Nebuta Museum WA-RASSE

“Nebuta Museum WA-RASSE” opened in 2011 in the waterfront district of Aomori City. Its nickname combines “wa” (circle), symbolizing the connections between people, “wa” (harmony), and “Rassera,” the chant of the Nebuta Festival.
The building is distinguished by its striking exterior. Rows of reddish-brown steel plates surround the building at regular intervals, each twisted to create graceful curves.
This metal wall, known as a screen louver, uses these curved forms so that the spaces between the panels serve as sunshades and windbreaks. It is also said to embody the image of welcoming visitors inside as though they were passing through a noren curtain.
Although the Aomori Nebuta Festival is held for only six days in early August each year, at WA-RASSE you can experience its excitement throughout the year.
Four actual Nebuta floats are displayed inside the museum. Each measures 9 meters wide, 7 meters deep, 5 meters high, and weighs as much as 4 metric tons.
Throughout the museum, background music featuring shinobue, shamisen, and Nebuta festival music enhances the immersive atmosphere.
The museum also introduces the history of the festival and the evolution of Nebuta-making techniques in detail. A visit here is sure to deepen your understanding of the Nebuta Festival.