Mitsuishi Shrine, a power spot where demon handprints remain

Morioka's representative summer festival is the "Morioka Sansa Odori" held from August 1st to 4th. It is a traditional festival in which dancers wearing colorful costumes parade through the city center to the sounds of drums and flutes and chants of "Sakkora, choiwayasse." Part of the fun is comparing the unique costumes and dances, as well as the traditional Sansa dance passed down in the region, as each group is different. On the final day, the ''World's Largest Taiko Drum Parade'' and the ''Orin Odori'' dance, which anyone can participate in, will be held, bringing excitement to the entire venue.

Although the current festival, which features a parade, began in 1978, Sansa Odori is said to have its origins in the feudal period, at Mitsuishi Shrine in Nasukawa Town. According to legend, a demon called Rakshasa lived in this region long ago, and did evil to residents and travelers. There, the residents prayed to the god of Mitsuishi to capture the demon and tied it to the giant Mitsuishi in the temple grounds. The residents made the demon swear that he would never do anything wrong or come to this area again, and as proof of his promise, they made Mitsuishi stamp his hand and let him escape. It is said that the residents were happy that the demon had disappeared and danced ''Sansa, Sansa'' for many days in gratitude. This dance is said to be the origin of Sansa Odori, and even today, before the festival begins, a dance is dedicated to pray for the festival's safety and success.

It is said that no moss will grow on the marks of the demon's handprints. It has become weathered and difficult to see, but why not look for it while thinking about the legend?