Every year in June, the city of Morioka in Iwate Prefecture hosts one of the most unique festivals in northern Japan: Chagu Chagu Umakko. This richly decorated horse parade, punctuated with crystalline bell sounds, celebrates the importance of horses in local agriculture.
A unique festival dedicated to horses
Chagu Chagu Umakko is held on the second Saturday in June in Morioka, Tōhoku region. This festival celebrates the horses that have long been essential to the agricultural life of Iwate Prefecture. Its name, “chagu chagu”, comes from the Japanese onomatopoeia which evokes the regular tingling of hundreds of bells hanging on the horses’ equipment. This sound is so emblematic that it has been named “the soundscape of Japan”.
A ceremonial journey full of history
The heart of the festival is a parade of about one hundred horses, each harnessed with traditional colorful equipment and weighing nearly 60 kilos. These ornaments are made by hand, transmitted from generation to generation. The procession simmers at the Onikoshisōzen shrine and reaches the Morioka Hachimangu shrine on a course of about 15 kilometers. Throughout the journey, residents and visitors can admire these decorated horses and listen to the regular ringing of the bells.
Deep links between man and animal
The Iwate region is historically recognized for the quality of its horses. In some rural areas, including Morioka, it was not uncommon for residents to share their homes with their animals. This strong link is reflected in the way horses are treated with respect and affection, especially during Chagu Chagu Umakko. During the parade stops, the public is invited to approach the horses, offer them carrots and enjoy quiet moments of sharing.
Practical tips for attending the festival
To get there, the simplest is to borrow the Tōhoku Shinkansen to Morioka station. From there, buses (including line 16) serve the starting sanctuary. It is advisable to arrive in advance to find a good place on the course, especially in break areas such as the banks of the Nakatsu river or upon arrival at the Hachimangu sanctuary. Make sure you do not use flashes by photographing the horses to avoid frightening them.
Chagu Chagu Umakko is a rare immersion in the rural traditions of northern Japan, where aesthetics, natural bell music and deep attachment to the animal world offer a peaceful and sensory experience. This festival remains little known to international visitors, but it perfectly embodies the richness of Japanese regional culture, far from urban agitation.
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