A horse festival in Iwate Prefecture in which approximately 100 elaborately costumed horses are ridden and led from Onikoshi Sozen Shrine in Takizawa to Morioka Hachimangu Shrine.
The name comes from the onomatopoeic ‘chagu chagu’ sound that the bells worn by the horses make as they are led between the shrines. The festival takes place during the rainy season, but organisers insist that the weather is always good on the Chagu Chagu Umakko.
The horses are gathered at Onikoshi Shrine at 8.30am and the parade begins at 9.30am arriving at Morioka Hachimangu Shrine just before 2pm.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
