Hirosaki Neputa Festival Special Viewing Seats Go On Sale April 1 (Wednesday)!

The Hirosaki Tourism Convention Association (Head office: Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture; Chairman: Chiharu Mikami; hereinafter, the Hirosaki Tourism Convention Association), responsible for tourism in Hirosaki, has decided to continue selling special viewing seats and group seats for the Hirosaki Neputa Festival, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the festival, with the cooperation of companies in Hirosaki City, following last year's success. Sales will begin around noon on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

**Hirosaki Neputa Festival**

The Hirosaki Neputa Festival, a summer tradition held annually from August 1st to 7th, changes seasons from the Hirosaki Castle Cherry Blossom Festival in spring. It is one of Aomori Prefecture's representative summer festivals and has been designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property. More than 60 groups parade through the city center with fan-shaped neputa, ranging from small to large, up to about 7 meters.

**Features of Paid Viewing Seats**

**■ Special Viewing Seats (1 box: maximum 4 users)**

Limited to 4 groups per day. Enjoy a special Neputa experience in a covered box seat. You can feel the power of the neputa directly at the same height. Aomori local cuisine, additive-free and antioxidant-free Hirosaki apple juice, and all-you-can-drink famous Tsugaru sake are also available. Enjoy an unforgettable summer in Hirosaki in a private space.

Dates: August 1 (Sat) - August 4 (Tue), 2026 / Reception starts 17:30
Price: 200,000 yen (tax included) / 1 box
Location: 1-12 Motojimachi, Hirosaki City (former Sanpaku Center site)
Services: Bento box, all-you-can-drink, souvenir (Tsugaru vidro glass), etc.
Area: Approximately 7 sq m (2.6m x 2.6m)
Timetable:
- 17:30 Reception starts
- 17:45 Pre-parade Neputa viewing (optional)
- ⇒ You can view the neputa before their departure with a guide at the waiting area.
- 18:30 Commentary on today's highlights of the Neputa Festival
- ⇒ A guide will provide commentary on the highlights before the parade begins.
- 19:00 Parade starts
- *Service provision ends as soon as the parade concludes.