Chagu Chagu Umakko: Festival of Workhorse Horses Adorned in Colorful Ceremonial Trappings

Chagu Chagu Umakko

Held the second Saturday of June between Takizawa and Morioka, Iwate, Chagu Chagu Umakko is a traditional festival of thanksgiving for horses that worked the fields all year. Designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Highlights

• Magnificent Trappings: Horses adorned with vibrant red, blue, and yellow decorations and bells
• Bell Sounds: The distinctive "chagu chagu" ringing of bells on about 100 horses
• 15km Route: Walking from Onigoe Sozen Shrine (Takizawa) to Morioka Hachimangu Shrine (Morioka)
• Children on Horseback: Local children riding decorated horses during the parade

Schedule

• Around 9am: Depart from Onigoe Sozen Shrine in Takizawa
• Around 2pm: Arrive at Morioka Hachimangu Shrine in Morioka

Getting There

• Multiple viewing spots near the finish line around JR Morioka Station
• Starting area near Takizawa IC

Tips

Free viewing anywhere along the route. Flash photography is strictly prohibited as horses pass close by. Please watch quietly to avoid startling the horses.

📚 Sources

This article is based on publicly available information from Takizawa City, Morioka City, and Iwate Prefecture regarding the Chagu Chagu Umakko, materials published by the local tourism association, and publicly released explanations of the event as a nationally Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The event is generally held on the second Saturday of June, but the parade route, times, and roadside traffic restrictions can vary from year to year. Dates, schedules, and details of traffic restrictions are subject to change, so please check the official information from the organizers, local government, or tourism association before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: The procession itself covers roughly 14 kilometers from Takizawa to Morioka over about four hours. If you watch at either the start or the finish, allow about half a day including travel.
• What to bring / prepare: As an early-summer outdoor event, bring a hat and drinks for sun protection; comfortable walking shoes help during the waiting time along the route.
• Viewing etiquette: The horses are adorned to honor their farm labor. There may be chances to get close, but watching quietly so as not to startle them is best.
• Suggested route: Decide in advance whether to watch near the shrine at the start in Takizawa or near the shrine at the finish in Morioka, then wait for the procession of about 100 bell-ringing horses.
• Beating the crowds: The roadsides fill with spectators on the day, so plan to arrive early. Using public transport helps you avoid the impact of traffic restrictions.