Furudono Hachiman Shrine Grand Annual Festival & Yabusame Fair

About this event

This is a traditional grand autumn festival held annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of October at Furudono Hachiman Shrine in Furudono Town, Fukushima Prefecture. With a history of over 800 years, the "Yabusame and Kasagake Ritual" is designated as a Fukushima Prefecture Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and is conducted as a sacred ritual praying for world peace and bountiful harvests. In the yabusame (horseback archery), archers clad in samurai armor and Kamakura-period warrior attire gallop down an approximately 100-meter course and shoot arrows at three targets from speeding horses, creating a breathtaking moment as they pierce the targets. Shouts of "Yoiyasa!" accompany the release of the arrows, eliciting loud cheers from the spectators. In addition, "Kasagake", an extremely rare ritual nationwide that passes down the mounted archery techniques practiced by samurai in preparation for actual combat, is also dedicated. At Furudono Hachiman Shrine's Kasagake, unique ritual customs are inherited, such as shooting arrows toward the chigi (roof fork ornaments) of the head priest's residence; having both Yabusame and Kasagake dedicated on the very same horse-riding ground is a very rare and remarkable highlight. Fragmented pieces of targets struck during the ritual are considered good-luck charms for good health and warding off evil spirits, and taking them home is said to bring good fortune. On the day of the annual grand festival, various events are held including Yabusame, Oshu Furudono Yabusame Taiko drumming, song shows, and parade dancing, alongside operating street stalls. Kendo and Kyudo (archery) tournaments are also held, making it a festival where you can directly experience the tradition and vitality of Furudono Town.

Venue

Furudono Hachiman Shrine

67 Yamagamifurudono, Furudono, Ishikawa District, Fukushima 963-8302