The Hachinohe Emburi is one of Japan’s most unusual major festivals — an ancient rice-planting ceremony held February 17–20, where farmers wearing magnificent horse-head headdresses (eboshi) dance to pray for a bountiful harvest. Over 800 years old, it feels genuinely archaic and remains almost unknown to foreign visitors.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Hachinohe, Aomori |
| Hours | Feb 17–20 (daytime performances) |
| Admission | Mostly free; some paid indoor shows |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours |
| Best time | February 17–20 (fixed) |
Highlights
- Dancers in dramatic horse-head headdresses (eboshi).
- An 800-year-old rice-planting prayer ritual.
- Simultaneous performances across central Hachinohe.
- Sweet ‘oyako’ children’s dances and hot amazake.
Combine Your Visit
- Warm up with Senbei-jiru cracker hotpot after.
- Browse the Hachinohe morning market .
- Compare with the Sansha Taisai summer festival .
Getting There
- On foot: performances around central Hachinohe.
- By train: JR to Hon-Hachinohe Station.
Tips
It’s a deep-winter festival — dress very warmly. The opening procession to Chojasan Shinra Shrine on the 17th is the atmospheric highlight.
