Festival History:
The Sansa Dance originates from the 'Mitsuishi Legend.'
A long time ago, in Morioka, a demon named Rasetsu was terrorizing the local people. Being at a total loss as what to do, they prayed to the god of Mitsuishi Shrine to rid them of the demon. The god heard their prayers, caught the demon and made him pledge to never trouble the people again by making the demon leave his handprint on the rocks located at Mitsuishi Shrine. This legend 'Demon's handprint on the rocks' explains the origin of the name Iwate (rock hand). [Iwate is the name of the prefecture (the same as a state in the USA) where Morioka is located.] In addition, the locals rejoicing at the dispelling of the demon danced around the Mitsuishi Stones shouting 'Sansa, Sansa,' which is said to be the beginning of the 'Sansa Odori' dance.
There are over 10,000 taiko drummers and dancers in the parade making it Guinness Book of Record's largest taiko drum parade in the world. Each "team" in the parade consists of drummers, flutists and dancers. "Sakkora Choiwa Yasse" is called out during the parade, it's an expression to bring good luck.
Sansa Odori is held every year from August 1 - 4. The parade starts at 6pm and is located on Chuodori street in front of the Prefectural Government Building in Morioka. The route is approximately 1 km long. The drive from Misawa to Morioka takes approximately 2 hours when taking the toll roads and is about ¥3,500 each way.
GPS coordinates: 39.703754, 141.152599
On our way to the festival we made a couple other stops (not surprising right?). The first was Shoonji, a temple with a large Buddha statue. I couldn't find any information about this place other than it exists...The place was deserted when we were there, not another person in sight. Seemed like very few things were being kept up, most of it looked like it had been abandoned, yet there were tools and stuff still lying around. It was a very eerie place.
GPS coordinates: 39.746711, 141.182334
Next stop was Hoonji (spelled Hooonji in some sources), this Buddhist temple was originally built in Sannohe in 1394 and was moved to its current Morioka location in 1601. The Hall of the Disciples of Buddha houses the 500 disciples of Buddha. Sculpting of the 500 statues began in 1731 and finished in 1935. Nine craftsmen from Kyoto carved them. It is unusual in Japan for so many statues to have been completed in such a short period of time or for the dates and names of sculptors to be recorded on the statues. Each statue has a unique position and facial expression.
GPS coordinates: 39.712890, 141.156097
As we arrived at Hoonji we saw the sign below...we knew we had to go check it out. Prior to visiting the 'Demons' Hand Prints in the Rocks' we were not aware of the legend I described above regarding the origin of the Sansa Odori dance. Great coincidence that we happened upon it on our way to the festival!
GPS coordinates: 39.709013, 141.154363
And finally we were ready to head to the festival! First mission was grabbing some food. We found some scallops freshly grilled in their shells, yakisoba with ika (squid) and green apple chu-hi.
The picture of the crowd above is a Where's Sarah? opportunity. Hint: I'm the one with blonde hair!
Once the festival started it was nonstop drumming, flutes and dancing for a couple of hours. We were at the end of the parade route and it was obvious, everyone was drenched in sweat after dancing for over 1/2 mile. Glad I just had to sit back and watch!
Here's a compilation of video clips I took during the parade. If it doesn't work it can also be viewed here: http://youtu.be/Igv0Pju5ALE
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| The drum is the festival's mascot. |
Up next: 5 Festivals in 8 Days - #3 Hirosaki Neputa
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