Hachinohe Sansha Taisai festival features Okari procession and traditional performances

The Hachinohe Sansha Taisai festival features the ‘Okari’ event on August 3, marking the return of portable shrines to their original locations. Following the ‘Otori’ procession on August 1, the Okari procession travels from Shinra Shrine through the city center in a specific order: Shinmeigu, Chojayama Shinra Shrine, and finally Ogami Shrine.

The festival, which has a 300-year history, combines solemn Shinto rituals with vibrant local traditions. Highlights include grand floats (dashi) and folk performing arts. One notable performance is the ‘Toramai’ (tiger dance), where performers in tiger costumes engage in acrobatic movements. This tradition is practiced in various areas of Hachinohe to pray for fire prevention and maritime safety, with the belief that being bitten by the tiger brings good health.

The festival's modern structure was established in 1886 when Shinmeigu joined the procession, creating a unified celebration involving three shrines. Recent iterations have seen various local groups receive awards for their floats and musical performances.