Morioka Sansa Odori 2026
A Guinness-record wall of taiko drums thunders through Morioka as thousands of dancers chant 'Sakkora choiwayasse!'
When · Where
- When
- 2026/08/01 09:00 – 2026/08/04
- Where
- Chuo-dori, central Morioka（Chuo-dori, Morioka, Iwate 020-0021）
- City
- Across Japan
- Getting there
- Approx. 15-min walk from Morioka Station (Tohoku/Akita Shinkansen)
- Price
- Free
- Organizer
- Morioka Sansa Odori Executive Committee
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Approx. 15-min walk from Morioka Station (Tohoku/Akita Shinkansen) Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, families, groups of friends
Highlights
- World-record-holding mass taiko drumming
- Thousands of dancers parading nightly
- Open finale where spectators can join in
Background & story
Rooted in a local legend of a demon banished from Mitsuishi Shrine, Sansa Odori became a city-wide dance festival and once set the Guinness record for most taiko drummers.
Good to know
The 'Wa-odori' circle dance at the end welcomes everyone — join in for a memorable finish.