Morioka Sansa Odori (Morioka Sansa Dance): The world's largest taiko parade with 20,000 dancers.

  • Iwate
  • Sightseeing
Morioka Sansa Odori Parade (Image courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee)
Morioka Sansa Odori, held in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, marks its 47th anniversary this year since the first event was held in 1987. Last year, Morioka Sansa Odori was selected as one of the "52 Places to Go in 2023" by The New York Times, and we will introduce the highlights and history of Morioka Sansa Odori, one of Morioka City'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.

Sansa Taiko Drum Parade (Image courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee)

The world's largest taiko drum 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 courtesy of Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee)

As a member of the JR East group, JR East Travel Service Center Morioka staff will also participate in the parade!

The JR East Group Sansa Odori Executive Project brings more than 200 people to the parade every year. JR East Travel Service Center Morioka staff will also join the parade! Let's enjoy the summer in Tohoku together!
2023 JR East Group Parade (Image courtesy of JR East Morioka Branch Office)
Traditional Sansa Odori (Image provided by Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee)

Information on the 47th Morioka Sansa Odori Festival
Date: Thursday, August 1 - Sunday, August 4, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Venue: Morioka City Chuo Dori (Iwate Prefectural Public Hall - Movie Theater Dori)

Parade Course & Ring Dance Site】・・・6p.m. - Iwate Prefectural Public Hall
6:00 p.m.: Parade starts in front of Iwate Prefectural Public Hall
Around 8:30 p.m.: Rindori starts sequentially from in front of the Prefectural Office at various locations (on August 4 only, Rindori starts around 8:00 p.m.)
Around 9:00 p.m.: Rin Odori ends

Morioka Sansa Odori official website is here.

Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!

You can create your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to choose your train and accommodations freely and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Please enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

For reservations for "Morioka Area" (train + accommodations), please see [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package ].
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