Fukushima Travel – Soma Nomaoi

Soma Nomaoi (Soma) — May 23–25: Book Deep Japan Tours’ May 24 (Sun) Viewing Tour

Blog post: Soma Nomaoi is one of Japan’s most dramatic living samurai traditions, held this year from May 23–25 in Soma City, Fukushima.

Rooted in centuries of mounted martial practice and Shinto ritual, the festival stages thrilling displays of horsemanship and pageantry: the mounted procession (kiba gyoretsu), high‑speed armored horse racing (katchu keiba), and the fierce Goshinki (御神旗) capture competition. These events offer spectacular photo opportunities and a rare chance to witness samurai culture brought vividly to life.

Why go

• Authentic living tradition: riders in full armor perform skillful mounted maneuvers and rituals passed down generations.
• High drama: the Goshinki capture, where riders sprint to seize sacred flags, is an intense, crowd‑rousing highlight.
• Cultural insight: festival rites combine samurai heritage with local Shinto devotion, making for a deep, meaningful experience.

Deep Japan Tours — May 24 (Sunday) main‑day viewing tour Deep Japan Tours runs a curated tour on the festival’s key day, Sunday, May 24, to ensure the best possible experience.

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• Festival dates: May 23–25 (main events on May 24). Check the official site for detailed schedules: 
• https://soma-nomaoi.jp/
• Tour details & booking: Deep Japan Tours Sōma Nomaoi tour page — https://deepjapantours.com/our_tours/soma-noumaoi-tour-code-0006/
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Reserve your spot Spaces for the May 24 viewing tour are limited. Book with Deep Japan Tours to secure well‑organized visit to one of Japan’s most exhilarating samurai festivals.