Last updated: May 27, 2024
The Soma Nomaoi viewing tour ended with great success.
Provided by: Soma Nomaoi Executive Committee
Inagi City's sister city, Soma City in Fukushima Prefecture, has a traditional festival called "Soma Nomaoi" that has a history dating back over 1,000 years.
The Soma Nomaoi is said to have begun when Taira no Masakado, the ancestor of the Soma clan, released wild horses into Shimousa Province (northwestern Chiba Prefecture) and used them to conduct military training, imitating enemy soldiers. As a Shinto ritual to pray for peace and tranquility in the region, it has undergone many changes, but it is still passed down today as an enthusiastic event. It takes place over three days and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. A total of about 400 mounted warriors in armor gallop with swords at their waists and flags on their backs, creating a magnificent and heroic picture scroll of the era.
This tour was planned as the first event to visit Soma City from Inagi City. Participants will have the opportunity to watch the "Main Festival" on the second day, which is described as the "highlight" on the official website, from a special seat.
There are plenty of highlights to see, including the "Procession" where over 400 mounted warriors march through the city carrying a portable shrine, the "Armored Horse Race" where riders and horses race through the dust, and the "Sacred Flag Battle" where hundreds of mounted warriors compete to grab the descending sacred flag. Don't miss this opportunity to watch the valiant mounted warriors from a special seat!
People living in the city
May 25th (Saturday) to 26th (Sunday), 2024
40 people (first come, first served)
Note: Minimum number of participants for tour to run: 20 people
This is a two-day, one-night trip, and the price includes lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast and lunch on the second day.
Note: For details, please visit the Ohayo Travel Co., Ltd. website.
Soma City Historical Walk (Nakamura Castle Ruins, Soma City Historical Materials Collection Museum, Traditional Memorial Hall)
Watch the Soma Nomaoi festival from the special viewing area, Kaneyo Fisheries Seafood Market
"Nagisa no Kanade Yuzuru Inn"
You can enjoy kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood from Matsukawaura in Soma, as well as a large public bath with a spectacular view of Matsukawaura.
Adults = 53,000 yen Elementary school students = 40,400 yen
Ages 2 to preschoolers = 27,800 yen Note: Children under 2 years old are free.
Please apply using the application form on the Ohayo Travel Co., Ltd. website.
Application deadline: Thursday, April 25th
Inagi City Industry, Culture and Sports Department Tourism Division Phone: 042-378-2111
