Chagu Chagu Umakko

Chagu Chagu Umakko is a traditional horse festival held each June in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. On the second Saturday of the month, around one hundred horses adorned with colourful fittings and bells parade from Takizawa to Morioka, filling the air with their distinctive sounds.

• Around 100 horses parade in colourful harnesses and bells
• Held annually on the second Saturday of June
• The route runs from Takizawa to Morioka
• The sound of the bells is a designated Japanese soundscape
• Recognized as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property

What it is

Chagu Chagu Umakko is a cherished festival in Iwate Prefecture that celebrates the important role of horses in local life. Each year, horses are dressed in vibrant harnesses and bells, then paraded along a set route. The festival’s name, 'chagu-chagu', mimics the gentle jingling of the bells as the horses walk, creating a unique soundscape that is both festive and nostalgic for the community. For many, the event is a way to honour the animals that have supported rural livelihoods and to pass on this appreciation to younger generations.

Where it comes from

While the exact origins of Chagu Chagu Umakko are not detailed in the sources, the festival has long roots in Iwate’s rural traditions. It was officially recognized as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1978, reflecting its deep cultural significance. The sound of the horses’ bells, central to the festival, was also selected in 1996 as one of Japan’s 100 notable soundscapes by the Ministry of the Environment, highlighting its special place in the region’s heritage.

How it is celebrated

On the second Saturday of June, the festival begins at Onikoshi Sōzen Shrine in Takizawa. About a hundred horses, elaborately decorated with colourful harnesses and strings of bells, are led by their handlers on a parade route to Morioka Hachiman-gū. The procession is a feast for the senses: the bright costumes, the rhythmic clatter of hooves, and above all, the melodic chimes of the bells create a lively atmosphere. Spectators line the route to watch the horses and enjoy the festive spirit, while the community comes together to celebrate their agricultural heritage and the bond between people and horses.

Joining in

Visitors can experience Chagu Chagu Umakko by heading to Takizawa or Morioka in Iwate Prefecture on the festival day. The main event is the parade, which travels from Onikoshi Sōzen Shrine to Morioka Hachiman-gū. Expect crowds along the route, with plenty of opportunities to take photos and enjoy local hospitality. The event is accessible to newcomers, offering a vivid glimpse into rural Japanese traditions.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Chagu Chagu Umakko, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Chagu Chagu Umakko on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.