Chagu Chagu Umakko: Morioka's Parade of Decorated Horses

Every June, dozens of horses in bright finery and jingling bells walk from Takizawa to Morioka in one of Tohoku's loveliest summer traditions.

Published October 21, 2026 at 5:29 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Chagu Chagu Umakko is a horse parade held in Iwate Prefecture, usually on the second Saturday of June. Dozens of horses in colorful costumes and hundreds of tiny bells walk about 14 kilometers from Oniko Sozen Shrine in Takizawa to Morioka Hachiman Shrine. The name imitates the sound of the bells, which Japan has recognized as one of its 100 Soundscapes.

Many travelers first hear about this festival through a photo of a gorgeously dressed horse with a child on its back, and then wonder what it is all about. The answer is a gentle, joyful thank you to the horses that once worked side by side with farmers. This guide explains the name, the history, the costumes, the route and the practical details, so you can plan a visit to Morioka with confidence.

What is Chagu Chagu Umakko?

Chagu Chagu Umakko is a procession of richly decorated horses that travels between two shrines in northern Japan's Iwate Prefecture. The word "umakko" is an affectionate Tohoku dialect way of saying "horse", a little like calling a horse a pony or a dear old friend. "Chagu chagu" is an onomatopoeic word, a sound word, that imitates the bells hanging from each animal as it takes a step.

The parade begins at Oniko Sozen Shrine in the city of Takizawa, which is dedicated to Sozen, a guardian deity of horses. It ends at Morioka Hachiman Shrine in the prefectural capital, Morioka. Along the way the horses pass fields, bridges, shopping streets and the broad avenues of the city center, so the whole journey feels like a moving festival of color and sound.

Different sources count between roughly fifty and about one hundred horses, because the number varies from year to year. Local households prepare their own horses and costumes, which gives the event a warm, community feeling that is easy to sense from the sidewalk.

History and origins

The festival grew out of the close bond between farmers and horses in Iwate. The region has been known for horse breeding since ancient times, and the sturdy horses of the Nanbu area became famous for their size and strength. In the peaceful Edo period, horses moved from military use to farm and forestry work, and many families kept them in the same building as the household, in the L-shaped Nanbu magari-ya farmhouses.

According to local tradition, farmers gave their horses a day of rest and took them to Oniko Sozen Shrine on the fifth day of the fifth month of the old lunar calendar, a seasonal holiday called Tango no Sekku. After the hard work of rice planting, they prayed for the animals' health and freedom from illness. Owners began dressing their horses in bells and splendid gear for the visit, and over time that custom became the festival.

The date has shifted with the calendar. It was first tied to the lunar fifth day of the fifth month, then moved to June 15 in 1958, and since 2001 it has been held on the second Saturday of June. The national government recognized it as an intangible folk cultural property in 1978.

Why the bells matter

The bells are the heart of the experience. A fully dressed horse can carry a very large number of them, with sources mentioning as many as 700, and the combined costume is reported to weigh around 60 kilograms. Each step makes the gentle, rhythmic jingle that gives the festival its name.

A larger, donut-shaped bell worn around the neck was originally used to warn off wolves. In 1996 the Ministry of the Environment selected the sound of the horse bells as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan, a list of sounds worth protecting. That recognition tells you something useful: this is a festival to listen to as much as to watch, so take a moment to close your eyes and let the sound roll past.

Costumes and decoration

The costumes are the visual highlight. Horses wear bright, layered cloth in red and other vivid colors, along with decorative harness, tassels and ornaments. The designs are said to descend from the packhorse gear used in the processions of feudal lords, and many people see the decoration as an expression of affection for the animals.

Some horses carry small children dressed in festive clothing, which makes the parade especially photogenic. Each household makes its own costume, and the care shown in the stitching and color combinations is part of the pride of the day.

Before the horses reach central Morioka, marching bands, dancers and baton twirlers often parade through the main street, which warms up the crowd. The horses then follow at a slow, dignified pace.

When and where it is held

The parade usually takes place on the second Saturday of June, starting in the morning in Takizawa and finishing at Morioka Hachiman Shrine in the early afternoon. The full walk covers about 14 kilometers (different sources give figures from 13 to 15) and takes roughly four hours, including rest stops.

Because dates, routes and timetables can change, check the official pages of the preservation society and the Morioka or Takizawa city governments before you travel. Published schedules usually list the departure time, the rest stops and the passing times at landmarks such as the bridges and Morioka Station.

What happens along the route

The day starts at Oniko Sozen Shrine, where horses and handlers gather before setting out in the morning. The route crosses countryside, with views of Mount Iwate in clear weather, then enters Morioka by way of several river bridges.

There are two main resting points where the horses take a break, and visitors can usually gather close by. At these stops people can photograph the costumes, admire the bells up close, and sometimes offer a carrot as a reward for the long walk. Aoyama-machi and the Zaimokucho shopping street are among the places where the horses have rested, and a riverside spot near Nakatsu is another.

After passing in front of Morioka Station and crossing the Kaiun Bridge, near the ruins of Morioka Castle (now Iwate Park), the procession arrives at Morioka Hachiman Shrine, where the horses are welcomed and their work for the day is done.

How to get there and where to watch

Morioka is easy to reach by Tohoku Shinkansen, and the Hayabusa train from Tokyo takes roughly two hours and ten minutes. From Morioka Station you can see the parade in the city center, where the route runs past the station, the main avenue and the bridges, or you can travel to Takizawa to see the start.

To reach Oniko Sozen Shrine, take a local bus bound for the Takizawa branch office and get off at Takizawa Ugai, then walk about 20 minutes. On festival day, special shuttle buses usually connect Morioka Station with the shrine, though the fare and schedule can vary, so confirm the details in advance. Popular viewing spots in the city, such as the area around Kaiun Bridge, fill up early, so arriving ahead of the horses is wise.

Tips for visitors and etiquette

The most important rule is to respect the horses, which are sensitive animals. Never stand behind a horse, keep a reasonable distance, and avoid loud noises. Do not use flash photography, and drones are prohibited. Follow the instructions of the handlers and staff, who guide people at the rest stops.

Come prepared for early summer weather, which can be warm in the sun and cool in the shade, with a hat and water. Restrooms are available at the starting shrine and at several points on the route, and English announcements have been provided from the lead vehicle in the past.

For souvenirs, look for handmade Chagu Chagu Umakko dolls, which are popular as lucky charms, as well as towels, T-shirts and horse-themed pin badges sold along the route.

Combine it with nearby sights

Morioka Hachiman Shrine, the finish line, is worth a walk before or after the horses arrive. Iwate Park, built on the site of Morioka Castle, is a pleasant place to stroll, and the central streets make for easy exploring on foot.

If you have extra days in Iwate, consider a trip south to the temples of Hiraizumi, which belong to a World Heritage site. Combined with the parade, they make a rich introduction to the history and landscape of northern Tohoku.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Chagu Chagu Umakko held?

It is usually held on the second Saturday of June each year. The parade departs from Takizawa in the morning and reaches Morioka Hachiman Shrine in the early afternoon. Because schedules and routes can change, check the preservation society or Morioka City websites for the current program before you book travel.

Why is it called Chagu Chagu Umakko?

"Chagu chagu" imitates the jingling sound of the bells each horse wears, and "umakko" is a friendly Tohoku dialect word for horse. Together the name describes the festival's most memorable feature: the sound of dozens of bell-covered horses walking slowly together through the city.

Can visitors touch or feed the horses?

Visitors are generally welcome to meet the horses at the rest points, where feeding carrots has been a popular way to thank them. Always follow staff instructions, never stand behind a horse, avoid flash and loud noises, and keep a respectful distance because the animals can be easily startled.

Further Reading

To explore further, see Japan National Tourism Organization: Chagu Chagu Umakko, Chagu Chagu Umakko and Iwate Tourism: Chagu Chagu Umakko.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Yabusame: Mounted Archery at Japan's Shrines, Hiraizumi: Golden Temples of Northern Japan and Akita Kanto Matsuri: Balancing Lantern Poles at Night.