Event: ‘Reitai-Sai’
Traditional festivities
Local Festivals.
Duration: 3 Days
Repeat Event: Every Year
In the city of Kamakura (Kanagawa prefecture), is celebrated the world-famous Reitai sai organized by the temple of Hachiman Tsurugaoka. Composed of several events such as traditional music and tea ceremonies in honor of the gods, but stands above all the “Yabusame” held on the 16th.
The Yabusame is a contest that combines the ability to ride horses, along with the art of traditional Japanese archery, popular among samurai warriors of the late Heian period. The competition is held in a plain about 250 meters long, which are located three targets.
The archers dressed in costumes typical samurai game, the backs of their horses and throw an arrow at each of the targets while galloping along the track. Tens of thousands of spectators gather to witness the event.