Soma Nakamurakitamachi, Fukushima Prefecture, and other locations
Rating
Cost per person
¥2,000
The Soma Nomaoi Festival is a traditional horse festival with over 1,000 years of history, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. The festival takes place over three days, starting in Soma City and moving to Minamisoma City. Witness a procession of 400 armored horsemen, thrilling armored horse races, and a dramatic flag-snatching contest at Hibarigahara. The festival culminates with the Nomakake, where men in white capture wild horses by hand and dedicate them to the shrine. Held annually in late July, it's a vibrant display of samurai tradition and horsemanship.