Introducing the event schedule and performing group information for the traditional winter festival of Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, “Hachinohe Enburi” in 2026.
The information shown here is tentative.
Updates will be made as details are confirmed or added.
About Enburi
“Hachinohe Enburi,” one of Aomori’s three major winter festivals, is a local performing art designated as an important national intangible folk cultural property. Its name comes from the farming tool “eburi” used to level fields, and it is a performance dedicated to praying for a bountiful harvest, passed down in the Hachinohe region.
Held annually from February 17th to 20th, the festival features various events, starting with the “**Hono**” (dedication) at Chojasan Shinra Shrine, followed by the “**Issei-zuri**” (mass dance) where over 30 groups perform simultaneously in the center of Hachinohe, and the “**Oniwa Enburi**” held in the garden of a wealthy merchant’s former residence built during the Meiji period.
The unique “suri” dance, where the “tayu” dancers wearing the symbolic eboshi hat swing their heads vigorously, and the celebratory performances led by adorable children, captivate audiences, and many tourists return every year.
Hachinohe Enburi 2026 Event Schedule
February 17, 2026 (Tuesday)
- 7:00 AM ～
- Chojasan Shinra Shrine
- 8:00 AM ～ 9:00 AM
- Chojasan Shinra Shrine
- 10:00 AM
- Choja Matsuringu Square
～ Hachinohe City Center - 10:40 AM ～ 11:20 AM
- Hachinohe City Center
- 12:15 PM
- Hachinohe City Hall Main Building Citizen Square
- 1:00 PM ～ 4:00 PM
- SG GROUP Hall Hachinohe (Hachinohe City Public Hall)
- 5:00 PM ～ 6:10 PM
7:15 PM ～8:20 PM - Kojokaku
- 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM
- Hachinohe City Hall Main Building Citizen Square
February 18, 2026 (Wednesday)
- 11:00 AM ～ 12:00 PM
- Historic Site Nejo Plaza
- 1:00 PM ～ 4:00 PM
- SG GROUP Hall Hachinohe (Hachinohe City Public Hall)
- 5:00 PM ～6:10 PM
7:15 PM ～8:20 PM - Kojokaku
- 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM
- Hachinohe City Hall Main Building Citizen Square
February 19, 2026 (Thursday)
- 11:00 AM ～ 12:00 PM
- Historic Site Nejo Plaza
- 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM
- Hachinohe City Hall Main Building Citizen Square
- 5:00 PM ～ 6:10 PM
7:15 PM ～ 8:20 PM - Kojokaku
- 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM
- Hachinohe City Hall Main Building Citizen Square
February 20, 2026 (Friday)
- 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM
- Hachinohe City Hall Main Building Citizen Square
- 5:00 PM ～ 6:10 PM
7:15 PM ～ 8:20 PM - Kojokaku
- 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM
- Hachinohe City Hall Main Building Citizen Square
*The schedule and participating groups may change depending on the weather and other conditions.
Performance Schedule by Event
Hono (Dedication), Enburi Procession, and Issei-zuri (Mass Dance)
Every year on the morning of February 17th, the Enburi groups gather at Chojasan Shinra Shrine to perform “**Hono**” (dedication) in front of the main hall. The Enburi performed before the deity has a solemn atmosphere.
After the dedication, the Enburi groups move to Choja Matsuringu Square and perform Enburi at their leisure while waiting for the start of the “**Enburi Procession**.” The procession then parades through the center of Hachinohe City.
The “**Issei-zuri**” (mass dance) is performed when the groups arrive in the city center. The simultaneous dance by over 30 Enburi groups gathered in the city center is a magnificent sight and one of the biggest highlights of the festival.
- Venue
- 《Hono》《Photo Session》
Chojasan Shinra Shrine
Open Map
《Enburi Procession》
Choja Matsuringu Square
Open Map
《Issei-zuri (Mass Dance)》
Hachinohe City Center
Open Map - Schedule
- February 17, 2026 (Tuesday)
《Hono (Dedication)》7:00 AM ~
《Photo Session》8:00 AM ~ 9:00 AM
《Enburi Procession》10:00 AM ~
《Issei-zuri (Mass Dance)》10:40 AM ~ 11:20 AM - Admission
- Free
Gozen Enburi
A remnant of the Enburi originally performed in front of the lord, it is now performed in front of the mayor of Hachinohe and other officials. It is open to the public.
- Venue
- Hachinohe City Hall Main Building Citizen Square
Open Map - Schedule
- February 17, 2026 (Tuesday) 12:15 PM ~
- Admission
- Free
Enburi Performance
The “**Enburi Performance**” is held at SG GROUP Hall Hachinohe (Hachinohe City Public Hall). You can enjoy the full charm of Enburi, including the powerful “suri” and the adorable celebratory dances, in detail.
- Venue
- SG GROUP Hall Hachinohe (Hachinohe City Public Hall)
Open Map - Schedule
- February 17, 2026 (Tuesday) 1:00 PM ~ 4:00 PM
February 18, 2026 (Wednesday) 1:00 PM ~ 4:00 PM
Oniwa Enburi
Enburi was once performed in the dirt floors or tatami rooms of wealthy landowners and merchants. “**Oniwa Enburi**” recreates that old-world atmosphere in the garden of the former residence of a Meiji-era zaibatsu, “Kojokaku.”
The Enburi performed in the night garden has a different, mystical feel from the daytime. You can enjoy this luxurious moment like a “master of the house,” savoring amazake and Hachinohe senbei soup that come with the viewing ticket.
Special Oniwa Enburi-only sets will also be on sale at the venue. Please use them for drinks, snacks, or souvenirs.
- Venue
- Registered Tangible Cultural Property Kojokaku
Open Map - Schedule
- February 17, 2026 (Tuesday) 5:00 PM~, 7:15 PM~
February 18, 2026 (Wednesday) 5:00 PM~, 7:15 PM~
February 19, 2026 (Thursday) 5:00 PM~, 7:15 PM~
February 20, 2026 (Friday) 5:00 PM~, 7:15 PM~ - Admission
- 3,500 yen ~ 4,000 yen (with souvenir)
*Advance tickets only - How to Purchase
- Nationwide Lawson/Ministop Loppi terminals
Kagaribi Enburi
The “**Kagaribi Enburi**” is held at night during the festival. Enburi is performed in the Hachinohe City Hall Main Building Citizen Square. After sunset, the dance of the “tayu” dancers, with their shimmering eboshi hats, and the festive hayashi music echoing in the night sky, are full of emotion. It offers a different kind of charm from the daytime performances.
Additionally, food and drink stalls will be open from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Citizen Square.
- Venue
- Hachinohe City Hall Main Building Citizen Square
Open Map - Schedule
- February 17, 2026 (Tuesday) 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM
February 18, 2026 (Wednesday) 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM
February 19, 2026 (Thursday) 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM
February 20, 2026 (Friday) 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM - Admission
- Free
Enburi Public Performance
The “**Enburi Public Performance**” is held on a special stage in the Hachinohe City Hall Main Building Citizen Square. The Enburi performed during the daytime has a very festive atmosphere. Everyone is welcome to watch.
Additionally, food and drink stalls will be open from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Citizen Square.
- Venue
- Hachinohe City Hall Main Building Citizen Square
Open Map - Schedule
- February 19, 2026 (Thursday) 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM
February 20, 2026 (Friday) 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - Admission
- Free
Historic Site Nejo Enburi
Held in front of the main hall of the **Historic Site Nejo**, which was the center of the Hachinohe region from the Kamakura period to the early Edo period and is also selected as one of Japan’s 100 greatest castles.
The adjacent Hachinohe City Museum also holds a special exhibition, “Enburi Exhibition.”
*Please see the Hachinohe City Museum website for information on the “Enburi Exhibition.”
- Venue
- Historic Site Nejo Plaza
Open Map - Schedule
- February 18, 2026 (Wednesday) 11:00 AM ~ 12:00 PM
February 19, 2026 (Thursday) 11:00 AM ~ 12:00 PM - Admission
- General: 250 yen, High school/University student: 150 yen, Elementary/Junior high school student: Free
*This is the admission fee for the Historic Site Nejo Plaza.
