Yabusame Shinji at Shimogamo Shrine 2025

Event date:
May 3, 2025 at 12:34 am
Event end:
May 3, 2025 at 12:34 am

What is Shimogamo Shrine?
Shimogamo Shrine, officially known as Kamomioya Shrine, is a significant Shinto shrine located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. It is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The shrine is dedicated to two deities:

Kamo Taketsunumi no Mikoto, the god of Kyoto’s development, enshrined in the west main hall.
Tamayorihime no Mikoto, Kamo Taketsunumi’s daughter, enshrined in the east main hall.

The site is surrounded by lush forests and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect backdrop for traditional ceremonies and festivals.

Yabusame Shinji (Horseback Archery)

Yabusame Shinji is a captivating horseback archery display held annually at Shimogamo Shrine, showcasing the skill and precision of traditional archers. This event is an impressive display of archery where archers dressed in full traditional costume race on horseback through the forest while shooting arrows at targets.

The event is not just a performance but also a ritual. Historically, Yabusame was performed to pray for good harvests and protection against disasters, and it continues to be a celebrated tradition in Kyoto.

What Happens at Yabusame Shinji?

The archers are trained in the Ogasawara School of Archery, one of the oldest schools in Japan.
On the day of the event, the archers ride their horses through the wooded paths of Shimogamo Shrine and perform ceremonial archery with amazing precision.
The competition is often intense, with the archers demonstrating incredible skill, focus, and mastery of both horseback riding and archery.

Event Details:

Date: May 3, 2025 (as part of Kyoto’s Aoi Matsuri celebrations)
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Shimogamo Shrine, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
Entry: Free

This annual event takes place in the lead-up to Kyoto’s Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, making it an exciting cultural experience for both locals and tourists.