Nov. 16, 2023 UPDATE
Toshiya - 通し矢 -
Traveler Friendly
English information is available, and the “Daikotaki” event, whose venue is in front of Sanjusangen-do, is held on the same day. You can enjoy both these Japanese traditional events at one time.
Information
English / Chinese
Languages spoken
Japanese Only
PeriodJanuary 15th, 2023 ※ This event is usually held on a Sunday close to January 15.
VenueSanjusangendo temple
2469 7 5.0 1 reviews
Nov. 16, 2023 UPDATE

Toshiya

- 通し矢 -
Traveler Friendly
English information is available, and the “Daikotaki” event, whose venue is in front of Sanjusangen-do, is held on the same day. You can enjoy both these Japanese traditional events at one time.
Information
English / Chinese
Languages spoken
Japanese Only
2469 7 5.0 1 reviews
PeriodJanuary 15th, 2023 ※ This event is usually held on a Sunday close to January 15.
VenueSanjusangendo temple
Story & Recommendation
The sounds of the pulled arrows pass through the cold air at the Sanjusangendo temple
Toshiya is an interesting event where arrows are shot from one end of the 120-meter (or 390-foot) long building to the other. This event has a long history which originated in the late 16th century. It is said that, at that time, archers were able to hit their targets across the 120-meter space between the northern and southern ends of Sanjusangendo temple. Toshiya is held in the main hall located on the west side of Sanjusangendo temple. The arrows are pulled from a distance of 60 meters from the target, which is a circle about 1 meter long. The equipment that has been devised for 'Toshiya' is influencing current archery. The day on which Toshiya is held changes every year and admission is free on this occasion.
1Highlight
Oomato competition
The "Oomato" competition comes from an Edo period’s archery tournament which was held with 2,000 participants. This competition is held on the same day as "Yanagino okaji" (A ritual which is introduced in the next column). The adult day’s tournament is a very famous and brilliant event where players wear Japanese traditional clothes.
2Highlight
Yanagi no okaji
Yanagi no okaji
This ritual from India is practiced by having the holy stick touched to the head by Kannon to take away bad spirits, and is said to be especially effective for preventing headaches. This procedure is the most important ritual practiced at Sanjusangen-do.
- Manner & Tips -
Please refrain from taking photos after entering Sanjusangen-do. 
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