Tanabucho, Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
Free
The Tanabu Festival, held in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture, is one of the largest festivals in the Shimokita region and a grand finale to the summer festival season in Tohoku. The festival features five elaborately decorated floats that parade through the city for three days, accompanied by the Gion Hayashi music, which has roots in the Kyoto Gion Festival. The climax is the "Gosha Wakare" on the final night, where the five floats gather to share sake and vow to meet again next year. It's easily accessible via a 10-minute bus ride from JR Shimokita Station to Mutsu Bus Terminal, followed by a 5-minute walk. This vibrant and visually stunning event offers a unique cultural experience.