Yabusame Festival in Sakurai Shrine
Itoshima’s only yabusame horseback archery ritual has been held annually since 1653, with prayers for a good harvest and the safety of agricultural horses. Two mounted archers race along the shrine’s approximately 150-meter approach, firing white-feathered arrows at three targets as they pass.
The main attraction is the chance to watch the riders at close range, combining the speed of the horses with the split-second precision of releasing an arrow at full gallop.
A children’s procession follows the ritual, allowing visitors to continue enjoying Sakurai Shrine’s autumn festival atmosphere after the horseback archery concludes.
- Oct 18, 2026 (Sun)
- 10:30~
- Free viewing
- Sakurai Shrine
- 4227 Shimasakurai, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
- Website