Morioka Hachimangu Shrine
Guardian of Northern Honshu, where the spirit of samurai lives on.
The most important shrine in Iwate Prefecture, established in the early 17th century to protect the castle town of Morioka. Famous for its connection to the Nanbu clan samurai culture.
History of the Shrine
Morioka Hachimangu was established in 1062 by the samurai Minamoto no Yoshiie, who enshrined the war god Hachiman here during his campaigns in the north. The shrine grew in importance when the Nanbu clan made Morioka their castle town in 1597.
For over 300 years, the shrine served as the guardian deity of Nanbu domain and the Morioka castle. The festival culture of Morioka, particularly the famous Chagu-Chagu Umakko horse festival, has deep roots in this shrine.
The Enshrined Kami
What to See
The shrine features a grand torii gate and impressive main hall. The grounds are particularly beautiful during the changing seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn.
The 'Yabusame' (horseback archery) performed during festivals maintains the martial traditions of the samurai era.
Major Festivals
The 'Chagu-Chagu Umakko' festival in June is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event where colorfully decorated horses parade from Mt. Komagata to the shrine. The shrine's autumn festival in September features Yabusame archery.
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