Transport yourself back into 12th century Japan and watch samurai mounted archers compete at a sacred Shinto tournament. Their uniforms, saddles, and targets haven’t changed in eleven hundred years.
The goal – to shoot three targets (each only 8” wide) from the back of a horse at full gallop. Traditional Japanese archery is extremely difficult. Balancing on the back of a galloping horse requires superb balance. Doing both at once is almost impossible. And in the olden days if you missed, it could cost you your head.
Originally developed as a crucial battlefield skill, Yabusame has become an act of Shinto worship – and a celebration of ancient Japanese tradition. Complete with a 35th generation Yabsusame master, who doesn’t miss a thing.
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Category: Travel
Alo Japan.