On Wednesday the 24th we had some time off and used this to our benefit to visit the Tachi Neputa No Yakata (立佞武多館http://www.tachineputa.jp/index.php)
in Goshogawara at about 1.5 hr bus drive from Aomori City. This festival is held at the same time as the Nebuta fesitival in Aomori. (Note the subtle diffrence in spelling. After all Neputa is not Nebuta!) The difference with the Nebutas is particularly in the size. The Neputa are roughly 20 meters high! they are build and stored to be reused in contrast to the Nebuta that are rebuild every year. This image shows the exterio of the building that houses three of the colosus as well as an open workshop where the construction of a Neputa cna be viewed as well as othe exhibition space, a souvenir shop and restaurant. The walk from the station to the building is along delapidated buildings and shows the cities limited wealth. A bit of a surprise awaits upon arrival at this tall building. (Also constructed by Kajima crop.) The large glazed facade on the right can slide away to fully open up to let the Neputas through!