Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival
五所川原立佞武多
The Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival is an Aomori summer festival famous for its illuminated floats, some up to 23 metres tall, paraded nightly to taiko drums and flutes.
The Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival is a traditional Japanese summer festival known for its spectacular tachineputa floats. These towering structures are marvels of traditional craftsmanship, taking months to build and decorate. Each float tells a story, often depicting famous warriors, historical figures, or mythical beings in stunning detail, with some floats reaching heights of up to 23 meters. They are constructed using wooden frames, covered with washi paper.
The tachineputa floats are paraded through the streets of Goshogawara each evening, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of taiko drums, flutes, and lively chants.
The festival features traditional performances by local musicians and dancers dressed in vibrant costumes. The festival grounds are filled with food stalls offering a variety of local delicacies and traditional festival foods.
The Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival is a true community event, with residents actively participating in the preparations and parades.
You might also like
The Hachinohe Sansha Taisai
Hachinohe Sansha Taisai combines traditional shrine processions with elaborately decorated floats and is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
31 Jul – 4 Aug 2027Hachinohe · Aomori
Hachinohe Enburi Festival
Historic winter celebration over 800 years old marking the end of the cold season with traditional performances and prayers for a bountiful rice harvest.
17–20 Feb 2027Hachinohe · Aomori
Morioka Fall Festival
One of Iwate's most enduring celebrations, this autumn festival originated as prayers for harvest, now featuring ornate floats and traditional parades.
14–16 Sep 2026Morioka · Iwate
Iwami Kagura
Each autumn in western Shimane, shrine stages host Iwami Kagura – sacred dances performed through the night, from ceremonial pieces to a battle with a serpent.
Shimane · Chugoku
Ninja＋Kabuki Tokyo
This nonverbal stage experience blends traditional kabuki and taiko drumming to tell a mythological tale of rival ninja, opening in August 2024.
Tokyo
Uto Shrine
Guardian shrine of Aomori dedicated to the Three Goddesses of Munakata, featuring grounds with a sacred spring and historic remains including haiku stones by Matsuo Basho.
Aomori