nice during the day, but more dramatic at night.224 views
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Gate208 views追手門
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Moving the Neputa floats into position.196 viewsHeld during Aug. 1-7, the Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri is without the rowdiness of the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri. Instead of the haneto, there are many children pulling the floats with ropes. The main floats are fan-shaped and more two-dimensional and lantern-like. As with the Nebuta floats, the Neputa floats are handpainted and illuminated from the inside. There are two parade routes which are followed alternately on different nights. On the 7th, there is only a daytime parade from 10:00 a.m. If it rains on any day, the parade may be canceled.
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The long, slender drum sticks make a very penetrating, slapping sound.166 viewsThe drum sticks are long, slender, and slightly elastic. They make a very penetrating, slapping sound. It's a real treat to watch these vivacious women beating these huge drums in unison.
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Festival during the day.162 views
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157 views
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And sometimes they have to stop it.149 views
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149 views
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Neputa float. All the floats are on wheels so these people are not actually carrying the floats.148 views
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Taiko drummer146 views
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The beat was the same as at the Nebuta Festival.143 viewsThere were also many giant taiko drums with female taiko drummers.
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Nebuta-type float with a paper sculpture of a figure.137 views
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Lunch break131 views
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131 views
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People pull the float along.127 views
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Drumming at sunset.119 viewsThe Neputa Festival is not as big as the Nebuta Festival and has smaller floats, but it has its own, unique attractions. Hirosaki is a highly recommended side trip from Aomori.
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