Hachinohe Sansha Taisai

Overview

The Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival is a Shinto ritual held annually in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, from July 31 to August 4. This festival is a joint celebration of three shrines located within Hachinohe: Ogami Shrine, Chojasan Shinra Shrine, and Shinmeigu Shrine. During the festival period, approximately 1 million to 1.4 million visitors gather, making it one of the largest festivals in the Tohoku region . On February 6, 2004, the festival's float procession was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, and on November 30, 2016, it was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of 33 "Yama, Hoko, and Yatai float festivals" from across Japan .

The most distinctive feature of the festival is the parade of 27 magnificent doll floats, owned by various neighborhood associations within the city, which accompany the portable shrines of the three shrines as they process through the city center. These floats are enormous, reaching heights of approximately 7 meters and widths of about 8 meters. Their unique mechanism involves dolls that rise up and spread out to the left and right, a characteristic not found in other festivals . The sight of the shrine procession and the float parade moving together as one body conveys the traditions of the castle town of Hachinohe, which have continued since the Edo period, and the spirit of its townspeople.

History and Origins

The origin of the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival dates back to the year 1721 (Kyoho 6) in the mid-Edo period. In that year, influential figures in the Hachinohe domain, troubled by famine, prayed to Horeisha (now Ogami Shrine), the chief guardian shrine of the domain, for recovery from famine and the expulsion of plague. When their prayers were answered, they built a portable shrine (mikoshi) and had it transferred to the Chojasan Kodo-do hall (now Chojasan Shinra Shrine) as an offering of gratitude. This is considered the beginning of the festival . At that time, townspeople followed the portable shrine procession, offering dances and decorated floats, which formed the prototype of the current festival.

Initially, the festival was operated solely by Ogami Shrine, but it underwent a major transformation in the Meiji period when the festival faced a crisis of decline. At the suggestion of Tamon Osawa, a Shinto priest of Ogami Shrine, Chojasan Shinra Shrine joined the procession in 1881 (Meiji 14), followed by Shinmeigu Shrine in 1886 (Meiji 19). This marked the birth of the "Hachinohe Sansha Taisai" as a joint festival of the three shrines . This three-shrine format created a balanced composition: Ogami Shrine within the castle grounds, Shinmeigu Shrine in the castle town, and Shinra Shrine outside the castle, laying the foundation for the festival's development as a city-wide event for all of Hachinohe.

The history of the floats also underwent significant changes from the Edo period to the Meiji period. Records from 1747 (Enkyo 4) mention the first appearance of "dashi" floats offered by townspeople, which at that time were fixed-doll floats featuring figures such as Shingen, Kan'u, and Benkei . However, from around the 1890s (Meiji 20s), these evolved into "furyu" style floats owned by neighborhood associations, which changed their thematic stories every year. This shift indicates a transfer of ownership from wealthy individuals to entire neighborhoods, and the current 27 floats serve as a source of pride and a means of expressing the identity of each neighborhood association.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ancillary events of the festival were canceled for three consecutive years from 2020 (Reiwa 2). However, in 2023 (Reiwa 5), the joint procession of the portable shrines and the float groups was revived, bringing the traditional format, which had continued for over 100 years, back to the streets of Hachinohe . This experience posed new challenges regarding the continuation and management of the festival, while also reaffirming the deep commitment of local residents to the event.

Highlights

The Mikoshi Processions of the Three Shrines The core of the Sansha Taisai is the solemn processions of the three shrines—Ogami, Shinra, and Shinmei—each centered around its portable shrine (mikoshi) and accompanied by Shinto priests, warrior processions, and children's processions. The composition of each shrine's procession reflects its historical and faith-based background: Ogami Shrine includes a lion's head (shishigashira) indicating the influence of mountain asceticism; Shinra Shrine features a warrior procession showing its connection to the domain; and Shinmei Shrine includes a procession of shrine maidens and children in formal attire, suggesting the involvement of the townspeople . The sight of the processions from all three shrines gathering together provides a rare opportunity to experience the multi-layered history and faith of Hachinohe.

27 Giant Doll Floats The floats, reaching heights of about 7 meters and widths of about 8 meters, are constructed with a different theme each year. Their most notable feature is the mechanism that allows the dolls to rise up and spread out to the sides. Having evolved from the traditional doll floats of the Edo period to the furyu-style floats of the Meiji period and later, the floats have incorporated technological advancements such as smoke and light effects that have been introduced since around the 1970s . The sight of these massive floats being skillfully maneuvered by human power around street corners evokes both tension and excitement in the spectators.

Tiger Dance and Folk Performing Arts The procession includes not only the floats and portable shrines but also traditional performing arts groups gathered from various parts of Hachinohe City. The "tiger dance" (toramai), particularly from the Same district, has a venerable history, having been part of the procession since 1820 (Bunsei 3), and the vigorous dance mimicking the movements of a tiger captivates the audience . These folk performing arts are the result of Tamon Osawa's efforts in the Meiji period to expand the festival from a castle town event to a city-wide one by inviting participants from all over Hachinohe, and they continue to symbolize the diversity and regional character of the festival.

Hanayatai (Floral Floats) The Hanayatai are ornate floats carrying geisha musicians, which serve as an important finale to the entire procession. Their origins trace back to the "Yatai Geisha Kurumihiki" (geisha cart-pulling) of 1818 (Bunsei 1), a tradition that has continued since the Edo period . The graceful progress of the Hanayatai to the accompaniment of shamisen and drums provides a beautiful contrast to the dynamic floats and mikoshi processions, adding a touch of elegance to the festival.

The Routes of "O-tori" and "O-kaeri" On August 1, the "O-tori" (going forth) procession proceeds from Shinmei Shrine, Ogami Shrine, and Shinra Shrine in that order towards Chojasan. On August 3, the "O-kaeri" (returning) procession proceeds from Shinmei Shrine, Shinra Shrine, and Ogami Shrine in that order from Chojasan back to Ogami Shrine. These routes preserve the tradition of the Edo-period circuit, which passed through the main streets lined with large merchants and the back streets where artisans lived, thus telling the story of the relationship between the historical landscape of Hachinohe and the festival . Along the parade route, spectators can see the floats and portable shrines up close.

Nighttime Joint Processions During the preliminary festival on July 31 and the after-festival on August 4, the floats are illuminated, and the sound of festival music played simultaneously from all floats creates a fantastical atmosphere against the night sky. The nighttime joint processions offer a different charm from the daytime events, as the dolls and intricate decorations are highlighted by the lighting, appearing even more vivid . The quiet, mysterious nighttime rituals, in contrast to the daytime bustle, represent another captivating aspect of the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai.

Event Information and Access

• Festival Period: Annually from July 31 to August 4 for five days. The schedule is as follows: July 31 is the preliminary festival (zenyasai); August 1 is "O-tori" (divine departure); August 2 is "Chunichi" (middle day); August 3 is "O-kaeri" (divine return); and August 4 is the after-festival (kōyasai). Please check the official website for the latest schedule and event details.
• Event Times: The preliminary and after-festivals are held at night, while the O-tori and O-kaeri processions run from the afternoon to early evening. Specific times vary by year, so advance confirmation is required.
• Location: Central Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. The main parade routes traverse the city's central shopping streets, including the area in front of City Hall, Sannichimachi, Aramachi, Yurinoki-dori, Muikamachi, Kashiwazaki Shimmachi, and Jusannichimachi.
• Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Hon-Hachinohe Station on the JR Hachinohe Line, or about 20 minutes by bus from Hachinohe Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen. It is also accessible by bus or taxi from Misawa Airport. Temporary parking lots are available during the festival period, but traffic restrictions are imposed in the city center, so the use of public transportation is recommended.
• Contact Information: General Incorporated Foundation VISIT Hachinohe (Phone: 0178-70-1110). The Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Executive Committee is responsible for the festival's operations.
• Paid Viewing Seats: Paid viewing seats are available for the O-tori, O-kaeri, and after-festival courses. Tickets are primarily sold in advance through Lawson Ticket, with the sales deadline being one hour before the start of the procession on each day. Tickets are not sold at physical stores or by phone.
• Participation Method: A "Hikentai" (pulling team) system, introduced in 2007, allows people to participate as float pullers. Participation is open to those living outside Hachinohe City, and participants are provided with a happi coat, flower hat, kumihimo towel, official guidebook, and accident insurance. Applications are made through the official website.

Nearby Information

During the festival period, central Hachinohe City transforms into a special space called the "Omatsuri Hiroba" (Festival Square). In the plaza in front of City Hall, events organized by the local Junior Chamber of Commerce and float exhibitions are held, providing a place for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere. Additionally, museums and archives where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Hachinohe are scattered nearby, offering opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the festival between processions.

Hachinohe is also known as a "city of the sea," and the fresh seafood landed at Hachinohe Port is a local specialty. Particularly during the festival period, restaurants throughout the city offer summer specialties such as "Hachinohe Senbei-jiru" (a soup with rice crackers) and dishes featuring seasonal squid and mackerel. Combining a visit to the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai with enjoying Hachinohe's unique food culture is a major attraction of the trip.

The area around Chojasan Shinra Shrine is historically significant as the birthplace of the festival. Ogami Shrine is located within the former Hachinohe Castle grounds, and from its precincts, one can imagine the landscape of the castle town of that era. By visiting these shrines, one can appreciate that the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai is not merely a tourist event but a festival deeply rooted in the faith and history of the region.

Related Information

• Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property: On February 6, 2004, the "Float Event of the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai" was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. The evaluation recognized the clear evolution of the floats from the Edo period to the Meiji period and the strong traditional character of the festival's operational customs .
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: On November 30, 2016, the festival was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of 33 "Yama, Hoko, and Yatai float festivals" from across Japan. To commemorate this, the festival period was extended by one day in 2017 for a special memorial event .
• Ogami Shrine's Solemn Annual Festival: At Ogami Shrine, the annual festival is held on September 2 each year, based on the original festival schedule of Horeisha (the 20th day of the 7th month under the old lunar calendar). On this day, representatives of the float groups and procession participants gather, and it is considered the conclusion of all Sansha Taisai rituals.
• Kagami-style Mounted Ball Game (Dakyu): On August 2 (Chunichi), Kagami-style mounted ball game (kiba-dakyu, a traditional equestrian sport in which riders scoop and throw balls with a mallet, akin to polo) and its on-foot version (kachi-dakyu) are performed at Shinra Shrine. This event, which passes down the traditions of the samurai class, is a valuable symbol of the festival's historical aspects.
• Extant Edo-period Float Dolls: Items such as "Takeda Shingen and a complete float set," "Taikobo and a complete float set," "Empress Jingu and Takenouchi no Sukune," "Tametomo and Islanders," and an "Iron spear tip with the inscription of the year Kyoho 6 (1721)" were designated as tangible cultural properties of Hachinohe City in 2003. They are occasionally pulled out and displayed in the Ogami Shrine procession.
• Weather Contingency Plans: On August 1 and 3, the procession is postponed to the following day in case of bad weather. On August 2, the procession is canceled. The procession may be held even in rainy weather, so rain gear is necessary. The decision to postpone or cancel is announced by the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai headquarters.

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