What is the Nebuta Museum WA RASSE?

The Nebuta Museum WA RASSE is a museum in Aomori City dedicated to the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, a traditional summer festival with over 300 years of history. The museum displays full-sized Nebuta floats—massive illuminated papier-mâché structures depicting kabuki actors, mythological figures, and folk heroes. It opened in 2011 to allow visitors to experience the festival's artistry and cultural significance throughout the year, not just during the festival period in early August.

Can I see the actual festival floats at the museum?

Yes, the museum displays 4 full-sized floats that participated in the most recent Aomori Nebuta Festival held each August. The floats rotate annually, so the displays change to feature different prize-winning creations from each year's competition. The museum also screens footage of these specific floats in the actual parade, giving visitors a sense of how they appear during the festival with their lighting and movement through the streets.

Are there any hands-on activities at the museum?

The museum offers a Haneto dance experience where visitors can try the traditional festival dancing performed to Hayashi music. These interactive sessions are held three times daily at 11:10 am, 1:10 pm, and 3:10 pm. The museum also provides detailed exhibitions showing how the floats are constructed, allowing visitors to understand the artistic techniques and craftsmanship involved in creating these elaborate structures.

How do I get to the museum from Aomori Station?

The museum is extremely accessible, located just a 1-minute walk from Aomori Station. This makes it one of the most convenient attractions for travelers arriving by train. If you're coming from Aomori Airport, the journey takes approximately 40 minutes by bus to reach the station area. The museum's waterfront location along the bay makes it easy to spot with its distinctive red metal exterior.

Aomori

Nebuta Museum WA RASSE, Aomori

Q: How much does admission cost?

Admission to the Nebuta Museum WA RASSE costs 620 yen for adults, 460 yen for high school students, and 260 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more visitors. These prices allow access to all exhibition areas, the float displays, and participation in the scheduled Haneto dance experiences.

4.3 (9551)Art MuseumCommunity CenterMuseumEvent VenueServicePoint Of InterestEstablishment

The Nebuta Museum WA RASSE opened in 2011 as a city-owned facility dedicated to preserving and showcasing the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, one of northern Japan's most celebrated summer festivals. The Aomori Nebuta Festival has a history of more than 300 years and has been designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. The festival itself originated over a thousand years ago as a traditional lantern festival, held annually from August 2nd to 7th in Aomori City.

The museum is housed in a distinctive building covered in red metal slats and stands along Aomori's waterfront. Inside, visitors can view 4 full-sized floats that participated in the most recent August festival, with the displays rotating to feature different floats from each year's celebration. These massive papier-mâché floats mainly portray kabuki actors, mythological figures, and folk heroes. The exhibition space includes detailed displays showing the construction techniques and artistic processes behind creating these elaborate structures.

The museum offers several interactive experiences throughout the day. Visitors can participate in a "Haneto" dance experience, trying the traditional festival dancing to Hayashi music at 11:10 am, 1:10 pm, and 3:10 pm. The facility also screens footage of the featured floats participating in the actual parade, allowing visitors to experience the festival atmosphere year-round. Exhibition materials explain the festival's cultural significance and the individual creativity of the float designers.

The museum is located just a 1-minute walk from Aomori Station, making it extremely accessible for travelers. From Aomori Airport, the journey takes approximately 40 minutes by bus. Admission costs 620 yen for adults, 460 yen for high school students, and 260 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more visitors.

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Phone

+81 17-752-1311

Website

www.nebuta.jp

The area

Address

Japan, 〒030-0803 Aomori, Yasukata, 1-chōme−1−１ 1F

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Phone

+81 17-752-1311

Website

www.nebuta.jp

What other travelers are saying about Nebuta Museum WA RASSE, Aomori

This is an amazing place! The real Nebuta lanterns are so beautiful and intricately detailed that you can't stop admiring them. The building has a modern design and is conveniently located near the train station. Inside, the museum offers exhibits that give you a deeper understanding of the local culture. If you're visiting Aomori, you absolutely must not miss this place!

Sippakorn

Feb 4, 2026

Loved this place. It is only a few minutes from Aomori Station and it feels like Aomori’s culture hub. I came for the Nebuta Festival and stopped here to learn the story behind it. Inside the hall the floats glow like giant lanterns. Up close you can see the paper, paint, and wire details. There is a short film that explains the history and how the artists build each float. Sometimes there is a drum and haneto dance demo, so check the schedule at the entrance. I spent about an hour taking photos and reading the signs. Staff were kind. The English info is clear. I left inspired and even more excited for the festival. The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is a famous summer festival held in early August every year. Enormous illuminated paper floats that depict legendary warriors and mythical scenes are paraded through the city at night. They move to the beat of taiko drums and flutes while thousands of haneto dancers jump and shout “Rassera.” On the final night there are fireworks and a waterfront celebration. WA RASSE displays award-winning floats from recent years and explains how they are made.

ChuLuxe Explorer

Nov 8, 2025

Aomori is worldwide known for its Nebuta festival happening in August. If you want to get a taste of it you have to visit this museum and learn more about it. The entrance is not expensive at all. Less than 5 dollars. The museum has 2 floors. On the first you will learn all about its origins and on the lower one is the nebuta hall, where you will see these incredible works of art. These fully-sized Nebuta have participated in the festivals. The museum also have a shop where you can find several kinds of souvenirs.

ana tavares

Nov 2, 2025

Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse was a really nice winter stop in Aomori. Walking in from the cold and seeing the huge, glowing Nebuta floats up close was super impressive, and the dark hall made the colours stand out even more. It’s right by Aomori Station, easy to pop in for about an hour, and a great way to experience the Nebuta festival vibe even in the middle of winter.

Alan Geoy

Jan 23, 2026

The Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse is the definitive cultural hub for Aomori Prefecture. The stunning exterior architecture is a must-see, and inside, the museum offers a fascinating deep dive into Nebuta history and the intricate float construction process. The exhibition of authentic, full-sized floats is fabulous and truly stunning. For a phenomenal experience, be sure to check the schedule for their live performances! Attending a show offers the unique opportunity to join the dancers and play the festival instruments, making it a highly interactive and memorable visit.