Morioka Hachiman-gū Shrine

Overview

Morioka Hachiman-gū Shrine is a revered shrine in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, serving as the guardian shrine of Morioka. Traditionally founded in 1062 (during the Konpyō era), its origins trace back to Minamoto no Yoriiye's request for a sacred branch from Ishiyama Hachiman-gū Shrine during his conquest of the Abe clan. Later, the Nanbu clan rebuilt it as the guardian shrine of Morioka Castle, before moving it to its present location in 1680. Morioka Hachiman-gū Shrine stands watch over the city of Morioka, interwoven into the lives of its people. Various Shinto rituals and festivals have been held here throughout history. The annual festival in September is a city-wide event, featuring traditional rituals such as mikoshi processions (portable shrine processions) and yabusame (mounted archery), filling the shrine grounds with vibrant energy. The Chagu-chagu-umako, a representative folk performance of Iwate Prefecture, also begins at Morioka Hachiman-gū Shrine. This lively summer festival, held annually in June, features children riding horses, parading through Morioka City from the shrine. Morioka Hachiman-gū Shrine offers numerous other attractions. Various other shrines are enshrined within its grounds, including Kasamori Inari Shrine, Shinmei Shrine, Ume no Miya Shrine, Morioka Tenjin Shrine, and the Twelve Zodiac Shrines. Iwate Gokoku Shrine is also located within the grounds, adding to the historical atmosphere. Morioka Hachiman-gū Shrine is a recommended tourist spot where you can experience the history and culture of Morioka.