Kobe no Tobira, a destination tourism program platform operated by the Kobe Tourism Bureau Foundation, has launched a series of special collaborative programs tied to the Hirosaki Neputa in Kobe event, with sales starting April 16, 2026.
This year's lineup expands on last year's popular float-pulling experience with two newly added programs — a rope-pulling march open to families with children, and a goldfish lantern walking experience. In total, approximately 100 participants can take part across all programs. The lineup offers a rare chance to feel the heat and excitement of the authentic Hirosaki Neputa festival in Kobe, complete with the rhythm of traditional hayashi music up close.
Hirosaki Neputa in Kobe: Special Programs
1. Neputa Float-Pulling ("Hiki-te") Experience — Lottery Entry
Date: May 30, 2026 (Saturday) 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Capacity: 16 participants (8 for the large neputa float, 5 for the airplane neputa, 3 for the taiko drum stand)
Please refer to the product page for full details and participation requirements.
Participation Fee:
- Adults (age 16 and over): ¥4,800
- Ages 6–15: ¥1,000
Program Includes:
- Hayashi music experience (bells and taiko drums)
- Happi coat fitting and float-pulling march
- Commemorative photo in front of the neputa float
- Apple pie and apple juice made with Hirosaki's local apples, plus additional Hirosaki specialty products
Lottery deadline: May 11, 2026 (Monday) 9:00 AM. Results will be sent via email to all applicants within one week of the deadline.
2. Neputa Rope-Pulling ("Tsuna-hiki") Experience — First-Come, First-Served
Date: May 30, 2026 (Saturday) 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Capacity: 40 participants
Participation Fee: ¥2,500 (same price for adults and children)
Program Includes:
- Neputa rope-pulling march
- Commemorative photo in front of the neputa float
- Apple pie and apple juice made with Hirosaki's local apples
3. "Kingyo Neputa" (Goldfish Lantern) Walking Experience — First-Come, First-Served
Dates: May 29, 2026 (Friday) and May 30, 2026 (Saturday), 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Capacity: 20 participants per day
Participation Fee: ¥4,800 (same price for adults and children)
Program Includes:
- Walking with LED-lit goldfish neputa lanterns
- Commemorative photo in front of the neputa float
- Apple pie and apple juice made with Hirosaki's local apples
- Goldfish neputa lantern to take home as a keepsake
How to Apply
Applications are accepted through the reservation form on the Kobe no Tobira official website. Fill in your name, phone number, and number of participants to apply.
- Official Website: https://kobe-door.feel-kobe.jp/
- Phone and fax applications are not accepted.
- Cancellation fees apply after the specified deadline.
About Hirosaki Neputa in Kobe 2026
"Neputa" is a summer festival held primarily in Hirosaki City. While it shares a common origin with "Nebuta" — both rooted in the "Nemuri Nagashi" (washing away sleepiness) tradition — the two differ in lantern shape, atmosphere, and chants. The Hirosaki Neputa Festival features colorful warrior paintings inspired by tales such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin, with approximately 70 fan-shaped neputa floats of various sizes marching through the city streets to the chant of "Yah-Ya-Do."
Hirosaki Neputa in Kobe 2026 (May 29–31, 2026; organized by Hirosaki City) is a PR event held annually since 2022 to draw visitors from the Kansai region, and this year marks its fifth edition.
- Official Event Website: https://www.city.hirosaki.aomori.jp/kobepromotion/
