Guide
Kashiigu Shrine hosts the "Shiki Shisho Taisai," an autumn festival steeped in history and tradition. This grand festival is a vital ritual to pray for regional peace and prosperity at the prestigious Kashiigu Shrine, which holds deep connections to the Imperial lineage. The highlight is the "Yabusame" (horseback archery), a traditional skill where riders shoot arrows at targets while galloping. This display of precision and speed offers a powerful, sacred atmosphere that showcases the depth of Japanese spiritual culture within the serene surroundings of the shrine.
The absolute highlight is the Yabusame ritual. Three skilled archers ride through the grounds after receiving blessings at the main shrine, moving toward the Kashiigu grounds to pray for national stability and a bountiful harvest. Watching a single rider strike multiple targets in rapid succession is a masterclass in traditional performance art. Additionally, the main shrine ceremonies feature rhythmic music and the solemn Yagyu Shinkage-ryu martial arts demonstration, blending combat arts with sacred music. For a truly special souvenir, you may also be able to receive an "Atari-mato" (a target hit by an arrow), which is considered a lucky charm for success and good fortune.
The 2026 schedule is as follows. Please note that each ritual follows a strict traditional timeline:
The event takes place throughout the Kashiigu Shrine grounds and the dedicated Kashiigu Grounds. The sacred procession route (Yabusame Sanshin) travels from the shrine office, winding through historical landscapes near the ponds and rivers before reaching the main arena. The vast shrine grounds offer a harmonious blend of historic architecture and natural beauty, providing a changing landscape as the festival progresses.
The "Atari-mato" (hit targets) are extremely popular and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. These are highly prized as lucky charms for success and protection. Please check with the shrine office early, as the number of available targets depends on the number of successful hits. Additionally, special ritual amulets (Omamori) will be available during the festival to commemorate your visit.
As this is a sacred Shinto ritual, please dress modestly and respectfully. Please note that receiving an "Atari-mato" or a special amulet requires a "Hatsuo-ryo" (offering fee). The fee for an Atari-mato is 5,000 JPY, and the special amulet is 1,000 JPY. These payments are handled at the shrine office. We recommend checking the official website in advance for the most current details regarding payment methods and availability.