Morioka Hachimangu Shrine
盛岡八幡宮
The chief guardian shrine of Morioka, built by the Nanbu Domain in 1680. Its vermilion shrine buildings are ornate, and the grand festival in September features float processions and ryūtekiba horseback archery.
Morioka Hachimangu was established in 1680 by Nanbu Shigenobu, the 29th lord of the Nanbu Domain, as the chief guardian shrine of Morioka. It enshrines Homutawake-no-mikoto, known as Emperor Ōjin. The shrine buildings are brightly coloured, and the grounds contain several subsidiary shrines. New Year visits and Shichi-Go-San ceremonies draw the largest crowds. The annual grand festival takes place over several days in mid-September, featuring elaborate float processions and ryūtekiba mounted archery. The Chagu Chagu Umakko horse festival, held in June, also sets out from nearby. Admission is free. The shrine is about a 20-minute walk from the city centre, or it can be reached by bus.
Opening hours
All day (shrine office approx. 09:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Azumaya Honten (Wanko Soba)
- Iwate Bank Red Brick Building
- Morioka Takuboku & Kenji Museum
- Konyacho & Nakatsu River
- Morioka History and Culture Museum
- Morioka Castle Ruins Park
- Nanshoso
- Ishiwarizakura