Fukushima Travel – Another Soma Nomaoi

The Soma Nomaoi (相馬野馬追), held annually in Fukushima Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most awe-inspiring traditional festivals — a living samurai epic that draws visitors from across the world. On May 25, the heart of the festival unfolded in Hibarigahara Field, Minamisoma City, where the dramatic Goshinki Sodatsusen (sacred flag battle) was held, with thousands of visitors crowding the field to witness the fierce contest of mounted warriors.

But beyond the spotlight, a lesser-known and deeply moving chapter of the festival continues in the town of Namie, in the historic district of Shineha-go (標葉郷). After the main events at Hibarigahara, a victory parade and a second Goshinki Sodatsusen take place in Namie, offering a more intimate and local experience of this legendary celebration. Here, visitors can see the gallant samurai riders up close, surrounded not by tourists but by local residents and community spirit. It’s a true hidden gem for those who want a deeper, off-the-beaten-path Fukushima travel experience.

🔰 A Legacy of Five Samurai Districts

The Soma Nomaoi is rooted in the traditions of the former Soma-Nakamura Domain, comprising five historic districts known as “Itsutsu no Go” (the Five Go). These are:

Uda-go (Soma City)
Kita-go (Kashima, Minamisoma)
Naka-no-go (Haramachi, Minamisoma)
Odaka-go (Odaka, Minamisoma)
Shinoha-go (Namie, Futaba, and Okuma Towns)

Every year, mounted warriors from these five regions ride toward the central battlefield at Hibarigahara Festival Ground, reenacting their ancient military alliance in a stunning samurai procession.

🌱 Revival After Disaster

Even after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, Soma Nomaoi never ceased. In 2018, after years of recovery, Shinoha-go’s departure ceremony and parade in Namie Town triumphantly returned for the first time in eight years. It marked not just the return of a cultural treasure, but a symbol of Fukushima’s resilience and pride.

Today, the Shineha-go Nomai Festival remains a local favorite and an insider’s highlight of the larger Soma Nomaoi. With its emotional atmosphere, warrior spirit, and sacred rituals, it’s an unforgettable part of any Japan tour focused on tradition and heritage.

https://namietourism.jp/feature/shinehago-nomaoi/