Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse

“Nebuta no Ie Wa Rasse” is a cultural and tourism exchange facility where visitors can experience the appeal of the Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of Aomori City’s signature summer festivals, all year round. It opened on January 5, 2011, in the Aomori Bay Area, very close to JR Aomori Station.

The facility was created with the aims of revitalizing the city center and generating vibrancy, and it serves as a place that connects “the town, the people, and the heart,” while preserving, passing on, and sharing Nebuta culture.

Its exterior features striking red screen louvers, and the design, which blends contemporary architecture with local culture, makes the building itself one of the highlights.

1st Floor | Nebuta Hall
At the heart of the facility is the spacious, two-story-open “Nebuta Hall.” Four large Nebuta floats that have actually been used in the Aomori Nebuta Festival are permanently on display here, allowing visitors to experience their power up close.

The sheer scale and vivid colors of these Nebuta floats, measuring up to 9 meters in width and 5 meters in height, are truly impressive and captivate everyone who visits. Nebuta bayashi music played on shamisen, flute, and taiko drums fills the hall as background music, creating an atmosphere like the festival itself.

In addition, live Nebuta bayashi performances and “Haneto” experiences (the dancers of the Nebuta Festival) are held every day, allowing visitors to move their bodies and enjoy the sense of unity that defines the festival.

Live Performance & Haneto Experience
Hours: 11:10 / 13:10 / 15:10 / 17:10 (about 20 minutes each)
*Times may change or be suspended depending on circumstances.

2nd Floor | Nebuta Museum
On the second floor, the “Nebuta Museum” introduces the origins and history of the Nebuta Festival, the techniques used to make the floats, and how the themes have changed over time. Through exhibits using video and three-dimensional displays, it presents the profound world of Nebuta in an easy-to-understand way.

Examples of exhibit content:
- The background and origin of Nebuta’s creation
- The production process (framework, washi paper layering, coloring, etc.)
- Materials and tools used
- Changes in themes and expression across historical Nebuta floats
- The history of Aomori and Nebuta developing together

There are also screenings of footage showing Nebuta parades on a large screen, allowing visitors to feel the energy of the festival through immersive visuals.

Nebuta Parade Video Screening Schedule
Screenings: 10-minute showings every 30 minutes from 9:30 to 17:30
*Additional screenings at 18:00 and 18:30 from May to August.

Exchange Learning Room
The “Exchange Learning Room” regularly hosts workshops where visitors can experience Aomori’s traditions, such as making Nebuta masks and crafting kingyo-nebuta (goldfish lanterns). It is also used as a practice space for Nebuta bayashi, making it a place for community learning and interaction. The room is also available for rent for meetings, lectures, events, and more.

Event Hall
The “Event Hall,” with seating for about 180 people, is used for performances of local traditional arts such as Tsugaru shamisen and folk songs, as well as for presentations by cultural groups and civic activities. It is a space that nurtures local culture and provides opportunities for diverse forms of expression.

Information Corner
At the “Information Corner,” visitors can browse materials on Nebuta history and related references. It is also equipped for educational and research purposes, making it useful for school learning and tourism studies.

Restaurant
The restaurant inside the facility offers lunch menus made with fresh ingredients from Aomori Prefecture. With its open location overlooking Aomori Port, it is a relaxing place to spend time between sightseeing activities.

Shop
The souvenir shop offers a wide selection of Nebuta goods, Aomori crafts, and local specialties. There are also exclusive items available only here, making it an ideal place to pick up souvenirs or gifts.

“Nebuta no Ie Wa Rasse” is a cultural experience facility where even those unfamiliar with the Aomori Nebuta Festival can vividly experience its passion, artistry, and the depth of its local culture. In addition to exhibits and experiences that make visitors feel as if they are at the festival itself, the facility offers a wide range of enjoyment, including learning,交流, food, and shopping. When visiting Aomori, be sure to stop by Wa Rasse and experience the charm of Nebuta culture and its very “spirit.”