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Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival (Morioka/Takizawa)

The sound of bells ringing and the beautifully adorned parade.

During the Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival, about 100 horses parade from Sozen Shrine in Takizawa to Hachimangu Shrine in Morioka. When these elegantly dressed horses walk, the bells attached to their clothing ring, and it makes the sound “chagu chagu.” This sound has come to mean the beginning of summer to local people, and the Ministry of the Environment has recognized it as one of the 100 sounds and sights of Japan that should be preserved.
The horses that set out from Sozen Shrine pass Morioka station and continue on Chuo Dori (avenue), taking a break on Nakanohashi Bridge. Here, onlookers can pet the horses and take pictures with them. Then, some of the horses continue on to Morioka Hachimangu Shrine. This festival used to take place during the Boy’s Day celebration on the old calendar, but now it is held on the second Saturday in June. It is said that even if it rains on this day, the festival will make the rain stop.
After the horses have left Sozen Shrine, children don wooden horse costumes and perform a dance called “koma-odori” for the god of the shrine. At New Year’s the Umakko horses are brought to a shrine to pray for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. Nanbu has been famous for its horses since the Nara era, and this festival shows the area’s traditional character.

Information

Dates: 2nd Saturday in June
Location: From Onikoshisozen Shrine in Takizawa to Hachimangu Shrine in Morioka.
Inquiries: Chagu Chagu Umakko Preservation Association Office (Part of Morioka Tourist Section)
URL: http://www.iwatetabi.jp/

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