Morioka Sansa Odori

Sansa Odori is an amazing festival held every August in the city of Morioka. The origins of this festival lie in the legend of Mitsuishi, which gave Iwate its name. There was a demon that was causing problems for the villagers but the god Mitsuishi captured the demon and forced it to swear that it would never again commit evil acts. This vow was sealed with the demon pressing its hand into a large rock. The villagers rejoiced at this by dancing and singing “Sansa sansa,” giving birth to this festival.

With more than 10,000 dancers, drummers and flute players, the Sansa Odori is a 4-day festival, unique to Morioka, that offers one of the most impressive displays of Japanese culture that you could hope for!