Table of Contents
Location:
Nebuta Festival is one the famous festivals in Japan. Sumida City, Tokyo’s one of the 23 Special City, held this Sumida Nebuta Festival in October last week in Hokusai Street. The parade takes place between Kinchisho and Tokyo-Edo Museum. But the best place to wait to enjoy it is in front of the Hokusai Museum.
Background:
Sumida Nebuta Festival was first held in 2019, and after 5 years, it took place again in 2024. The last 5 years have been a gap because of the world’s pandemic.
Nebuta festival is originated from Aomori. However, this festival has recently been held all over Japan.
The term ‘Nebuta’ is derived from the Tsugaru dialect words ‘nemute’ or ‘nepute,’ which mean ‘sleepy.’
The Aomori Nebuta Festival is famous for its giant lantern-like floats. It is believed to have started from an old tradition called Nemuri Nagashi. Farmers used this practice to shake off their drowsiness during the busy summer months by floating their sleepiness away on boats and floats.
The festival features large paper floats, which are carefully crafted by skilled artisans and called Nebutashi. These floats often show scenes from myths or warriors and can be as big as 9 meters wide, 7 meters deep, and 5 meters high.
Main Attraction:
Of course, the main attraction of the Sumida Nebuta Festival is the giant paper float and parade. The float is fantastic to see. I can be flat and can move around while people drag it in front.
Besides, the old-style Japanese guns are displayed before the parade starts. They even show the people how to fire and how powerful the guns were.
No doubt, the parade is enjoyable. Children, school kids, and women join the procession, holding colorful Japanese lanterns in the evening.
When: 26 October(date may change sometimes)
Time: 16:30-18:00
Ticket: Free
How to access it?
Nearest Station: Ryogoku Station
2 minutes walk
Address:
Hokusai Street, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Website: