Morioka Fall Festival

The Morioka Autumn Festival has a history stretching back over 300 years, making it one of the most enduring and culturally rich events in Iwate Prefecture. First held in the early 18th century during the Edo period, the festival began as a religious ceremony organised by the powerful Nambu clan, rulers of the Morioka domain.It centered around Morioka Hachimangū Shrine, a major spiritual site dedicated to the deity Hachiman, guardian of warriors, harvests, and community safety.

The festival originated as a way to pray for a good harvest, ensure the safety of the local population, and show respect to the kami (deities). Over time, the rituals expanded to include more elaborate public celebrations, especially with the addition of decorative floats (dashi), which became central to the festival. These floats were inspired by Edo-period aesthetics but uniquely adapted to Morioka’s local traditions, blending the boldness of Edo with the elegance of Kyoto.

Hachiman Oroshi Parade

The Hachiman Oroshi Parade is one of the central events of the Morioka Autumn Festival and holds a special place in its tradition. Unlike the more theatrical or festive parades that follow, the Hachiman Oroshi is deeply rooted in Shinto ritual and spiritual symbolism. The name means 'Descent of Hachiman,' referring the Shinto deity of warriors and protection. This parade marks the symbolic descent of the deity from Morioka Hachimangū Shrine into the city, making it a sacred procession that opens the festival.

The parade begins on the first day of the festival, typically in the early afternoon of September 14. It starts at Morioka Hachimangū Shrine and features the shrine’s mikoshi (portable shrine) carried by shrine attendants, followed by elaborately decorated festival floats. These floats are not only displays of artistry but also part of the ritual, accompanying the deity’s journey into the town.

Parade of Festival Floats

The Morioka Autumn Festival’s floats are a central and beloved feature, showcased in two distinct parades held at different times of the day. Throughout the three-day festival in mid-September, the Parade of Festival Floats takes place during the daytime, bringing together Morioka’s neighbourhoods as they proudly guide their elaborately decorated floats through the city streets. Each float is a towering work of art, adorned with vibrant figures from Japanese folklore, mythology, kabuki, and historical scenes. Crafted with exquisite detail, these floats are symbols of local pride and tradition. Pulled by teams of residents dressed in traditional festival attire, they move to the energetic rhythms of taiko drums, flutes, and the spirited chant of “sōre!”

On the evening of the second day, typically September 15, the festival presents the 'Grand Picture Scroll Parade' (Dai Emaki Parade), where all participating floats come together in a majestic nighttime procession. Illuminated from within, the floats glow against the dark sky, creating a magical spectacle. Each float resembles a scene from a grand illustrated scroll, depicting legendary heroes, mythical creatures, and dramatic kabuki or battle scenes. This slow, atmospheric procession, accompanied by traditional music, transforms the floats into a theatrical showcase of visual storytelling and artistic mastery.

Yabusame

Yabusame - traditional Japanese horseback archery - is an exciting and important part of the Morioka Autumn Festival that showcases ancient martial skills and spiritual ritual.

At the Morioka Autumn Festival, yabusame takes place on the final day, usually September 16. The event is held near Morioka Hachimangū Shrine and involves skilled archers dressed in traditional samurai attire riding horses at full gallop along a designated course. Their task is to shoot arrows accurately at wooden targets placed along the track while maintaining speed and balance.

The yabusame ceremonies at the festival are divided into several stages throughout the day: 

• Purification Ceremony by the River: An early morning ritual where the area and participants are spiritually purified to ensure a successful event.

• Shrine Ceremony: A formal offering and prayer ceremony held at the shrine before the main event.

• Main Archery Event: The archers perform the horseback archery demonstration, showcasing their skill and honouring the deity Hachiman, who is believed to protect warriors and bring blessings to the community.

Yabusame at Morioka Autumn Festival is both a religious rite and a spectacular cultural performance, deeply connected to the festival’s origins in warrior traditions and Shinto beliefs. It symbolises respect for martial valour and serves as a prayer for peace, good harvests, and community well-being.

Throughout the centuries, the festival has survived social and political changes - including the Meiji Restoration and modernisation - by evolving while preserving its core values of spiritual gratitude, community participation, and artistic expression. Today, the Morioka Autumn Festival is a lively mix of sacred ritual and public festivity, featuring parades, local music, traditional costumes, and participation from people of all generations.