About the festival
Soma Nomaoi features armored riders and horses in ceremonial events and competitions. The main festival ground and shrine rituals are spread across Soma and Minamisoma.
Who is it for?
Visitors interested in equestrian traditions and shrine ceremonies.
Photo: PekePON · CC BY-SA 3.0
Original date: 2005-07-24 13:38:27. Original image or Commons thumbnail; no additional edits.
Dates and times
23–25 May 2026; next edition awaits announcement
Past edition. Times use JST. See the official programme for session times and changes.
Venue and parade route
Minamisoma · 南相馬
The main riding events take place at Hibarigahara Festival Ground in Haramachi, Minamisoma. Departure rites occur at participating shrines; the Nomakake horse-catching rite is at Odaka Shrine.
雲雀ヶ原祭場地
The map pin marks a reference venue, rather than every entrance or the full parade route.
Getting there by train or bus
- Take a JR Joban Line limited express from Tokyo to Haranomachi. Check the edition's temporary buses for Hibarigahara and plan shrine visits separately.
What to see
- Armored riders
- Horse races
- Sacred-flag competition
History and origins
Tradition traces the festival to military training associated with Taira no Masakado, preserved through local shrine rites.
Planning your visit
Our editorial suggestions for planning your trip.
Choose the horseback events you want to see, then plan transport around their venue rather than trying to cover every shrine.
Places to visit nearby
Minamisoma City Museum
南相馬市博物館
Armor, festival equipment and displays about Soma Nomaoi.
Fit a museum visit around the riding events; a separate day may give you more time.
These stops and the suggested order are editorial recommendations. Check each venue's opening hours and festival-day road closures before travelling.
Soma Nomaoi: common questions
When is Soma Nomaoi?
23–25 May 2026; next edition awaits announcement These dates refer to the stated edition; they do not confirm dates for a later year. Times are Japan Standard Time (JST).
Where does Soma Nomaoi take place?
The main riding events take place at Hibarigahara Festival Ground in Haramachi, Minamisoma. Departure rites occur at participating shrines; the Nomakake horse-catching rite is at Odaka Shrine.
How do I get to Soma Nomaoi by public transport?
Take a JR Joban Line limited express from Tokyo to Haranomachi. Check the edition's temporary buses for Hibarigahara and plan shrine visits separately.
Are the riding competitions and horse-catching ritual at one venue?
No. Hibarigahara hosts the main competitions, while Nomakake is at Odaka Shrine and other rites belong to individual shrines.
Official sources
- Festival and visitor guide 1 (www.city.soma.fukushima.jp) ↗
- Festival and visitor guide 2 (www.japan.travel) ↗
Sources reviewed: .