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YABUSAME
Mounted Archery

Experience the living tradition of Ogasawara-ryū Yabusame at Shogun Stables in Nikko.

Guided by Ogasawara-ryū instructors, this authentic experience introduces the fundamentals of Japan's classical mounted archery tradition. Each session is tailored to the participant's level, whether you are new to horseback riding or already have riding experience.

All experiences begin with the fundamentals of Kyūjutsu (classical Japanese archery), where you will learn basic shooting techniques on the ground before progressing to mounted training. You will then practise on the traditional wooden training horse, learning correct posture, balance, stirrup use, and mounted movements before experiencing yabusame on horseback.

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Two experience options are available:

  • 2-Hour Experience – A well-balanced introduction to Kyūjutsu and Ogasawara-ryū Yabusame.

  • 3-Hour Experience – Includes additional Kyūjutsu instruction and extended practical training for those wishing to deepen their experience.

Experience Includes

1. Ground Training

Learn the fundamentals of Kyūjutsu before progressing to mounted practice.

  • Basic shooting techniques

  • How to hold and draw the Japanese bow

  • Arrow handling and loading

  • Traditional warm-up and leg-strengthening exercises


2. Wooden Horse Training

Develop the essential skills required for mounted archery using the traditional wooden training horse.

  • Mounting and dismounting

  • Riding posture and balance

  • Stirrup use

  • Riding exercises

  • Mounted movements and arrow setting


3. Mounted Yabusame Experience

Experience Ogasawara-ryū yabusame on horseback under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

  • Preparing the horse using traditional Japanese methods

  • Mounted archery practice in a controlled environment

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Experience Information

Language
Japanese & English (other languages may be available upon request).

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Equipment
All necessary training equipment is provided.
 

Experience Level
No previous horseback riding or archery experience is required.

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Participants
Up to 15 participants.

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Age
Suitable for participants aged 10 and above. Please let us know when booking if children will be taking part.

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Health & Safety
If you have any concerns regarding your back, shoulders, knees, or other physical conditions, please contact us before booking. Participants are required to follow the instructor's safety guidance throughout the experience.

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Clothing
Please wear comfortable full-length trousers suitable for riding and movement. Shorts, skirts, and dresses are not recommended.

Kyudo practitioners are welcome to wear their own keiko-gi, obi, hakama, tabi, and setta.

Price

From ¥33,000 per person

Prices vary depending on the experience duration and season.

Please visit the Shogun Stables booking page for current pricing and availability.

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What's Included

  • Instruction by Ogasawara-ryū instructors

  • English interpretation

  • Rental of standard training attire

  • Use of bows, arrows, and all necessary training equipment

  • Wooden horse training

  • Horseback riding experience

Location

Shogun Stables
Nikko Baji Center
2844-1 Tokorono, Nikko-shi, Tochigi 321-1421, Japan

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All Yabusame experiences take place at Shogun Stables in Nikko, approximately two hours north of Tokyo.

Access

Approximately 2 km from JR Nikko Station and Tobu Nikko Station.

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  • Taxi: Approximately 5 minutes

  • Bus: Take the bus towards Kirifuri Kogen, get off at Marumi (Stop 93), then walk approximately 6 minutes (550 m)

  • On foot: Approximately 30 minutes (uphill)

Weather

Yabusame is an outdoor activity and may be adapted according to weather conditions.

In light rain, the experience will normally proceed as planned. If weather conditions make riding unsafe, an alternative indoor programme featuring traditional archery and wooden horse training will be provided.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations made 72 hours or more before the scheduled experience are free of charge.

  • Less than 72 hours' notice: 50% of the participation fee

  • Less than 24 hours' notice: 100% of the participation fee

Book Your Experience

To book your experience, please click the button below. You will be redirected to the official Shogun Stables booking page.

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