Soma Nomaoi Festival

If you’ve ever wanted to see what a real-life samurai battle might have looked like, the Soma Nomaoi Festival in Fukushima Prefecture is as close as it gets. Held every May in the coastal cities of Soma, Minamisoma and Namie, this three-day festival is a full-on spectacle of horseback racing, ancient rituals and historical reenactments. Around 400 riders dressed in samurai armor charge across open fields, compete for sacred flags and recreate age-old ceremonies that date back over 1,000 years.

Soma Nomaoi Festival

Photo by: PIXTA/ Josiah See a powerful reenactment of Japan’s samurai heritage

The Soma Nomaoi Festival captivates visitors with its powerful reenactment of Japan’s samurai heritage. This community tradition dates back over a thousand years, with residents proudly honoring their warrior heritage. Over three days, the festival offers a powerful blend of pageantry, competition and spiritual ritual. Dressed in traditional samurai armor and flying family flags, riders charge through the streets.

The highlight for many is the Shinki Sodatsusen or sacred flag battle. It’s one of the festival’s most electrifying moments. Fireworks launch sacred flags into the air as armored riders race at full speed to capture them mid-charge.

The festival is also cherished for a sacred ritual known as Nomagake (wild horse capture), where men in white robes chase a horse on foot before offering it to the gods. This powerful ceremony continues a tradition that has been practiced for over a thousand years.

Festival Highlights

Photo by: PIXTA/ いがぐり Each day offers its unique mix of spectacle and tradition

Spanning three days, each day offers its unique mix of spectacle and tradition. From samurai parades and horse races to sacred rituals, here’s what to expect:

The festival begins with ceremonial departure parades from local shrines in Soma and Minamisoma. Riders in full armor make their way to the main festival site with the first round of horse races and a night-time military-style riding display. On the second day, see a grand samurai procession, high-speed armored horse racing and the adrenaline-filled flag-catching competition. Crowds gather early for a full day of action and tradition at the Hibarigahara Festival Grounds. Falling on the final day, visit Odaka Shrine to witness ceremonial folk dances and the Nomagake ritual.