Soma Nomaoi
MatsuriTohoku(Fukushima)
Annual eventDates
—
Venue
Hibarigahara Field and Odaka Shrine
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
CrowdedRelated guides for stays, meals, workspaces, and art stops around a festival trip.
Tohoku(Fukushima)
Annual eventDates
—
Venue
Hibarigahara Field and Odaka Shrine
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
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Soma Nomaoi is a spectacular samurai festival with over 1,000 years of history, held in the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture. Riders in full samurai armor charge across the field on horseback, compete in flag-catching contests, and participate in horse races. The festival preserves the military training traditions of the Soma clan and is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Soma Nomaoi takes place from 2026-07-25 to 2026-07-27.
Soma Nomaoi is held at Hibarigahara Field and Odaka Shrine in Fukushima, Japan.
Use the official website for Soma Nomaoi to confirm the latest schedule, tickets, route changes, weather notices, and cancellation updates: https://soma-nomaoi.jp/.
Yes, Soma Nomaoi is free to attend.
The admission fee for Soma Nomaoi is ¥0.
The crowd level at Soma Nomaoi is typically high.
Yes, Soma Nomaoi is held annually.
Soma Nomaoi is a matsuri festival in Japan.
Highlights of Soma Nomaoi include: Armored horseback races (Kacchu Keiba) on the open field; Shinki Sodatsusen: mounted warriors competing to catch sacred flags; Grand procession of over 400 samurai riders through the streets.
Tips for Soma Nomaoi: The main day is July 26 with the armored races and flag-catching. Bring sun protection and water as the field has little shade. Reserved seating is available and recommended for the best views of the races..
Soma Nomaoi welcomes international visitors. It is a great way to experience Japanese culture.
Access information for Soma Nomaoi: JR Joban Line to Haranomachi Station, then shuttle bus to Hibarigahara Field. From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai, then JR Joban Line (about 4 hours total)..
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Tips: The main day is July 26 with the armored races and flag-catching. Bring sun protection and water as the field has little shade. Reserved seating is available and recommended for the best views of the races..
Photography is generally welcome at Soma Nomaoi. Check specific rules at the venue.
Soma Nomaoi is a family-friendly festival that visitors of all ages can enjoy.
Festival food stalls (yatai) at Soma Nomaoi typically serve popular Japanese street food including yakisoba, takoyaki, and kakigori. Some festivals feature regional specialties.
Yes, wearing a yukata (casual kimono) is very common and encouraged at Soma Nomaoi. Many visitors rent yukata nearby.
Parking can be limited during Soma Nomaoi. Public transportation is recommended. Check access details: JR Joban Line to Haranomachi Station, then shuttle bus to Hibarigahara Field. From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai, then JR Joban Line (about 4 hours total)..
Armored horseback races (Kacchu Keiba) on the open field; Shinki Sodatsusen: mounted warriors competing to catch sacred flags; Grand procession of over 400 samurai riders through the streets
JR Joban Line to Haranomachi Station, then shuttle bus to Hibarigahara Field. From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai, then JR Joban Line (about 4 hours total).
The main day is July 26 with the armored races and flag-catching. Bring sun protection and water as the field has little shade. Reserved seating is available and recommended for the best views of the races.
📍 Hibarigahara Field and Odaka Shrine