About yabusame
Yabusame is a Shinto ritual where archers shoot at three targets to their left from galloping horses. This event is distinct in that it is dedicated to the gods, as the archers do not just compete over their martial skills but pray for universal peace, a rich harvest, and people’s health as they shoot. Shooting arrows from a galloping horse is called kisha. There are three forms of kisha, namely yabusame, kasagake, and inu-ou-mono. Among these, yabusame is regarded as special, given that it is a sacred ritual.
The length of the yabusame riding course and distance between targets remain unchanged from the Kamakura period. However, many of the horses used in the ritual today are of western breeds and are bigger and faster than Japanese breeds, making it harder to hit the targets. Of particular note might be the intensity of yabusame and the archers’ technique attained through hard training.
Time scheduleJapan time
| 9:00 am |
Venue opens; cultural exhibits and experiences (Noh, Kamakura-bori lacquerware, tea culture originating in Kamakura, Japan Heritage in Kamakura, food culture of the Kamakura period, children’s archery experience, Japanese saddlery and archery equipment) |
|---|---|
| 10:00 am |
Start of yabusame program (pre-archery rituals) |
| 10:30 am |
Starting drum (start of horseback action) |
| 12:00 noon |
Conclusion of yabusame program; cultural exhibits and experiences (continued) and interaction with horses |
| 12:50 pm |
Horseback archery demonstration in heavy armor, meet-and-greet with archers |
| 1:45 pm |
Venue closes |
*The above schedule is tentative and subject to change. Part of the event may be omitted depending on the weather.
Highlights
Tachisukashi
Tachisukashi is a technique unique to the equestrian art (horsemanship) of Japan, enabling the archer to accurately aim at targets from a galloping horse.
Archers ride horses by stepping down hard on the stirrups and keeping their hips a paper-thin distance above the saddle, without pressing against the horses’ body with their legs.
This is the ultimate technique for maintaining a stable posture without the up-and-down movements from the galloping horse.
Shooting method
The archers will use yundeyoko, the style of shooting directly to the left, and shoot three arrows consecutively from the galloping horses.
Types of viewing sections
| Donation | Viewing section |
|---|---|
| No donation | Standing-room area (first 150 persons) |
| Donation (minimum 1,000 yen) |
Seats available (first 350 persons) |
*Reservations not available. Donations will be received at the reception desk on the day of the event.
*As only a limited number of persons can enter the premises, admission may be restricted if capacity is reached.
Directions
Yabusame Kamakura Ground, The Japan Equestrian Archery Association 358-4 Hatchozura, Kajiwara, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa, 247-0063
● By bus:
- 7-minute walk from Fukasawa bus stop
(Enoden Bus or Keikyu Bus from Kamakura Station)
- In front of Hatchozura bus stop
(Enoden Bus from Fujisawa Station)
● By train:
- 8-minute walk from Shonan
Fukasawa Station (unstaffed station)
*Please use public transportation, as roads around the venue will be crowded.
Organizer / Inquiries
Our goals are to promote and develop the Japanese horseback archery that originated in the Kamakura period, contribute to the advancement of Japan’s traditional culture through practical education in classical equestrian arts, and foster international goodwill through equestrian culture.
| Organizer | The Japan Equestrian Archery Association |
|---|---|
| Address | 20-43 Onarimachi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa, 248-0012 |
|
post-kyuubakai @yabusame.or.jp |