Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival is the largest festival in Hachinohe region with a history and tradition of over 290 years. It is held annually between July 31st and August 4th. As one of the Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan, Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival captivates its visitors with 27 great ornate floats, a procession of mikoshi (portable shrines), and toramai (tiger dance). On August 2nd, the peak of the festival, the event of Kagami-style Kiba Dakyu is held at the Chojasan Shinra Shrine. Kiba Dakyu is a form of traditional martial arts performed on horseback which has only three forms left in Japan. The Kagami-style Kiba Dakyu of Hachinohe is designated as an Aomori Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Kiba Dakyu is similar to polo, two teams (red and white) with four riders each compete to score against the other team. Riders use sticks with a net on one end to hurl a ball in their goal to score.