Matsuri Guide

Name in Japanese and English

• チャグチャグ馬コ（チャグチャグうまっこ）
• Chagu Chagu Umakko, the Bell-Jingling Horse Procession (Takizawa to Morioka)

History

The Chagu Chagu Umakko (チャグチャグ馬コ, Chagu Chagu Umakko) is a major early summer tradition in Iwate Prefecture (岩手県, Iwate-ken): richly harnessed horses, covered in bells, travel from the Onikoshi Sōzen-jinja Shrine (鬼越蒼前神社) in Takizawa (滝沢市) to Morioka Hachimangū (盛岡八幡宮) in Morioka (盛岡市) over a distance of approximately 14km. The name comes from the onomatopoeia “chagu-chagu”, the sound of the bells jingling with every step.

Originally, the practice was linked to the worship of Sōzen-sama (蒼前様), the protective deity of horses, and the custom of visiting shrines to pray for the health of livestock, often called Sōzen mairi (蒼前参り). The event was traditionally held on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. It was moved to June 15th in 1958, and since 2001, it has been fixed to the 2nd Saturday of June to make participation and public attendance easier.

Chagu Chagu Umakko is highly recognized for its cultural value: in 1978, it was designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property (無形民俗文化財, mukei minzoku bunkazai). Furthermore, the sound of the bells (鈴の音, suzu no oto) was selected in 1996 as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan” (音風景100選, oto fūkei hyaku-sen). The elaborate harnesses are inspired by the konida shōzoku (小荷駄装束) tradition, which explains the spectacular nature of the costumes.

Location and Date of the Event

• Location: Departure from Onikoshi Sōzen-jinja Shrine in Takizawa; Arrival at Morioka Hachimangū in Morioka (approx. 14km route).
• Address:
  Onikoshi Sōzen-jinja: 〒020-0659 岩手県滝沢市鵜飼外久保100-3
  (100-3 Ukai Sotokubo, Takizawa-shi, Iwate 020-0659)
  Morioka Hachimangū: 〒020-0872 岩手県盛岡市八幡町13-1
  (13-1 Hachimanchō, Morioka-shi, Iwate 020-0872)
• Access:
  Departure: From Morioka Station (盛岡駅), take a bus to Big Roof Takizawa or Takizawa City Hall, followed by a 25–30 min walk.
  Arrival: For Morioka Hachimangū, take a bus from Morioka Station (approx. 20 min) followed by a short walk.
  On the day of the event, traffic restrictions (交通規制, kōtsū kisei) are enforced along the route.
• Date: 2nd Saturday of June (Departs in the morning, arrives early to mid-afternoon).

Proceedings

The Chagu Chagu Umakko is an equestrian procession dedicated to horse health and gratitude for their role in Iwate's agricultural life. The horses wear vibrant harnesses and ornaments adorned with numerous bells: with every movement, the “chagu-chagu” becomes the festival's soundtrack.

The day begins with the preparation of the horses (harnessing, adjustments, final bell checks), followed by the departure from Onikoshi Sōzen-jinja in the morning. The procession advances in stages, with specific areas highly popular with spectators where the cortège slows down or pauses. The arrival at Morioka Hachimangū typically occurs in the early to mid-afternoon.

What makes the event unique is the combination of traditional costumes, the jangling bells, and the atmosphere of a "grand slow parade" over a significant distance. For the safety of the animals, organizers enforce strict rules, such as avoiding loud noises and remaining cautious by the roadside.

Practical Advice

Photos

For the best shots, focus on moments where the procession slows down (turns, narrow passages, rest zones). A zoom lens is perfect for capturing the intricate details of the shōzoku (costumes) and bells, while a wide-angle lens conveys the long line of horses. Important: Do not use flash and avoid sudden movements; these are sensitive animals.

Weather

Early June in Iwate is generally pleasant but can be unpredictable: bring a light jacket and a windbreaker. Since you will spend a lot of time standing by the road, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for quick showers.

Transport

The easiest method is to stay in Morioka and use buses plus walking. On the day of the procession, anticipate delays: due to crowds and traffic restrictions, it is better to pick one observation point and stay there rather than trying to chase several spots.

Visitor Tips

Choose your viewing spot based on your goal: departure for the ritual atmosphere, Morioka city center for the density of the public, or the arrival shrine for the finale. Respect the horses by staying calm: no shouting or sudden gestures. A useful phrase for moving through the crowd: Sumimasen (Excuse me).

To Prepare

Water, power bank, hat, compact poncho, cash (for small purchases), and if you plan to stay long: a small folding stool.

Sources & References

• Chagu Chagu Umakko Preservation Society Official Site

  Association site: explanations, procession organization, and practical info.

• Procession Events (Preservation Society)

  Details on the procession principles, the "2nd Saturday of June" rule, and the route.

• Takizawa City: Chagu Chagu Umakko

  Municipal page: history (transition from the old calendar), cultural context, and general description.

• Morioka Tourism & Convention Association: Chagu Chagu Umakko

  Recent practical info: dates, typical schedules, and safety rules regarding animals and traffic.

• JNTO: Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival

  English presentation for travelers regarding general info and "must-see" highlights.