Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
Hachinohe Sansha Taisai combines traditional shrine processions with elaborately decorated floats and is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
31 Jul – 4 Aug 2026Aomori · TohokuThe Hirosaki Neputa Festival features giant illuminated floats up to 10 meters tall, paraded nightly through the city with taiko drums and traditional chanting.
1–7 Aug 2026Aomori · TohokuAomori's most iconic summer festival features glowing nebuta floats and energetic haneto dancers who leap through illuminated parades and water processions.
2–7 Aug 2026Aomori · TohokuThe 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.
4–8 Aug 2026Aomori · TohokuWoodblock prints from Japan's greatest artists are reimagined as immersive three-dimensional projections, with original artworks displayed alongside.
11 Jul – 30 Aug 2026Aomori · TohokuA retro-themed summer train on the Tsugaru Railway Line adorned with furin, traditional Japanese wind bells that create soothing tinkling sounds.
1 Jul – 31 Aug 2026Aomori · TohokuA retro-themed railway journey through autumn scenery is accompanied by the gentle sounds of bell crickets resonating through the carriages.
1 Sep – 15 Oct 2026Aomori · TohokuThe Hirosaki Castle Yuki-Doro Festival transforms the castle park into a winter wonderland with illuminated snow lanterns, dome-shaped kamakura huts, and intricate sculptures.
6–11 Feb 2027Aomori · TohokuHistoric 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 2027Aomori · TohokuA retro winter rail journey through Aomori's snowy landscape, where coal-burning stoves warm passengers as they share stories and grill dried squid.
1 Dec 2026 – 31 Mar 2027Aomori · TohokuHirosaki Park celebrates cherry blossoms with illuminated trees, boat rides across the moat to view reflections on water, and picnicking beneath the flowering branches.
23 Apr – 5 May 2027Aomori · Tohoku
