The Aomori Nebuta Festival is one of Japan's most famous summer festivals. Giant nebuta floats parade through the city, accompanied by the sounds of traditional music and the shouts of "rassera!" The powerful Aomori Nebuta Festival excites all who watch. But the festival itself isn't the only attraction. What makes the festival night even more special are the many delicious B-grade gourmet food stalls that fill the venue.

In this article, we'll be taking a detailed look at some of the local foods you can only find in Aomori that you should definitely try amidst the excitement of the Nebuta festival. So, why not head out on a journey to fully enjoy the festival night?

1. What is the Aomori Nebuta Festival?

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is Japan's leading fire festival, held every year from August 2nd to 7th in Aomori City. Giant nebuta floats made of bamboo and wire frames and painted with washi paper are paraded through the city accompanied by spirited music and dancers called haneto shouting "rassera, rassera!" There are various theories about its origins, but it is said to be an evolution of the floating lantern festival held during the Tanabata festival.

In stark contrast to the quietness of the daytime, the Nebuta floats are brightly lit up at night, and the whole town is bathed in a festive atmosphere.

2. Aomori's unique food stalls add color to the night of the Nebuta Festival

During the Nebuta Festival, countless food stalls line the area around the venue, filling the air with fragrant aromas and energy. In addition to the standard food stall menus, there are also many unique gourmet dishes made with ingredients unique to Aomori.

1. Tsugaru Ramen

If you come to Aomori, you absolutely cannot miss "Tsugaru Ramen." Its clear, light soup, based on dried sardines, is perfect for sampling while walking around the festival. The Tsugaru Ramen served at food stalls is made by local shop owners and has a simple yet deep flavor. It's also a great way to finish off a night of drinking, gently enveloping you in the excitement of the festival.

2. Squid mince

Another must-try dish is "Ikamenchi," a popular dish in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. It's made by mixing finely chopped squid with vegetables, coating them in batter, and deep-frying them. You can enjoy it hot and fresh from the frying stalls. The crunchy texture of the squid, the sweetness of the vegetables, and the fragrant batter create an exquisite harmony. You can add your favorite sauce to it, and it pairs perfectly with beer.

3. Grilled scallops

Aomori is one of the top producers of scallops in Japan. Many of the food stalls at the Nebuta Festival serve fresh, whole grilled scallops. Grilled over charcoal and drizzled with soy sauce, the scallops are packed with flavor and aroma, and have an irresistible plump texture. This luxurious dish allows you to simply enjoy the taste of Aomori, a treasure trove of seafood.

4. Nebuta pickles

Aomori's local dish, "Nebutazuke," is a popular souvenir during the festival, but is also served at food stalls. It's made by pickling daikon radish, cucumber, herring roe, kelp, and other ingredients in soy sauce, and is characterized by its crispy texture and sweet-salty flavor that goes well with rice. It's also perfect as a palate cleanser or a snack to go with alcohol.

5.Seafood skewers

Seafood skewers allow you to savour the luxury of fresh seafood. They are a simple dish of squid, shrimp and other seafood skewers grilled to a fragrant finish. One bite and the natural umami of the ingredients fills your mouth, while the scent of the seashore adds to the festival atmosphere. They also pair perfectly with beer or sake, making them an essential food stall staple on festival nights in seaside towns.

6. Miso curry ramen

Miso curry ramen is a local ramen that is widely enjoyed, especially in Hokkaido and Aomori Prefecture. It is also a popular dish at food stalls. The rich miso soup is combined with a spicy curry flavor, resulting in a deep, rich and mellow taste. Once you try it, you'll be hooked on its unique flavor. A bowl topped with plenty of vegetables and char siu pork is loved as soul food that warms the body during the cold season.

7. Apple sweets

Aomori is known for its apples, and festival stalls offer a variety of sweets that showcase the region's appeal. Shiny candy apples have a perfect combination of crisp candy and a crunchy center. Apple stick pie, apple cake, and chilled apple juice also offer a refreshing sweet and sour apple flavor that will help you break the heat of the festival.

There are also food stalls selling classic dishes like yakisoba, fried chicken, and shaved ice, so you can enjoy a meal while admiring the Nebuta festival.

Enjoy the excitement of Nebuta and the charm of food!

The excitement of the Nebuta Festival and the delicious food stalls that accompany it will create a special summer memory that can only be experienced in Aomori. While enjoying the spectacular Nebuta floats, enjoy the local flavors to your heart's content. A trip to the Aomori Nebuta Festival will stimulate all five senses and is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart.

Please be sure to visit.

・Aomori Nebuta Festival Official Website https://www.nebuta.jp/

・Aomori City Tourism Information Site "Aomori Tourism Navi" https://aomori-tourism.com/