Sakura Yabusame

We attended the Sakura Yabusame in Towada City, in April. Yabusame is an archery contest done on horseback. The competitors dress in beautiful, traditional attire and shoot at targets from horseback. It was such an amazing and unique experience. 

The Sakura Yabusame is a competition primarily for female riders. The men compete in a yabusame held in the fall. Women come from all over Japan to compete on this exciting event.

The yabusame is held at Towada City Central park, which is bordered on one side by the Komakaido Highway. This road is lined with 156 cherry blossoms, and it is beautiful. We had to park down the street a ways from the park, so we were able to enjoy walking along this beautiful, blossom lined road.

The street also has these horse statues. Our kids, of course, loved climbing on them.

Finally made it to the park. I could have walked that street all day, though.

Our first glimpse of the competitors. I love their costumes. This event would not be anywhere as neat if they wore normal clothes. 

I was very impressed with how fast they are riding.

Seth and I talked about how you could never have an event like this in the states. At least you'd never see an event where the audience can stand right on the edge of the area where the participants are riding and shooting arrows (even though they are blunt). You also wouldn't be able to just walk back to where the horses are tied up or where the bows are kept. 

Time for some festival food. And Cheetos.

I don't know what this was. I only know it was not chicken and it was disgusting. Probably horse intestine or something.

This, on the other hand, was delicious. It was like a backed pancake filled with vegetables and crab. Yum. 

Time for just a little more exploring before going home. 

The main road we take into / out of Towada. Beautiful.

This was such a fantastic experience. Pictures and videos really don't do it justice. We are so glad we had this amazing opportunity. It definitely ranks high on the list of coolest things we've done in Japan.