Aomori, a mountainous prefecture on the coast, is at the northernmost tip of Honshu Island.

The annual Aomori Nebuta Festival in Aomori city, the center of the prefecture, is renowned throughout Japan and the world.

The Nebuta Festival features a parade of huge lanterns in the shape of samurai warriors.

The lanterns are made with wooden or bamboo frames and covered with brightly colored paper.

Most of the warriors depicted are historically famous generals or are characters from well-known kabuki plays.