Onikoshi Sozen Shrine (鬼越蒼前神社)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A shrine in Ukai, Takizawa City, dedicated to the guardian deity of horses. It is widely known as the place where brightly decorated horses set off for Morioka during the traditional Chagu Chagu Umakko festival held every June. On ordinary days the grounds are quiet and surrounded by trees, and even a short visit, walking the approach and offering a prayer, conveys how long this land has lived with horses. Tell your children that the horses line up and start their procession right here, and their eyes will light up at once. It makes an ideal first stop for learning the story of the area at the start of an outing.

Tips

The shrine sits in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by homes and farmland. Please be considerate about where you park and how loudly you speak so as not to disturb residents. The grounds have gravel and steps, so a stroller is hard to push in places. Going over shrine etiquette with your children before you enter makes for a calmer visit. Insect repellent is welcome in summer, when bugs are plentiful. The area gets extremely crowded on festival day, so choosing an ordinary day means a more relaxed visit.

Best time to visit

About 45 minutes. In the quiet of the morning you can take your time enjoying the stillness of the grounds.

Access & map

〒020-0659 岩手県滝沢市鵜飼外久保１００−３