This shrine is where the Nomakake, the finale of the Soma Nomaoi festival, is held. It was originally Odaka Castle. Yellow is the shrine's color, so the rope is also yellow!
It must have been beautiful during cherry blossom season.
Soma is known for its horse-themed sculptures.
Maybe because the cherry blossoms were over and it was before the Nomaoi festival, there were a lot of people doing maintenance.
That's probably why it's so beautiful.
The Soma Nomaoi is a 1,000-year-old samurai festival featuring horseback riding competitions, mock cavalry battles, and traditional ceremonies. It takes place annually in late July over three days, with Soma Odaka Shrine serving as one of three main venues. Hundreds of riders dressed in authentic samurai armor participate in events including horse races, flag capture competitions called Kacchu-keiba, and the dramatic Shinki Sodatsusen where mounted warriors compete to catch sacred flags launched into the air.
From Tokyo, take the JR Joban Line northbound to Odaka Station, which requires approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on train connections. From Sendai, the journey south on the same line takes about 1.5 hours. The shrine is within walking distance from Odaka Station. Visitors driving can access the shrine via National Route 6, with parking available near the grounds.
No, Soma Odaka Shrine is free to enter year-round. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, pray at the main hall, and experience the traditional Shinto atmosphere without any admission charge. However, if attending special events or the Soma Nomaoi festival, there may be separate fees for designated viewing areas or grandstand seating.
The shrine enshrines Myoken Boson, a Buddhist deity associated with the North Star and Polar constellations. Myoken Boson served as the guardian deity of the Soma clan who ruled the region during feudal times. This reflects the historical syncretism between Shinto and Buddhism in Japan, where Buddhist deities were often worshipped at Shinto shrines before the Meiji period separation of the two religions.
Soma Odaka Shrine is located in an area significantly impacted by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear disaster. The Odaka district was within the evacuation zone, and many residents were displaced for years. The shrine has since become a symbol of cultural preservation and community recovery, with the continuation of the Soma Nomaoi festival representing the region's resilience and determination to maintain its centuries-old traditions despite tremendous hardship.
