The 2025 version! The origin of Iwate's Morioka Sansa Odori (Morioka Sansa Dance) and the attraction of the world's largest taiko drum parade with 20,000 dancers.

  • Iwate
  • Sightseeing
2024 Miss Sansa Odori (Image courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee)
Morioka Sansa Odori, held in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, marks its 48th anniversary this year since the first event was held in 1987. Morioka Sansa Odori was selected as one of the "52 Places to Go in 2023" by the New York Times the year before last, and we will introduce the highlights and history of Morioka Sansa Odori, one of Morioka's representative festivals.

History of Sansa Odori

The origin of Sansa Odori originates from the "Mitsuishi legend" associated with Mitsuishi Shrine in Nasukawa-cho, Morioka City. There are various theories, but it is said that the origin of the Sansa Odori is when a demon that used to torment people was vanquished by the god of Mitsuishi and left a handprint of his oath on the stone as a sign of his surrender.

Dedication performance at Mitsuishi Shrine (Image courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee)

The world's largest taiko parade

Morioka Sansa Odori is one of the most popular summer festivals in Iwate Prefecture, and in 2014, it achieved the title of "World's Best Simultaneous Japanese Drum Performance. The festival is usually held for four days from August 1 to 4, and on the final day, visitors can see the spectacular "Taiko Grand Parade," in which only taiko drummers participate.

On the same day, the general public is welcome to jump in and join the "Rinodori" dance, which is another way to enjoy the festival. After the parade, you are free to wear any clothes and choreography you like! Please join in and dance with everyone!
Taiko Drum Grand Parade (Image provided by Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee)

Staff from JR East Travel Service Center will also participate as a member of JR East Group!

The JR East Group Sansa Odori Execution Project brings more than 200 people to the parade every year. JR East Travel Service Center staff will also participate on the day of the parade! Let's enjoy the summer in Tohoku together!
2024 JR East Group Parade (Image courtesy of JR East Morioka Branch Office)

The 48th Morioka Sansa Odori Festival

Date: August 1 (Fri.) - 4 (Mon.), 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. start - 9:00 p.m. end
Venue: Morioka City Chuo Dori (Iwate Prefectural Public Hall - Movie Theater Dori)

[Parade Course & Ring Dance Site]
●6:00 p.m. - Parade starts in front of Iwate Prefectural Public Hall
●Around 8:00 p.m. - Ring Dance starts sequentially at various locations starting from in front of Prefectural Hall.
●Around 9:00 p.m.: Rin Odori ends
Sansa Taiko Drum Federation (Image courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee)
Morioka Sansa Odori Official Website

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