Guide
Soma Nomaoi is a historic festival held in the Nakamura district of Soma City and the northern Hamadori area of Fukushima Prefecture. It is a sacred ritual associated with the three Myojin shrines: Soma Nakamura Shrine, Soma Ota Shrine, and Soma Odaka Shrine. In 1952, it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. Often celebrated as one of the six great festivals of the Tohoku region, it serves as a precursor to many summer festivals in the area. The event is characterized by diverse rituals that symbolize horse and samurai culture, such as 'Nomagake' (horse chasing), 'Katchu Keiba' (armored horse racing) where warriors wear full samurai armor, and the 'Shinki Sodatsusen' (battle for the sacred flag), as well as the 'O-gyoretsu' (procession) that marches through the streets.
The origins of this festival are said to date back to before the Kamakura period. It began when the ancestors of the Soma clan released wild horses in their territory to conduct military training, treating the horses as mock enemies. Although such military exercises were restricted after the establishment of the Kamku-shogunate, the tradition of Soma Nomaoi was preserved under the guise of a 'sacred ritual.' During the Edo period, the event became more formalized as a public festival under the patronage of the Soma clan. While it was traditionally held in late July, the schedule was changed starting in 2024 to the last week of May to avoid the extreme summer heat. This allows visitors to enjoy the traditional warrior rituals in much more comfortable weather.
The greatest thrill of Soma Nomaoi is the dynamic energy of the connection between horse and human. The 'Shinki Sodatsusen' (battle for the sacred flag), where armored warriors gallop on horseback to seize a flag, and the high-speed 'Katchu Keiba' (armored horse racing) are truly overwhelming spectacles. Additionally, the 'O-gyoretsu' procession, where samurai march through the town in orderly lines, offers a close-up view of horses adorned in historical costumes and decorations, evoking the atmosphere of the ancient warrior society. These events are not merely performances but sacred rituals passed down through generations.
To avoid the intense heat, the festival is now held on the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of the last week of May. You can enjoy the traditional rituals during the pleasant spring weather. Because the schedule is divided between days with a heavy focus on sacred rituals (24th/25th) and days with more festive elements, it is highly recommended to check the detailed schedule in advance. During the daylight hours, the intricate details of the samurai armor and the powerful movements of the horses are clearly visible, providing many photogenic moments.
When attending as a spectator, the most important experience is to feel the 'Samurai Culture' with all your senses. You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese festival through the sounds of galloping horses, the clatter of armor, and the surrounding excitement. If you wish to watch the events closely, we recommend checking local information beforehand to secure an optimal viewing position. Please note that because this is a sacred ritual, visitors are expected to maintain respectful behavior toward the participants.
The area where Soma Nomaoi takes place is dotted with historical sites, including the Soma Nakamura Shrine and Soma Ota Shrine. These shrines are vital hubs for the festival and are essential spots for understanding the local history. There are many other historical sites around Soma City that allow you to explore the deep-rooted culture of the region alongside the festival.