When people think of summer festivals in Aomori, the “Aomori Nebuta Festival,” “Hirosaki Neputa Festival,” and “Goshogawara Tachineputa” from the Tsugaru region often come to mind. However, Hachinohe City also boasts a spectacular summer festival—the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai—that rivals any of these events. This article introduces highlights of the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai from a traveler’s perspective and offers tips on how to make the most of your visit.

Hachinohe Sansha Taisai– What Is It?

The Hachinohe Sansha Taisai is the largest summer festival in the Hachinohe area, held annually over five days from July 31 to August 4. It is a joint festival of three local shrines located in the heart of Hachinohe City: Ogami Shrine , Chōjasan Shinra Shrine, and Shinmei Shrine. The festival boasts a history of around 300 years.

The festival is said to have originated in 1721 (Kyōhō 6), when a mikoshi (portable shrine) was carried from Ogami Shrine to the shrine hall at Chōjasan (now Shinra Shrine) in thanks for a successful harvest following a rain-prayer ritual held the previous year.

Over time, festival floats featuring dolls and parades with traditional tiger dances were added. In 1884 (Meiji 17), Shinra Shrine officially joined the event, followed five years later by Shinmei Shrine, forming the three-shrine celebration we see today. It was around this time that the custom of crafting new floats every year also began—shaping the festival’s current form.

One of the most remarkable features of this festival is that, unlike the Aomori Nebuta Festival where floats are made by professional artisans, the floats of Hachinohe Sansha Taisai are handmade by local volunteers who take time out of their regular jobs. Each group of float-makers brings unique ideas and decorations to their float each year.

Key highlights include the grand mikoshi processions from the three shrines and the dazzling floats inspired by myths and kabuki theater. These floats, measuring up to 10 meters high and 8 meters wide, are illuminated at night to create a magical atmosphere.

The festival was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset in 2004, and in 2016, it was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

What’s the General Schedule for the Five Days?

During the five days of the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai, a variety of events take place—including float displays, parades, and shrine ceremonies—at different times and locations. It’s best to check the daily schedule in advance to plan your visit accordingly.

To help you visualize when each event is held, we’ve created a simplified overview of the festival schedule.

*Please note that this schedule is based on previous years and is subject to change.

[Float Display] July 31 & August 4

On the first night (July 31) for the “Eve Festival” and the last night (August 4) for the “Closing Festival,” all floats are displayed at once along the main street in downtown Hachinohe and in front of City Hall. There are no parades on these days, so it’s a great chance to view the floats up close at a relaxed pace. The displays are typically held from 6:00 PM to around 9:00 PM.

[Opening Ceremony] August 1

The Hachinohe Sansha Taisai kicks off at Ogami Shrine with the solemn sound of conch shells and a performance of Hōryo Kagura. This ritualistic dance, dedicated to the shrine’s deity Hōryo Daimyōjin, is a Yamabushi-style kagura prayer for household safety and good health. Visit Ogami Shrine around 1:30 PM to witness this traditional start to the festival.

[Joint Shrine and Float Parade] August 1 & 3

On August 1 (Otōri Day) and August 3 (Okaeri Day), procession routes wind through central Hachinohe as mikoshi (portable shrines) from the three shrines are paraded around town. The floats accompany the processions as “attached festivals” (tsukematsuri), with local performing arts like the tiger dance and Hōryo Kagura enriching the atmosphere. These joint parades take place from about 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

[Nighttime Float Parade] August 2

August 2, the middle day of the festival, features the only nighttime parade. The illuminated floats glowing against the night sky create an enchanting and unforgettable spectacle. Parade hours are approximately 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

[Festival Plaza] August 2, 3 & 4

From August 2 to 4, the Festival Plaza in front of Hachinohe City Hall comes alive with food and fun, hosted by the Hachinohe Junior Chamber. Visitors can enjoy booths from popular local restaurants, children’s fair games, a thrilling haunted house, and live performances by guest artists. It draws large crowds every day during the festival.

[Chōjasan Shinra Shrine Festival]

[Kagami-ryū Kiba Dakyū/Kagami-style Horseback Polo]

[Kachidakyū/Traditional Ground Polo] – August 2

On August 2, after the ritual at Chōjasan Shinra Shrine, a traditional horseback polo event called “Kiba Dakyū” takes place at Sakura no Baba. In this competition, riders split into red and white teams and attempt to scoop up balls using long mallets and throw them into a goal net while on horseback. This rare equestrian sport is currently held in only three locations across Japan.

In 1972, it was designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Aomori Prefecture.

There is also a version of the game played on foot called “Kachidakyū,” in which local high school students wearing hakama garments perform the ritual match.

[Ogami Shrine Central Day Festival] August 2

This is the most sacred ritual of the entire Hachinohe Sansha Taisai. Held at the main hall of Ogami Shrine, the ceremony is open to the public for attendance.

To sum it up simply: If you want to see floats lined up and stationary at night, go on the Eve Festival (July 31) or Closing Festival (August 4). For watching the combined shrine and float parades during the day, Otōri (August 1) and Okaeri (August 3) are ideal. If you’d like to experience both shrine rituals and the Kiba Dakyū horseback polo along with a nighttime float parade, plan for the Central Day (August 2).

8 Insider Tips to Enjoy Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Like a Local

Simply watching the dazzling floats and sampling food from the many street vendors is already fun, but stepping a bit deeper into the experience will let you enjoy the festival on a whole new level.

① Compare the Unique Features of Each Shrine Procession

The biggest highlight for visitors is the combined shrine and float parades held on Otōri (August 1) and Okaeri (August 3). Each procession has a set order: on Otōri, the order is Shinmei Shrine → Ogami Shrine → Chōjasan Shinra Shrine. On Okaeri, it changes to Shinmei Shrine → Chōjasan Shinra Shrine → Ogami Shrine. Floats accompany each shrine’s procession as part of the “attached festival” (tsukematsuri), following behind in a structured order.

Each shrine’s procession also has its own distinct character.

Shinmei Shrine is known for its charming miko procession, where children dressed in shrine maiden attire parade through the streets.

Ogami Shrine features the powerful “Issen Hauchi” performance of the Hōryo Kagura, a sacred dance honoring the deity Hōryo Daimyōjin. The origin of the festival traces back to a monk named Hōryō, who is said to have sacrificed himself in a rainmaking ritual to save people suffering from drought. The Hōryo Kagura is dedicated to this revered figure.

Chōjasan Shinra Shrine’s procession features strong samurai influences, with participants dressed in armor and traditional warrior costumes, often riding horses—offering a glimpse into Japan’s martial heritage.

② Try Offering a Hatsuho-ryō (Ritual offering）

During the mikoshi processions by the three shrines, you’ll see donation boxes carried along the route. If you get the chance, try offering a *hatsuho-ryō*—a traditional gift of gratitude to the gods. These boxes differ in color and design by shrine, but they can be identified by paper streamers (*shide*) hanging from square containers.

Formally, the donation includes money and rice wrapped in ceremonial or plain paper, but using a decorative envelope (*noshibukuro*) is also acceptable.

Place your offering in a small envelope and drop it into the box. While it’s usually difficult to approach the parade, this is a rare moment when you can get up close—making the experience even more memorable.

③ Let the Festival Tiger Bite Your Head

The traditional *toramai* (tiger dance) is a mesmerizing two-person performance where the “tiger” rolls on the ground, stands up on shoulders, and performs other acrobatic moves. Historically, it has been performed as a ritual to prevent fires and ensure maritime safety.

It’s believed that having your head “bitten” by the tiger brings protection from illness and misfortune. Try catching the tiger’s eye and leaning your head forward—it just might grant you a lucky chomp!

④ Learn the Float Categories and How to Identify Them

The floats, often themed around folktales or kabuki scenes, can generally be classified into four main types. If you can tell them apart, you’ve reached expert-level festival knowledge!

Rock-style Floats (Iwa-dashi)

These floats feature rocky landscapes as their centerpiece, often with pine trees, autumn foliage, and waterfalls to complete the scene.

Wave-style Floats (Nami-dashi)

These depict dramatic seascapes. With boats as the central element, the waves swirl around to bring the ocean to life.

Architectural-style Floats (Tatemono-dashi)

These floats center around grand structures such as large gates or portions of traditional castles.

Railing-style Floats (Kōran-dashi)

Kōran-style floats are characterized by red railings that surround the platform. The rear section is built higher, with decorative roof flowers adorning the sides.

⑥ Watch the Floats Fully Unfold

Each float can expand to a maximum of 8 meters in width, 11 meters in depth, and 10 meters in height. However, in narrow streets, space for expansion is limited. For the best viewing experience, we recommend watching from the main streets: Nijūsannichimachi, Jūsannichimachi, and Mikkamachi. Paid seating is also available during the three major parade days—Otōri (Aug 1), Chūnichi (Aug 2), and Okaeri (Aug 3)—allowing you to enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of a chair. Note that the parade route differs each day; refer to the maps below for details.

*Note: In areas without paid seating, some floats may temporarily close or pause depending on the float team’s discretion.

⑦ Collect Shrine Stamps (Goshuin) from the Three Shrines

Since this is a festival dedicated to the three shrines, why not collect special *goshuin* (shrine stamps) as a memento? Visit each shrine, offer a prayer, then ask at the shrine office. Once you receive the stamp, make sure to offer a small *hatsuho-ryō* donation.

At Hōryosan Ogami Shrine, limited-edition goshuin are issued daily during the five days of the festival. In 2024, fan-shaped omamori (charms) were also distributed. Some visitors return each day just to collect them all!

⑧ Offer Tips (*Ohineri*) in the Yokocho Alley

During the festival nights, performers from float teams, kagura dancers, and tiger dancers visit restaurants and izakaya in the yokocho alleyways, entertaining with music and traditional dances. When you offer a tip (*ohineri*), they might treat you to a private performance—or even let the tiger bite your head for good luck! Small decorative envelopes are perfect for ohineri, so bring a few along and explore the nightlife!

⑨ Enjoy a Festival-Inspired Cocktail at “Prince” Bar

Located in Rensa-gai, Nagayokocho, “Prince” is a long-standing bar that opened in 1957. It’s known for serving original cocktails inspired by Hachinohe’s landmarks and local festivals.

After watching the floats, why not visit “Prince” and enjoy a cocktail themed after the Sansha Taisai parade itself?

From left to right: a wave-themed float (Nami-dashi), a structure-based float featuring gates or castles (Tatemono-dashi), a rocky float with waterfalls and pine trees (Iwa-dashi), and a railing-style float surrounded by red handrails (Kōran-dashi). For each cocktail ordered, ¥100 is donated to the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Float Promotion Association.

Top 3 Places to View the Floats Outside of the Festival Period

If you can’t visit during the festival dates or happen to miss the parades due to timing, don’t worry—there are several spots in Hachinohe where you can still enjoy the floats year-round.

① Youtree

Located directly connected to Hachinohe Station, Youtree’s main hall features an informative exhibit on the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai. You’ll also find a life-size “half-cut float” reproducing the front portion of an actual float.

② Hachinohe Portal Museum “Hacchi”

On the 2nd floor of Hachinohe Portal Museum “Hacchi,” you’ll find a permanent display of a wave-style float (*Nami-dashi*) known for its dynamic splash effects.

③ Hachinohe City Hall Main Building

On the first floor of Hachinohe City Hall’s main building, you can view a 1/5 scale float titled “Journey to the West.”

Closing Thoughts

First held over 300 years ago, the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai has evolved with the times, yet remains a deeply rooted tradition. Children join in as float pullers or drummers, and when they grow up, they return with their own children—passing down the spirit of the festival across generations.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the parade and shrine processions from 2020 to 2022. Even after the festival resumed, there were fewer participating schoolchildren, revealing growing concerns about succession. Nevertheless, preserving this cultural heritage is essential to maintaining Japan’s unique identity and local spirit.

Every year from July 31 to August 4, Hachinohe’s city center is filled with excitement, celebrating the short but vibrant summer of Aomori. Come and experience it for yourself!