The Elegant Power of Archery
The Asakusa Yabusame archery event will take place in Sumida Park on April 18.
During the Edo era, Asakusa-style yabusame (horseback archery) was held as a New Year’s display at Asakusa Shrine. Today, many traditional events are still held in Taito City, and this archery event is one of the most popular annual attractions. Archers will shoot at targets while riding on horseback; an impressive and elegant event to witness.
The Asakusa Yabusame is divided into two events. The kusajishi (11:45 to 12:45, at Yamaya-bori Plaza) is an archery competition where archers shoot arrows at a deer-shaped target from a distance of about 20 meters. Archers will be dressed in eboshi and hitatare (traditional Japanese hats and clothing). Viewing the kusajishi is free and no advance reservation is needed.
The second event is the primary attraction, the yabusame (13:00 to 14:30, at the special riding arena). Archers will be dressed in the hunting attire of Kamakura samurai and shoot arrows at three targets one after another while galloping. Shooters that successfully hit three targets are awarded a prize during the ceremony. This is a paid event (¥4000 per seat) with designated block seating. A commemorative Asakusa Yabusame wooden tag and event bag is included with advance tickets. Tickets are available online or at Taito City Hall.
