Neputa Festival is a huge parade of gigantic samurai lantern floats, which is held during August 1st to 7th in Hirosaki. Neputa floats in Hirosaki are fan-shaped floats with paintings of Chinese and Japanese historic figures, brave warriors on the front side and beautiful lady on the back side. More than 80 of floats are lit up at night and parade through the street with music of flutes and drums and chants of “Yayado!”

It is widely believed that Neputa festival is originated from folk belief of ancient Tsugaru farmers. They set lanterns afloat on the river to cast away their sleepiness or illness in summer farming season. It is said that the word “Neputa” is derived from the Tsugaru dialect “Neputee” which means “sleepy”.

Hirosaki Neputa festival is designated as one of the important intangible folk cultural assets of Japan.