Moroyama Yabusame (Horseback Archery)

About this event

The Yabusame of Moroyama, a traditional event handed down in Moroyama Town, Saitama Prefecture, is held annually on November 3 as the autumn festival of Izumo Iwai Shrine. In 2026, it falls on Tuesday, a national holiday. This horseback archery depicts a series of warrior life from the practice of Kamakura samurai to battle and triumphant return, and is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Saitama Prefecture. The festival takes place twice, as Asamato (Morning Target) and Yūmato (Evening Target). In particular, the afternoon Yūmato is the festival's climax, where archer boys in formal attire adorned with flower-decorated hats (hanagasa) and protective back capes (horo) shoot arrows from galloping horses. The riders are young boys around 15 years old, presenting a heroic and impressive sight. During the festival, there are also moments when wrapped offerings of mandarins and mochi rice cakes are scattered from horseback, with local children gathering them up. At Asamato, the warrior-like appearance of the archers creates a solemn, ceremonial atmosphere, while Yūmato enlivens the festival with ornate costumes. Yabusame events continuing annually as local traditional rituals are rare in Saitama Prefecture, and the Yabusame of Izumo Iwai Shrine is one of those precious few. It is said to have begun when Minamoto no Yoshiie dedicated horseback archery on his return from the Oshū region, making it an event of profound history. Access to the venue is convenient, located a 5-minute walk from Moro Station on the JR Hachiko Line.

Venue

Izumo Iwai Shrine

5-17-1 Iwai Nishi, Moroyama-machi, Iruma-gun, Saitama 350-0465