The 13th Kawagoe Yabusame will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at the Kawagoe-yakata Ruins (河越館跡), a nationally designated historic site in Kawagoe, Saitama. The event brings the yabusame of the Kamakura period back to life at the historic site.
About the Event
The nationally designated historic site Kawagoe-yakata Ruins is the site of the residence of the Kawagoe clan, a family of Musashi warriors who were active in the Kamakura period.
Warriors of that era never neglected their martial training in preparation for battle. Yabusame, the art of shooting arrows at targets while riding a galloping horse, was one of these martial arts.
Held at this historic site, the event recreates the yabusame said to have been performed in the Kamakura period. Its aims are to raise awareness of the Kawagoe-yakata Ruins, deepen understanding among local residents and others, and foster a sense of protection for cultural properties.
Event Details
Date and Time: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Venue: Nationally designated historic site Kawagoe-yakata Ruins (河越館跡), 192 Uwado, Kawagoe City
Organizers: Kawagoe Yabusame Executive Committee (河越流鏑馬実行委員会) and Kawagoe City Board of Education (川越市教育委員会)
In Cooperation With: Uwado Elementary School district's 8 neighborhood associations (上戸小校区８自治会), Uwado Neighborhood Association (上戸自治会), Kujirai Neighborhood Association (鯨井自治会), Uwado Performing Arts Preservation Society (上戸芸能保存会), Kujirai no Manzaku Preservation Society (鯨井の万作保存会), Koedo Kawagoe Tourism Association (小江戸川越観光協会), Kawagoe City Cultural Properties Protection Association (川越市文化財保護協会), Nakahara-cho Festival Management Committee (中原町祭礼運営委員会)
Performance: 倭式騎馬會 (Representative: 森顯)
Program
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Folk performing arts (Uwado Performing Arts Preservation Society, Kujirai no Manzaku Preservation Society) |
| 1:00 PM | Departure ceremony (Joraku-ji Temple, 常楽寺) |
| 1:30 PM | Yabusame event |
| 3:00 PM | Horseback riding experience (fee required) |
