Jan. 10, 2023 UPDATE
Yabusame-shinji - 流鏑馬神事 -
Traveler Friendly
Take the English information sheet which includes the explanation in how to worship as well as general information about the shrine and a map.
Information
English, Japanese
Languages spoken
Japanese only
PeriodMay 3rd, every year Only members of the Tadasunomori Yabusame Shinto rituals preservation society will be invited.
VenueShimogamo Shrine
1062 7 --- 0 reviews
Jan. 10, 2023 UPDATE

Yabusame-shinji

- 流鏑馬神事 -
Traveler Friendly
Take the English information sheet which includes the explanation in how to worship as well as general information about the shrine and a map.
Information
English, Japanese
Languages spoken
Japanese only
1062 7 --- 0 reviews
PeriodMay 3rd, every year Only members of the Tadasunomori Yabusame Shinto rituals preservation society will be invited.
VenueShimogamo Shrine
Story & Recommendation
One of the main features in Shimogamo Shrine before Aoi Matsuri
Shimogamo Shrine is one of the World Heritage Sites chosen by UNESCO. The shrine is surrounded by trees emitting fresh air to its surroundings making visitors feel very relaxed. The history of the Shimogamo Shrine extends at least two thousand years and it is one of the oldest in Japan. Yabusame-shinji is held annually as part of Aoi Matsuri, the flagship festival of Shimogamo Shrine. The festival commences on May 3rd with the Yabusame-shinji, a display of Heian period horseback archery. Donning the costumes of court nobles, the archers majestically aim and shoot targets throughout the forest (referred to the official website). This event will be held on the pedestrian approach to the shrine.
1Highlight
Shooting targets throughout the forest
Shooting targets throughout the forest
Yabusame is an event in which a samurai warrior on the back of a horse running in the wind shoots Kabura-ya (an arrow with a kabura whistle attached at the top) at a target. It is a Japanese traditional skill and also a ritual ceremony (referred to Kyoto Prefecture Tourism Guide). You may be surprised by the speed of the horse running.
2Let's join!
Take a photo and video of the horse and archer
Take a photo and video of the horse and archer
It may be a good idea to take a video and photo of this event! As the horse runs very fast, it probably is difficult to capture the good picture. Hence, we recommend that you take a video so that you can show it how it feels like to your families and friends in your country!
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