A popular annual tradition!

Our “New Year Good Fortune Walking Tour,” where everyone visits shrines together for hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year).

Here’s a glimpse of the day’s highlights.

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First, we took a taxi to Morioka Hachimangu Shrine.

Even while waiting in line to pray, we shared stories and insights about the city of Morioka 🚩

Afterward, participants had some free time to browse charms, draw omikuji (fortune slips), and enjoy the food stalls.

A must-have treat, “Ikkyu Dango,” was so popular that some people bought several skewers to take home as souvenirs!

Along the approach to the shrine, everyone had fun spotting the zodiac statues as we walked.

As this year is the Year of the Horse, we focused especially on horse-related spots and stories.

We also visited unique places such as the “Morioka Horse Culture Heritage Square,” which are rarely included in regular walking tours 👀

The Chagu Chagu Umakko festival is held on the second Saturday of June.

It may be even more lively than usual this year!

Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Comments from participants:

• “It was great to learn about Morioka’s history while walking at a relaxed pace. As someone who recently moved here, it was a really enjoyable way to explore the city. Visiting Hachimangu Shrine also felt like a special experience.”
• “Including the New Year shrine visit, it was a meaningful and fulfilling way to spend the holiday while exploring Morioka.”