Yabusame: the story of the cinematic archery ritual and where to watch it

Yabusame (流鏑馬) is a traditional Japanese practice that consists of archers on horseback shooting three consecutive targets as they ride. Its origins start off as solely practical, created by the shogun Minamoto no Yoshitomo during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) as a means of training his samurai, who he cited as having less-than-satisfactory archery skills. 

Historically, the bow and arrow has been an influential and revered artifact for the development of Japan. All the way back from the Jomon period, the practice of archery had been practiced and utilized, and Japan’s first-ever emperor of legend, Jimmin, is almost always depicted carrying a bow. While the samurai are most often associated with their katana, the best warriors were often known for their archery abilities.

It was at the time that the city of Kamakura was the capital that Yabusame was first invented. So it is fitting that the largest and most renowned Yabusame ritual takes place in this same exact city. 

Part of the greater Reitai-sai, or annual festival that takes place at the famous Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine between September 14th and 16th, the overarching festivities celebrate the literal centuries-old history of Kamakura. The Yabusame display takes place at 1 P.M. on the 16th. It is considered the most famous and largest of the “big 3” Yabusame events in Japan. 

There are 18 riders in total for the ritual, with the first three being dressed in the traditional hunting apparel of the Kamakura period. The remaining 15 are dressed in samurai armor of the Edo period, providing a live reflection of the martial art.

Shimogamo Shrine is located in the northern part of Kyoto City, the ancient capital of Japan. It is one of the oldest shrines in all of Kyoto, even predating the city’s founding itself. It, along with its sister shrine, Kamigamo Shrine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

On May 3rd of every year, it is host to the Yabusame Shinji, the Yabusame event that precedes the Aoi Matsuri. At Shimogamo Shrine, the horse track is 500 meters long, with the targets around 100 meters away from the archers. 

Participants will don samurai armor as well as traditional garments of court nobles of historic Japan, and with the traditional environment of Kyoto, it may seem like actually stepping back in time. Just like the one at Tsurugaoka Shrine in Kamakura, it is one of the big 3 Yabusame events.

One of the most unique Yabusame events takes place at Nyakuichioji Shrine in Omachi City, Nagano. Here, the Yabusame ritual participants consist entirely of younger boys who perform with much more child-friendly equipment, but the fanfare is still electric. 

Part of the greater Nyakuichi-Oki festival, the boys will also perform a cavalcade procession through the town. It is considered one of the big 3 Yabusame events in the country. 

Omachi City is around one hour away from Nagano City, the prefecture’s capital, by express bus. Additionally, the JR Oito Line directly connects Omachi to Matsumoto. Check the township's official website here for access information. 

To see the Yabusame ritual at Meiji Jingu can be a jarring experience. In front of you will be archers on horseback performing, donning traditional attire, surrounded by tall trees. But then 10 minutes in one direction is the streetwear-rich maze of Harajuku and in another direction, Shibuya Station, the second busiest train station in the world. 

Indeed, the Autumn Festival at Meiji Jingu Shrine offers spectators a chance to see Yabusame right in the heart of the bustling capital of Tokyo, a great realization of both Japan’s past and present. 

Taking place in November, the weather is much more temperate, offering great relief from the hot and humid Tokyo summers. Be sure to come early for a good view. Since Tokyo is literally the most populated metropolitan area in the world, a lot of people come out to watch!

Washibara Hachimangu Shrine in Tsuwano is home to the oldest Yabusame racehorse still in use in Japan. It is around 500 years old and is lined with around 100 cherry trees that bloom into a calming blush during spring. Since the festival takes place in April, seeing the cherry blossoms in the background along with the riders is like something out of a movie. 

The riders at the Washibara Hachimangu Shrine Yabusame event are from the Ogasawara Clan, with a prominent history dating back to the Kamakura period. The targets that are hit by the riders are often auctioned off after and often displayed at local establishments. The event takes place the first Sunday of April with a showing in the morning and afternoon. A free shuttle bus goes from Tsuwano Station to a stop nearby the venue.