This was one of favourite experiences in Japan. The floats are nothing short of mind blowing. The detail and size of these things is so impressive. This is a festival that Sayako has been going to ever since she was born and we've been trying to go to it ever since I arrived in Japan. Of course, COVID got in the way of that plan... until now! Sayako was so happy we could finally make it, that she was crying with happiness.
If you ever get the chance to go, you will not be disappointed.
Some info from their website on the background of the festvial:
"The Goshogawara city Tachineputa Festival is a summer festival held annually between August 4th and August 8th. Along with Aomori Nebuta Festival, Hirosaki Neputa Festival, and Kuroishi Yosare Festival, it is known as one of the four largest festivals of the Tsugaru region. Tachineputa are massive 23-meter (75 feet) tall 19-ton (38000 lbs) parade floats.At this festival, Tachineputa are conveyed through the city of Goshogawara while float carriers and dancers excitedly shout "Yattemare! Yattemare!" The Tachineputa parade never fails to captivate the audience with its unbelievable size and vigor. In addition to the three large tachineputas which are regularly exhibited at the Tachineputa No Yakata (Tachineputa Museum) , a total of 15 floats of various sizes are featured in the festival.
The Origin of the Massive Neputa
The oldest written record regarding tachineputa in Goshogawara dates back to 1907. It notes that great land owners of the time competed against each other to make the highest neputa.
The neputas were said to be visible from neighboring towns as they are recorded to have reached a height of 65 feet. Unfortunately, the massive neputas became obscure as the schematics and records of the massive neputas were lost after two devastating town fires. In 1993, some lost scematics and pictures were found, thus reviving the tachineputas. Today, Goshogawara Tachineputa has gained much popularity as one of the leading summer festivals along Aomori Nebuta and Hirosaki Neputa."
