Amazing AOMORI

This festival is held annually from August 18 to 20. It is said to be descended from the traditions of the Gion Festival of Kyoto, which made their way to Aomori via ships along the Sea of Japan cargo route. Magnificent floats are paraded through the city to the accompaniment of traditional music. The festival reaches its climax late on the night of August 20, when the five floats meet in a ritual called Goshawakare (“Farewell Parting of the Five Floats”). A cask of sake is shared by all of the participants, who vow to meet again in the next year. The Oshimako Nagashi Dance is also performed during the festival, on August 18.