Matsuri Guide

Name in Japanese and English

• 桜流鏑馬
• Sakura Yabusame, the horseback archery tournament under the cherry trees of Towada

History

The Sakura Yabusame（桜流鏑馬, sakura yabusame）is an iconic spring event in Towada（十和田市, Towada-shi）, in Aomori Prefecture（青森県, Aomori-ken）. Originally, 流鏑馬（yabusame, "horseback archery"）is a martial tradition associated with medieval Japan, often presented as a ritual offering. In Towada, this equestrian culture has been deeply rooted in local history: the city is known for being a major center of horse breeding and military presence related to horses, and its long avenues lined with cherry trees have become a spectacular natural setting during the blooming season.

The distinctive feature that made Sakura Yabusame famous is its modern positioning: it is a competition focused on female riders, often presented as unique in its format. The participants, called 女流騎士（joryū kishi, "female riders"）, compete in a sporting spirit while adopting the aesthetics and codes of yabusame (costumes, gestures, shooting at full gallop). The event is supported by local equestrian stakeholders, notably the 十和田流鏑馬観光連盟（Towada Yabusame Kankō Renmei, "Towada Yabusame Tourism Federation"）and the 十和田乗馬俱楽部（Towada Jōba Club, "Towada Riding Club"）, which have structured over the editions a meeting that is both sporting, cultural, and touristic.

Sakura Yabusame also fits into the spring atmosphere of Towada, when 官庁街通り（Kanchōgai-dōri, also called 駒街道, Koma Kaidō）attracts visitors for its rows of cherry trees. The strong idea of the festival is simple: to bring together the blooming, speed, and shooting precision in the same scene, with a close proximity between the audience and the competition that makes the experience very immersive.

Location and Date of the Event

• Location: Tenowa City Central Park, Yabusame Venue（十和田市中央公園緑地・流鏑馬会場, Towada-shi Chūō Kōen ryokuchi / Yabusame kaijō）, along Kanchōgai-dōri（官庁街通り, Kanchōgai-dōri）.
• Address: 〒034-0083 青森県十和田市西三番町3（Aomori-ken Towada-shi Nishisanban-chō 3）.
• Date: generally over 2 days, during the heart of the cherry blossom season. Example (2026 edition): April 18 and 19, 2026.
• Date type: variable: the event is scheduled within a spring window, adjusted according to the local calendar and blooming period.

Schedule

Sakura Yabusame takes place over two days and combines a neighborhood festival atmosphere with real competitive tension. The audience comes as much for the beauty of the scenery (rows of cherry trees) as for the spectacle of shooting on the move: the riders gallop their horses and chain their shots along a straight line, amid cheers.

The day starts early with practice runs（試走練習, shisō renshū）. Then, the first day often includes an opening ceremony（開会セレモニー, kaikai seremonī）and an entrance parade（入場パレード, nyūjō parēdo）. The competitions follow by levels (e.g.: 初級 shokyū, 中級 chūkyū, 上級 jōkyū, プロ級 puro-kyū) and also include a team event（dantai-sen, "team competition"）. The most common schedule places the main runs late morning and early afternoon, with a typical window around 10 a.m.–2 p.m..

Regarding rules and "reading" the show, remember this above all: the riders must combine speed and precision. The course is marked with targets（的, mato）and the score depends on hits and time. Some editions add cultural highlights in the middle of the day, such as a demonstration of 流鏑馬立射演武（yabusame rissha enbu）or a local dance 三本木小唄流し踊り（Sanbongi kouta nagashi odori）during the break. Around the competitions, there are often stalls, a horse riding experience（taiken jōba, "horseback initiation"）and sometimes limited edition goods（限定グッズ, gentei guzzu）.

Practical Tips

Photos

For the best shots, aim for two types of shots: (1) shooting actions at the moment the rider draws the bow (弓, yumi) and releases the arrow (矢, ya); (2) "cherry tree corridor" shots leaving depth in the alley. Arrive early to spot angles without crowds. A medium/long focal length lens helps isolate the action, but also keep a wide-angle to "tell" the story of the sakura alignment.

Weather

Late April in Towada can remain cool, especially in the morning and late afternoon. Plan layers (base layer + fleece + windbreaker) and thin gloves: you may stay still for a long time watching the runs. In case of rain, a poncho is recommended to keep your hands free for photos.

Transport

By public transport, the easiest is to arrive via 七戸十和田駅（Shichinohe-Towada-eki）then bus to 官庁街通（Kanchōgai-dōri）. Return buses can be crowded after the end of the competitions: plan to leave a little before closing or allow extra time. By car, expect paid parking around the central area: arrive early to avoid driving around.

Visitor Tips

The "good" time slot is often just before the opening: you enjoy the practice runs and a calmer atmosphere. If you want to quickly understand what you see, note the key terms: 的（mato, "target"）, 団体戦（dantai-sen, "team"）, 開会式（kaikaishiki, "opening"）. And if the blooming is early, the dates may shift: check the latest announcement before booking.

What to Bring

Cash (for stalls), warm layers, hand warmers（カイロ, kairo）, power bank, poncho, a small mat/folding seat if you want to wait comfortably, and a light dust cover for photo equipment (dry ground + horse traffic).

Sources & References

• Sakura Yabusame (桜流鏑馬) – Towada Yabusame Official Guide (EN page, 2026 edition)

  Official page presenting the concept, location, and announced dates (2026 edition), with the "Central Park / Chuo Koen" setting.

• 桜流鏑馬 – Amazing AOMORI (official tourism site, event sheet)

  Practical sheet (period, schedule, address, access) and description of the event as a yabusame competition in spring.

• 第19回桜流鏑馬2022が開催されました – Towakomyu (report)

  Report (2022 edition) with description of the atmosphere, location (Kanchōgai-dōri / Koma Kaidō) and rules (targets + time).