The Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival is one of the Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Japan, and boasts about 300 years of history and tradition. It began when a Mikoshi portable shrine was transferred from Chojasan Shinra Shrine to the present Ogami Shrine during the Edo period. It is held over a five-day period annually from 31 July to 4 August, enveloping the streets of Hachinohe with a unique feverish excitement. 

The top highlights are the procession with Mikoshi of three shrines – Ogami Shrine, Chojasan Shinra Shrine, and Shinmei-gu Shrine – and when the 27 festival floats created by different groups, with themes such as myths and Kabuki, are driven all at once. When the floats that can reach sizes of 10 meters tall and eight meters wide pass by, you’ll be surprised by the volume and intensity of the cheering that rises up in the streets. Additionally, the lights of the illuminated festival floats at night rise to the sky, creating a magical atmosphere that is different from the atmosphere during the day. The traditional shrine procession and the splendid festival floats that feature elegant musical accompaniment, add excitement and beauty to the short summers of Hachinohe.  

The Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival is also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage under the “Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan.”