Morioka Autumn Festival 2026: 300 Years of Floats & Yabusame Archery!
Experience 300 years of tradition at Morioka Autumn Festival (Sep 14-16, 2026)! Savor grand Nanbu Furyu Dashi floats, evening parades & thrilling Yabusame archery.
As the clear melodies of flutes and resonant festival drums echo through the historic castle town of Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, the grand annual autumn celebration begins. Held in conjunction with the annual grand festival of Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, the Morioka Autumn Festival (Morioka Hachimangu Grand Festival) takes place over three days from September 14 (Mon) to September 16 (Wed), 2026. Originating in 1709 during the Edo period to celebrate the completion of the Morioka castle town, this festival boasts over 300 years of history as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property. From the spectacular Nanbu Furyu Dashi floats featuring reversible front and back theatrical designs to lantern-lit night parades and horseback archery (Yabusame), here is your complete 2026 festival guide.
Schedule & Highlights: Morioka Autumn Festival 2026#
| Date | Main Events & Parades | Time & Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 14 (Mon) [Day 1] |
Hachiman-sagari Parade (All Floats Joint Departure) All floats gather in front of Morioka Hachimangu Shrine for a grand unified procession through city streets. |
13:00 – Starts at Morioka Hachimangu Shrine |
| Sep 15 (Tue) [Day 2] |
Morioka Dashi Grand Picture Scroll Night Parade Lantern-lit floats slowly parade through Odori Shopping Avenue in an enchanting nocturnal display. |
18:00 – Morioka History & Culture Museum → Odori |
| Sep 16 (Wed) [Day 3] |
Yabusame Horseback Archery Ritual Archers in traditional Kamakura-era attire shoot targets while galloping at full speed. |
13:00 – Morioka Hachimangu Shrine Grounds (Riding Track) |
Reversible Theatrical Art: The Structure of Nanbu Furyu Dashi#
| Feature | Artistic Details |
|---|---|
| Front ("Furyu") | Heroic warriors and dramatic Kabuki scenes (Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Benkei, Sanada Yukimura). |
| Back ("Mikaeshi") | Graceful female figures and poetic scenes that correspond to the heroic front tale. |
| Four Seasons Decor | Elaborate artificial pine, cherry blossoms, wisteria, peonies, crashing waves, and rocky waterfalls. |
| Music & Chants | Rhythmic Taiko drums, flutes, and hand-bells accompanied by spirited 'Ya-re, Ya-re!' chants. |
The 3 Must-See Highlights of the Festival#
Three quintessential experiences that define the energy of the Morioka Autumn Festival:
- Hachiman-sagari Parade (Sep 14, 13:00–): All magnificent floats line up at the shrine approach for the thrilling kickoff.
- Night Picture Scroll Parade (Sep 15, 18:00–): Golden lanterns glow atop the floats as drum rhythms echo through the city.
- Traditional Yabusame Archery (Sep 16, 13:00–): Traditional archers gallop down the track, shouting ritual chants and striking targets in rapid succession.
Witnessing live Yabusame archery up close is truly breathtaking. Unlike calm riding school horses, strong young steeds sprint right past spectators with roaring power, and watching archers hit targets with pinpoint precision while rocking violently in the saddle is nothing short of incredible.
Visitor Tips & Access#
- Take the 'Dendenmushi' Loop Bus: From JR Morioka Station East Exit, take the central loop bus directly to Morioka Hachimangu.
- Watch the Night Parade on Odori: Arrive before 17:30 along Odori Avenue for great viewing spots.
- Savor Morioka's 3 Great Noodle Dishes: Pair your festival trip with Wanko Soba, Morioka Reimen, and Morioka Jajamen!
- Evening Warm Layer: Autumn nights in Iwate turn chilly quickly; bring a jacket or scarf.