A summer festival held every year from August 1 to 4 on Chuo-dori in Morioka. It is said to have begun when people, delighted that the deity of Mitsuishi Shrine had driven away a demon, danced while chanting “sansa, sansa.” A colorful parade to flutes and drums continues through the evening, and the festival holds a Guinness World Record for simultaneous Japanese taiko drumming (2,571 people in 2007, 3,437 in 2014).
The parade, with taiko groups dancing while beating drums held at their chests together with flutists and dancers, is thrilling. On the final day, the 4th, the festival ends with the world-class Great Taiko Parade of drummers only and a grand wa-odori circle dance that spectators also join.
Each day on Chuo-dori. May end earlier. Official information for 2026
After the parade, the spots with hanaguruma flower carts are where spectators can join in. From the official English page
Official information for 2026
August 1–4, around the parade venue. Official information for 2026
Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.
Early August brings a string of summer festivals across Tohoku and accommodation gets busy, so book early. Staying at Tsunagi Onsen is another option
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ExperienceTohoku ・ Morioka & Koiwai
The visitor area of Koiwai Farm in Shizukuishi, Iwate Prefecture. You can tour cattle barns designated as Important Cultural Properties, ride horses, and join programs that take you around the farm. It's about 35 minutes by bus from Morioka Station, or about 15 minutes by car from Morioka IC.
FebruaryTohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen
From 2026, held every year on the second Friday and Saturday of February (the Friday and Saturday just before the Bonden events; changed to the second Friday and Saturday on a trial basis through 2029)
2027: Feb 12 (Fri) & Feb 13 (Sat)
April–MayTohoku ・ Hirosaki
Usually late April to early May (timed to the cherry blossom season; April 10 – May 5 in 2026)
2027: Apr 16 (Fri) – May 5 (Wed, holiday), 20 days
May
AugustTohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen
Every year August 3–6 (night kanto on all 4 days; daytime kanto = Myogi Taikai skills competition on the 4th–6th)
AugustTohoku ・ Aomori & Hakkoda
Every year August 2–7 (eve festival on August 1; night parades August 2–6; daytime parade, evening sea parade and Aomori Fireworks Festival on the 7th)
AugustTohoku ・ Sendai & Matsushima
Every year August 6–8 (Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival as the eve event on August 5)
August
December–FebruaryTohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
The light-up is usually held on selected days from late December to late February (36 days between December 27 and February 22 in the 2025–2026 season). The best season for the snow monsters is late January to late February
DecemberDates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.
Last checked: 2026-10-02
