There are three ways to watch the Nebuta parade. I am aware of the pros and cons of each of the ways because I’ve experienced all of them. In this article, let me share these various ways with you.
Folding Chairs Along the Streets
When you arrive in the area, you will become aware that there are countless folding chairs in front of the buildings along the parade route. These chairs are placed there by the local people who own properties along the route.
They are given permission to occupy the spaces in front of their properties by the local authorities. These local people manage their chairs vigilantly because they invite their relatives, friends, and other important guests to enjoy the Nebuta parade together.
Pros: VIP Comfort
You can enjoy the Nebuta parade from the front rows and use the restrooms of the hosts’ properties.
Cons: Almost impossible for tourists
It’s nearly impossible to secure seats unless you have strong connections with the local community. Although several restaurants along the Nebuta parade route provide special seating in front of their properties, the number of seats is limited. As far as I know, there are no convenient ways of finding out information about their seating.
Official Paid Seats
Official paid seats are sold from the beginning of July. I strongly recommend foreign tourists book seats this way to watch the parade because it’s comfortable, and you can certainly enjoy seeing the Nebuta parade. The ticket fee is 3,500 yen(approximately 24 US dollars) per ticket, and each ticket requires 220 yen for a system usage fee.
Pros No.1: A sense of security
Guaranteed seating is a big advantage for everyone, especially in an unfamiliar environment. If you have small children or elderly people in your group, guaranteed seating will help you a lot.
Pros No.2: Reasonable distance
You can enjoy watching the parade while maintaining personal space from others.
Cons No.1: High Competition in Reserving
It is said that reserving the tickets could be very competitive. If your travel agent offers a tour involving secured paid seats, I recommend considering the option.
If you’d like to try booking the tickets by yourself, the website below could be helpful. Good luck!
【Official Announcement About Paid Seats for Those Living Outside Japan】
Cons No.2: Having to use temporary toilets
Although there are several facilities that are open to the public using the toilet, the number is limited. Therefore, many temporary toilets are placed. These toilets are less comfortable than the ones inside the buildings. This is why I cannot say the official paid seats are VIP comfort.
Open Seating
Even if you couldn’t reserve official paid seats, you don’t need to get depressed. You can also watch the parade outside of the paid seating area. It would be the best way to experience the local atmosphere because most citizens in Aomori City enjoy the parade in this way.
As mentioned earlier, there are already a lot of folding chairs along the streets. Therefore, the intersection is key to getting a good place to watch the parade. The parade starts around seven pm, and the road is closed to traffic from around six thirty. That means you can secure your space on the road after that time.
Pros No.1: Free of charge
It goes without saying that enjoying the parade from the road is free of charge!
Pros No.2: Ease of mobility
It is easy to move from one site to another. There are many food vendors at the parade venue. It would be fun to purchase food while walking around.
Cons No.1: Severe Competition
It might be challenging for tourists to get a good place because the local people also try to get a good place, and they have had many experiences doing so.
Cons No.2: Distance from the parade
If you aren’t successful at getting a good place, you may have to watch the parade by sitting or standing behind many people. Although, I guarantee that the Nebuta parade would still be a fascinating experience, even if you can’t see it up close. However, you may be frustrated not to watch the parade nearby.
These are three alternative ways to witness the Nebuta parade. Which one would you like to try? I hope you find this information helpful!
