The Nebuta Festival in Aomori

In the summer the Japanese love matsuri, or festivals, which are a fun time to wear traditional clothes and carry around an omikoshi, a kind of heavy portable shrine that's hoisted around the neighborhood by a dozen or so people. There are various major festivals held around the country, from the Gion Festival in Kyoto to the Heso Matsuri (lit. "belly-button festival") held in the exact center of Hokkaido to the Awa Odori festival of Shikoku in which participants perform the most amazing choreographed traditional dances. One of the most colorful festivals is the Nebuta Matsuri, held in Aomori Prefecture at the top of the main Japanese island of Honshu from August 2~7, which may date back more than 1000 years. It's known for the gorgeous lit-up floats that are paraded through the city, portraying mythical gods from ancient Japan and China. It's the kind of beautiful traditional event that's tailor-made to appeal to foreigners, and many make the journey to see the Nebuta Festival every year.

The Nebuta Festival in Aomori is one of the most unique in Japan.