Watching the Japanese art of Yabusame horseback archery is literally a thrilling experience. There is nothing quite like the thundering sound of horses galloping past while their riders expertly let fly their arrows.
With roots dating back to Japan's Kamakura period of the 12th century, modern Yabusame has become an obscure art practiced by only a couple of schools. Yet despite this obscurity, demonstrations of Yabusame always draw large and appreciative crowds. One of the major events in the Yabusame calendar is held on November 3rd at Meiji-Jingu Shrine in Harajuku, Tokyo.
To be up close and almost within touching distance of these riders is an incredible feeling and one not to be missed.
Getting there
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku station. The entrance to the Meiji Jingu Shrine is only a couple of minutes walk from the station. Once you enter the shrine, follow the path until you reach the staging grounds for the event.
More info
Find out more about Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Sleiman Azizi @sleiman.azizi
I'm a Japanese Permanent Resident with over 650 published articles on Japan as well as 5 English language books inspired by traditional Japanese literature.I'm also a Japan Travel expert for Tokyo, so if you've anything to say about Japan's never ending capital - or just Japan in general - don't ...
