Name: Yabusame Horse Archery Tsuwano 2026
Start: 2026-04-05T11:00+09:00
End: 2026-04-05T14:00+09:00
Location: Washibara

Last Updated on March 14, 2026

The town of Tsuwano in Shimane Prefecture is preparing to host the traditional Yabusame festival, a spectacular display of Japanese horse archery that dates back centuries.

The event will take place at the historic Washibara Hachiman-gu Shrine, which remains one of the few locations in the country to maintain an original Edo period archery range.

Spectators can expect to see skilled archers dressed in ornate hunting attire from the Kamakura period as they gallop down a straight track at high speeds.

While maneuvering their horses, the participants must release arrows in quick succession to strike three wooden targets positioned along the path.

This ritual is performed not only as a test of martial skill but also as a sacred offering to pray for a bountiful harvest and national peace.

The atmosphere at the shrine will be filled with the sounds of thundering hooves and the cheers of onlookers as the archers demonstrate their precision and focus.

Visitors to the area can also explore the surrounding town of Tsuwano, often called the Little Kyoto of San’in, known for its preserved samurai districts and colorful carp in the street canals.

Access to the shrine is available via a local bus or a scenic walk from JR Tsuwano Station, providing a convenient way for travelers to experience this cultural heritage.