About this event
The Yabusame (Horseback Archery) Ritual of Kurokami Shrine is a traditional performing art with a history of over 850 years, conducted as a Shinto ritual. It is said to have originated in the first year of the Kyuju era (1154) as an offering of gratitude after Chinzei Hachiro Tametomo defeated a giant serpent that appeared on Mount Kurokami. Originally practiced as martial arts training for samurai, the highlight of Yabusame is the brave and splendid sight of archers clad in samurai attire riding horses and shooting whistling arrows into three targets in succession from horseback. Because this Shinto ritual is dedicated to the local guardian deity, it is conducted as a sacred offering/presentation rather than a commercial event. As such, visitors should note that tourist-specific accommodations or strictly on-time proceedings may be difficult, and schedules or locations may change depending on the weather or ritual requirements. When taking photos, consideration is requested so as not to interfere with the ritual offering.
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Kurokami Shrine
1093-2 Oaza Miyano, Yamauchi-cho, Takeo, Saga 849-2305
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