Armored riders take part in processions, horse races and a sacred-banner contest. These are separate parts of the program, not one continuous street parade.
Photo: PekePON · CC BY-SA 3.0
Original date label: 2005-07-24 13:38:27. Original or supplied resized image; no additional editing.
Soma Nomaoi dates
May 23–25, 2026; this edition has ended
Past confirmed edition · not next year’s dates
Event dates and times use Japan Standard Time (JST). Usual annual dates are not a confirmed booking schedule for the next edition. Check the organizer’s notices for daily times, admission and weather-related changes.
Where to watch
Minamisoma · 南相馬
Hibarigahara festival grounds and separate regional ceremony sites
雲雀ヶ原祭場地
The map marks one reference point, not the entire route or every entrance. For village rites or moving processions, use the organizer’s venue map.
View reference location on Google Maps ↗Getting there by train or bus
Take a Joban Line limited express to Haranomachi Station. Check the announced temporary buses to Hibarigahara; ceremonies in Soma and Minamisoma use different locations.
History and traditions
Tradition traces the event to military exercises associated with Taira no Masakado; the region preserves those equestrian traditions as shrine ceremonies.
Nearby places to consider
These sights can help you plan the rest of your visit. Check each location’s opening hours and access separately; festival road closures may affect the journey.
Minamisoma City Museum
南相馬市博物館
Before you visit Soma Nomaoi
When is Soma Nomaoi?
May 23–25, 2026; this edition has ended. The year shown belongs to this specific edition, not an automatically repeated future booking date. Check the linked organizer for times and changes.
How do I get to Soma Nomaoi by public transportation?
Take a Joban Line limited express to Haranomachi Station. Check the announced temporary buses to Hibarigahara; ceremonies in Soma and Minamisoma use different locations.
What should I plan before visiting Soma Nomaoi?
Choose the race and banner-contest day if those are your main interests. Stay inside designated viewing areas and do not block the horses to take photographs.
These planning suggestions are JapanLiveNow’s editorial advice. Admission and operating arrangements follow the organizer’s current program.
Official program and visitor information
- www.city.soma.fukushima.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
- www.japan.travel — official festival or destination information ↗
- www.city.minamisoma.lg.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
This guide uses the shared festival source register reviewed on October 3, 2026. Official notices take priority over archive photos and previous editions.