In August 2014 I saw the three big matsuri (festivals) in the northern Tohokuo region. Neputa matsuri in Aomori and Horosaki cities involves pushing and pulling  huge illuminated  floats through the streets accompanied by music and  a
 A car park attendant suggested a free camp site for cyclists and bikers by the ferry port when he'd asked where I was going to camp that night. I followed his car for thirty minutes then came across a car park full of motorbikes. 
 The following evening the campers changed from their leathers into the bright "haneto" costume then rode into town to dance with the neputa along the procession.
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Hanabi
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Hirosaki Neputa
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Akita Kanto Festival
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