Massive Floats and Wild Dancers Light Up the Night at the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri

A massive nebuta float lights up the Aomori night. (© Aomori Tourism and Convention Association)

Bamboo and wire framework for a nebuta float. (© Aomori Tourism and Convention Association)

A nebuta-shi paints his float with a rich palette of colors. (© Aomori Tourism and Convention Association)

Haneto dancers leap to shouts of “Rasse ra!” to set the tempo of the parade. (© Aomori Tourism and Convention Association)

A baketo fool in gaudy make-up adds to the rambunctious atmosphere. (© Aomori Tourism and Convention Association)

In the grand finale, the top-ranking floats are loaded onto boats for a waterborne parade in the bay. (© Aomori Tourism and Convention Association)

View the dynamic floats year-round at this nearby museum. (© Wa Rasse Nebuta Museum)