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The Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival is held annually from August 4 to August 8 in Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture. As one of the three primary festivals in the region centered on illuminated floats, it is distinguished by the extraordinary vertical scale of its displays. While other festivals in Aomori often feature wide, horizontal floats, Goshogawara is famous for its “Tachineputa,” which stand approximately 23 meters tall—equivalent to a seven-story building—and can weigh up to 19 tons.
The history of these towering structures dates back to the Meiji era, when wealthy merchants competed to build the tallest floats as a display of status. However, the tradition was lost for decades following significant urban fires and the installation of overhead power lines. In the late 1990s, the festival was revived after old blueprints and photographs were discovered. This led the city to relocate its power lines underground specifically to accommodate the return of these massive icons to the streets.
During the evening processions, three of the largest Tachineputa, depicting historical figures or mythological scenes, are paraded through the city. These structures are constructed from wire and paper, intricately painted, and illuminated from within to create a vibrant glow. The parade is characterized by the vigorous “Yattemare, yattemare!” chant, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of large taiko drums and flutes. The giant floats are housed year-round in the Tachineputa no Yakata museum, which features a high-ceilinged hall and a ramp that allows the structures to be rolled directly onto the streets for the festival.
