Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival 2025

Event date:
June 14, 2025 at 3:17 am
Event end:
June 14, 2025 at 3:17 am

Date: Second Saturday of June (June 14th, 2025)
Location: From Onikoshi Sozen Shrine in Takizawa City to Hachimangu Shrine in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
Official Website: (To be updated closer to the event)

Overview
The Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival is one of Iwate Prefecture’s most beloved traditions, celebrated every year on the second Saturday of June. The festival honors Sozen-sama, the guardian deity of horses, and it features a stunning parade of horses known as Umakko. Approximately 100 horses, adorned in magnificent costumes, march along a 14-kilometer route from Onikoshi Sozen Shrine in Takizawa City to Hachimangu Shrine in Morioka City.

The name “Chagu Chagu Umakko” is derived from the sound of the bells that adorn the horses, ringing as they march. The horses are decorated with over 700 bells each, producing a resonant and cheerful sound that marks the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. The procession, accompanied by traditional music, embodies Iwate’s deep connection with horses and agriculture.

History
The origins of the Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival can be traced back to the customs of farmers who lived in Iwate, a region renowned for its horse breeding heritage. In the past, the farmers would take their workhorses to Onikoshi Sozen Shrine after the rice planting season. This pilgrimage was a way to soothe and care for the horses, praying for their well-being on the occasion of Tango no Sekku (Boys’ Day), a traditional event on the lunar calendar. Over time, this practice evolved into a public festival, honoring the bond between humans and horses.

Festival Highlights
The Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival is marked by:

Parade of Horses: Horses, dressed in vibrant costumes and adorned with bells, march along the scenic 14-kilometer route.
Sound of the Bells: Each horse carries over 700 bells, which create the distinct “chagu chagu” sound as they move. The sound is both symbolic and celebratory.
Traditional Attire: The horses’ costumes are crafted with great care, often passed down through generations. These outfits are made in local workshops during the winter months, a time when agricultural work is quieter. The costumes are colorful and elaborate, contributing to the festival’s lively and festive atmosphere.

The Club
The Nanbu Morioka Chagu Chagu Umakko Club plays a crucial role in preserving and continuing this beloved local festival. The club consists of passionate individuals who participate in the parade and dedicate themselves to maintaining the tradition for future generations. This includes breeding workhorses, passing down the skills required for handling horses, and creating their distinctive costumes. The club’s efforts are key to ensuring that Chagu Chagu Umakko remains a cultural treasure for Iwate.

Onikoshi Sozen Shrine
The festival begins at the Onikoshi Sozen Shrine, located in Takizawa City. The shrine is a place of great cultural significance and is closely associated with the worship of horses and Sozen-sama. The Hachimangu Shrine in Morioka City serves as the festival’s endpoint.

Address: 100-3 Ukai Sotokubo, Takizawa, Iwate 020-0659
Tel: 019-684-2111 (Takizawa City Hall)

Access

From Morioka Station to Big Roof or Takizawa City Hall:
Approx. 25 minutes via Iwate Prefectural Transportation, Aoyama Line
Approx. 26 minutes by foot from Big Roof or Takizawa City Hall

Future of the Festival
The Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival continues to be an important event for Iwate Prefecture, drawing visitors from across Japan and around the world. It celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage and deep cultural traditions, especially its connection to horses. The festival is a testament to the people’s love for their horses and the bond they share, ensuring that this vibrant event will continue for generations to come.