Morioka Hachimangu Shrine

Morioka Hachimangu is the largest shrine in Iwate Prefecture, located in Hachiman-cho, Morioka City, and has long been revered by the people as the guardian shrine of Morioka.

Its origins are said to date back to Kohei 5 (1062) in the Heian period, when Minamoto no Yoriyoshi prayed for victory in the Former Nine Years’ War and invited a branch deity from Iwashimizu Hachimangu in Kyoto. It was originally known as “Hatonomori Hachimangu,” and was deeply worshiped for generations by local lords such as the Hideto clan.

In Bunroku 2 (1593), during the construction of Morioka Castle, Lord Nanbu Nobunao revived it as the castle’s guardian shrine. Later, in Enpo 8 (1680), the 29th feudal lord, Nanbu Shigenobu, invited the deity of Kushihiki Hachimangu in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, and built the shrine buildings at their present location. From then on, it came to be known as “Shin Hachiman” or “Nanbu Shin Hachiman.” In this way, the foundation of the faith that continues to this day was established.

Its enshrined deity is Hondawake no Mikoto (Emperor Ojin), who is widely worshiped as a guardian god of all aspects of human life, including agriculture, industry, commerce, scholarship, clothing, food, and housing.

Within the shrine grounds are the main hall and 12 subsidiary shrines, including Enmusubi Shrine for matchmaking, Umenomiya for safe childbirth and children, Morioka Tenjinsha for academic success, Kenko Shrine for health and longevity, and Kasamori Inari Shrine, known for prosperity in business. In particular, Kasamori Inari Shrine is believed to have been enshrined on the summit of Hachiman-yama even before Morioka Hachimangu was founded, and is known as the oldest shrine on the grounds.

The shrine buildings have been rebuilt repeatedly due to the Great Morioka Fire of 1884 and numerous other disasters and severe weather. The current vermilion grand shrine hall was completed in December 1997, and features elaborate carvings, vivid colors, and decorations inspired by the paulownia, the prefectural flower. Its majestic appearance is cherished by local residents as “the face of Morioka.”

The shrine attracts many worshippers throughout the year. The first shrine visit of the New Year during the first three days of January draws the largest crowds in the prefecture. On January 15, the Donto Festival and Hadaka Mairi are held; on February 3, the Setsubun Festival; on the second Saturday of June, the horse festival Chagu Chagu Umakko; and on the last Sunday of June, the Natsu-go Ooharai purification rite. In addition, during the Morioka Hachimangu Annual Festival from September 14 to 16, a colorful shrine procession and a powerful yabusame horseback archery ceremony are held, adorning Morioka’s autumn.

It is also widely used as a place to celebrate life milestones such as Coming of Age ceremonies and Shichi-Go-San, and continues to play an important role as a spiritual pillar for the people of Morioka.