When most people think of a samurai, they picture a warrior with a sword. Or at least I did! But after moving to Japan, I learned that for centuries, the true mark of a skilled samurai was not how he handled a katana, but how he handled a bow while riding a horse at full speed.
This is Yabusame. It is one of the most intense traditional events you can see in Japan. It is not a polite, quiet ceremony. It is loud, it is fast, and it is honestly a bit scary when you are standing right next to the track. The horses are thundering past you, sand is flying everywhere, and the sound of the arrow hitting the wooden target is almost like a gunshot.
I love it because it feels like stepping back in time. You aren’t just watching a re-enactment. You are watching a martial art that has been practiced exactly this way for 800 years.
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What is Yabusame?
In simple terms, Yabusame is a ritual where an archer gallops down a 250-metre straight track and shoots at three wooden targets.
The difficulty is hard to overstate. The horse is not trotting; it is running at a full gallop. The archer has less than two seconds between targets to nock a new arrow, draw, and shoot. The most impressive part, and the thing you should look for if you go to watch, is that they are not holding the reins. To shoot the bow, they have to let go of the horse completely and steer using only their knees.
If you’re a fan of Ghibli films (and who isn’t?), you might actually recognise this technique from Princess Mononoke. If you remember the scenes where Ashitaka rides his red elk, Yakul, and shoots while moving, he is using this exact technique.
It originally started as a way to train samurai for war, but it evolved into a religious ritual to please the Shinto gods. That is why you usually see it happening at shrines like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura, rather than in a sports stadium. The archers are dressed in traditional hunting gear from the Kamakura period, and the arrows they use are special whistling arrows that make a distinct sound as they fly through the air.
Watching Yabusame at a Festival
Most people experience Yabusame as spectators. It is usually held at a shrine, like the famous Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura. It is not like buying a ticket to a football match. It is a religious event, and the atmosphere is completely unique.
You have to arrive early. The track is a long, straight path of packed dirt running through the shrine grounds. By the time the event starts, the sides are packed with people. I personally remember smelling the incense from the shrine mixed with the dust from the track. Before the horses run, there is a long ceremony where Shinto priests bless the riders, the horses, and the track itself. It is slow and quiet, which builds the tension for what comes next.
When the first rider starts, the mood changes instantly. You hear the drumming of hooves getting louder and louder. Then you hear the rider shouting something in Japanese while letting go of the reins and raising the bow.
It happens so fast. The horse flies past you at incredible speed, kicking up sand. All the while, the rider looks completely calm, standing up in the stirrups with their knees locked to the saddle.
For me, the best moment is the sound. When the arrow hits the square wooden target, it shatters with a loud crack. Confetti explodes out of the target (a modern touch for the crowd) and everyone cheers. Honestly, it is thrilling to watch partly because you know how dangerous it is. These are not stuntmen. They are real practitioners handling a lethal weapon on a running animal.
Trying Yabusame Yourself
This is the “secret” option. Most people assume Yabusame is only for masters, but there are private stables that offer beginner experiences. We at Flip did this recently, and it gave us a massive appreciation for how hard it actually is.
Before you even look at a horse, you have to master the bow. And the Japanese bow, the yumi, is huge. It is over two metres tall and feels awkward at first. You also get to practice on a wooden horse or a barrel. The hardest part is nocking the arrow. In Yabusame, you have to keep your eyes on the target. You have to pull the arrow from your belt and fit it onto the string using only touch. You do this over and over again. Grab. Nock. Draw. Shoot.
Once the instructor is happy you aren’t going to drop the bow, you move to the real horse. The horses used for beginners are calm and steady. You will not be galloping. We want to be clear about that. For a beginner experience, the horse walks. But even at a walking pace, it is surprisingly difficult. You are trying to balance in the saddle without holding the reins, keeping your knees tight to steer. At the same time, you are trying to keep that giant bow steady.
As the horse moves down the track, you see the target coming up on your left. Your brain tries to do three things at once. Keep your balance. Look at the target. Draw the bow. You have to time your shot between the steps to keep your aim steady. You draw the string back past your ear, take a breath, and release. When you hit the target, the sound is incredibly satisfying. Even though you are only walking, you feel a rush of adrenaline.
Book Yabusame with Us
Watching the festivals is great, but we think the real magic happens when you actually get in the saddle.
The problem is, you can’t just rock up to these places. That is where we come in. We know the partners who are genuinely friendly and happy to teach beginners. We sort out the booking and the details so you don’t have to worry about the logistics and the language barriers. You just focus on the riding.
If you want to try out the experience by yourself, book Yabusame here.
Yabusame FAQs
Is it safe to try?
Yes. For beginners, the horses are led at a walk and are very calm. You are not galloping on your first day.
Do I need horse riding experience?
It helps, but it is not required. The instructors will teach you the specific posture needed for Yabusame, which is actually quite different from Western riding.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes, most stables have a weight limit for the horses’ safety, usually around 80kg to 90kg. Please check with us when booking.
Is it safe for children?
The full experience is generally better for tweens and up (12+) due to the size of the bow and the focus required. However, some stables may offer a simplified version for younger children.
How long does it take?
A typical beginner experience lasts about 90 minutes to 2 hours. This includes changing into the outfit, ground training, and the actual riding time.
Can I take photos?
Yes! The instructors are usually happy to take photos of you on the horse. It makes for an incredible souvenir.
