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January 11, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
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January 11, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Event end:
History
Toh-Shiya, or the “First Arrow Shooting of the Year,” is an annual archery event held at Sanjusangen-do Temple in Kyoto. The tradition dates back to 1606 when a samurai demonstrated remarkable archery skill, shooting a hundred arrows across the temple hall and hitting the target 51 times. This display inspired the establishment of a yearly archery contest that continues to this day.
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Contact Jasumo Now →During the 16th century, the competition was even more extreme, with archers shooting hundreds or even a thousand arrows in a single session, lasting up to 24 hours. One of the most famous victors was an eleven-year-old boy in 1827, who scored an astonishing 995 out of 1000 arrows in the thousand-arrow competition.
Sanjusangen-do Temple, where Toh-Shiya takes place, was established in the 12th century and houses 1,001 carved wooden statues of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. The temple itself is a spectacular historical site and visiting it during the archery contest offers a blend of cultural, historical, and spiritual experience.
Overview
Toh-Shiya 2026 will be held on Sunday, January 11, offering visitors the chance to witness around 2,000 archers from all over Japan compete in a traditional contest of skill and precision. A highlight of the event is the participation of twenty-year-old men and women celebrating their coming-of-age, dressed in colorful traditional kimono.
Archers compete in groups of six, shooting arrows at four targets 60 meters away. Each archer has two arrows and two minutes per round. Those who hit the target with both arrows advance to the next round. In addition to the competition, visitors can explore the temple grounds, admire the architectural beauty of Sanjusangen-do, and view the rows of 1,001 Kannon statues.
Highlights
- Archery competition featuring around 2,000 archers from across Japan.
- Participation of 20-year-old new adults dressed in traditional kimono.
- Archers shoot at 60-meter targets with precise timing and skill.
- Opportunity to explore Sanjusangen-do Temple and its historical grounds.
- View the 1,001 wooden statues of Kannon, a unique cultural and spiritual experience.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- Witness a unique and historic Japanese archery tradition.
- Experience the ceremonial coming-of-age celebration of new adults.
- Explore a 12th-century temple with 1,001 Kannon statues.
- Enjoy a family-friendly, educational, and culturally enriching event.
- Perfect for photography enthusiasts and history lovers visiting Kyoto.
If you are coming to Japan or already in Japan and need assistance—from custom tours and experiences to transportation, ticket booking, or any other travel needs—contact us via the Jasumo contact page.
Schedule
- Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Highlight: Archers, especially new adults, compete in groups shooting arrows at targets 60 meters away.
Pricing
- Event Viewing: Free entry to the competition area and temple grounds
- Temple Hall Admission: Typically free on this day (normally ¥600 JPY)
Location
Sanjusangen-do Temple, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
657 Sanjusangendomawari, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0941, Japan
Phone: 075-561-0467
How to Get There:
- Accessible by bus or taxi from Kyoto Station
- Walking from nearby train stations is possible, depending on your route
Accommodation Options
Visitors can stay in central Kyoto near Sanjusangen-do, choosing from hotels, traditional ryokans, or guesthouses.
Mid-range hotels cost around ¥10,000–¥20,000 per night, while luxury ryokans range from ¥25,000–¥40,000. Budget guesthouses start around ¥3,500–¥5,000 per night. Booking in advance is recommended due to the festival and New Year travel season.
FAQs
What is Toh-Shiya?
It is an annual archery contest held at Sanjusangen-do Temple, marking the first arrow shooting of the New Year.
When is Toh-Shiya 2026?
The event is on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Is there an entry fee?
No, event viewing and temple grounds access are free. The main hall is also free on this day.
Who participates in the archery contest?
Around 2,000 archers from across Japan, including 20-year-old new adults celebrating coming-of-age, participate in the contest.
What makes Sanjusangen-do special?
The temple, established in the 12th century, houses 1,001 wooden statues of Kannon, offering a unique cultural and spiritual experience for visitors.
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