Yabusame shinji (流鏑馬神事) is a type of mounted archery in which the rider shoots at a target from a galloping horse. Arrows with a turnip-shaped head are used. There is a theory that the etymology of the word Yabusame is a contraction of yabaseume and it is thought to mean to shoot arrows on horsback. Three targets are placed along Continue reading «Yabusame shinji, Prelude to the Aoi Matsuri!»

In the festival’s parade, ladies dressed in the ceremonial court robes and men in traditional costumes ride on ox carriages decorated with wisteria leaves (normally used by noblemen in the Heian period). There are 36 horses, 4 oxen, 2 ox carriages, 1 mikoshi ,and over 500 people forming the Imperial procession, making it one of the most elaborate and colorful Continue reading «Aoi Matsuri (葵祭) in the Old Heian Capital of Japan, Kyoto!»