On May 3, 2025, the Yabusame Ritual, in which archers shoot arrows at targets from galloping horses, was held at Shimogamo Shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. In the Tadasu Forest, where the new greenery is more vivid than ever, archers and horses performed synchronized techniques, captivating approximately 20,000 visitors (according to the organizers).
This ritual has been passed down since around the 7th century as a prayer for safety on the road to the Aoi Festival. It was discontinued for a time, but was revived in 1973 to commemorate the Shikinen Sengu.
Three wooden targets, each about 50 cm square, were set up in three places on the approximately 400-meter riding ground, and the horses ran a total of 20 times each. The archers, dressed in the attire of nobles and samurai, galloped as one with their horses, firing arrows one after another. When the target hit the target and broke, the audience erupted in loud cheers and applause.
