Yabusame in Kamakura

Last Updated on March 27, 2025

Event Overview

To truly immerse yourself in the spirit and culture of the Samurai warrior, witnessing yabusame, or horseback archery, in Kamakura is an unforgettable experience.

Held on the third Sunday of April, this event takes place along the dirt road beneath the majestic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

If yabusame is on your itinerary, arriving well before the scheduled start is essential, as the event draws vast crowds.

Your journey begins the moment you step out of Kamakura Station on the JR train line, as you join a massive flow of people heading towards the shrine.

You can reach Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine via either the bustling shopping street, Komachi-dori, or the central pedestrian path, dankazura, running through Wakamiya Oji Street. Opt for the dankazura, as it offers a breathtaking display of hundreds of cherry trees in full bloom, a transient beauty not to be missed.

Despite the crowds, the sight of the two giant guardian dogs (lion dogs) guarding the impressive red torii gate at the dankazura’s entrance, followed by the enchanting white lanterns and cherry blossoms, quickly captivates you. Whether the blossoms are set against a clear sky, falling like snow in a gust of wind, or admired up close, they are mesmerizing.

Consider looking for cherry blossom-themed drain covers or purchasing a tenugui (cotton printed cloth) depicting the dankazura’s lanterns and blossoms as souvenirs.

If you arrive at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine early, secure a spot along the dirt road between the third torii gate and the Ritual Dance Stage, as this is the best vantage point for the archery.

Even if you miss the archery, other captivating aspects of the event remain.

Before the archery demonstration, a ceremonial presentation of the archers in traditional Samurai attire takes place at the Ritual Dance Stage.

Here, you can watch the archers, adorned in vibrant hunting costumes, present themselves to the gods, seeking blessings and expressing gratitude for prosperity and a good harvest. The archers, with their feathered arrows and bows, against the red pillars of the stage, make for a stunning photograph.

Following the ceremony, a procession of archers, flag bearers, and target carriers marches towards a clearing near the archery track.

One archer, mounted on a horse, demonstrates various bow and arrow positions.

After this brief demonstration, the procession reforms and proceeds to the archery track for the yabusame.

Venue Information

Location: 2 Chome-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588, Japan

Dates: 20th April 2025

Start Time: 13:00 onwards

Entry Cost

Free.

Event Details

Getting There