Background
流鏑馬神事 Yabusame (Shimogamo)
DateMon, May 3in 199 days · Exact dates are announced by the organizers.
CrowdsBusy
CostFree to watch
If it rainsNot announced
Mounted archery in Heian-period dress along the forested path of Shimogamo Shrine, part of the Aoi Matsuri season.
- Where
- 下鴨神社（糺の森）
- How to enjoy it
- Free to watch along the track; arrive early for a good view.
Background
The Yabusame ritual is held every May 3 at Shimogamo Shrine's Tadasu-no-mori riding ground, as a pre-rite of the Aoi Festival (May 15), praying for its safe conduct. Archers in court and warrior hunting dress gallop past three targets, reenacting classical mounted archery.
What to see
- Mounted archery in full gallop at the forest riding ground
- Archers in noble and warrior hunting attire
- Three targets along the roughly 400m course
- The solemn air of an Aoi Festival prelude
Timeline
- May 3 afternoon
- Yabusame rite (around 13:00-15:30)
How to watch
- Free to watch around the course
- Paid seats available (check shrine notices); arrive early for a good spot
- Crowded during Golden Week
Getting there
About 12 min on foot from Keihan Demachiyanagi Station; city bus to Shimogamo-jinja-mae.
Good to know
Is it held in the rain?
May be cancelled in bad weather; check before going.
Do I need a reservation?
No for general viewing; see shrine notices for paid seats.
Can I take photos?
Yes, but no flash, and stay out of the course.
How does it relate to the Aoi Festival?
It is one of the pre-rites praying for the May 15 Aoi Festival.