A historic shrine where Yabusame (horseback archery) is offered twice a year, in spring and autumn.
Historic Sites
Shrines and Temples
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Highlights
Main hall designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan
Yabusame (horseback archery) ceremony performed twice a year, in spring and autumn
Yabusame is a traditional ritual, a part of sacred ceremonies practiced since ancient times
The sight of mounted warriors shooting arrows is powerful and awe-inspiring
In spring, a boy under 7 years old performs the ritual (Gan teki), riding and shooting one arrow. In autumn, a boy around 15 years old rides and performs three shots on three horses (one per Shinsai district).
5-minute walk from JR Higashi-Hachiko Line Mogoro Station
10-minute walk from Tobu Ogose Line Higashi-Mogoro Station
About 15-minute drive from the Tsukigashima Interchange of the Kan-etsu Expressway or the Ken-o Tsukigashima Interchange of the Metropolitan Expressway Show route
Izumo Iwai Shrine, located in Mogosan-machi, Iruma-gun, Saitama Prefecture, is said to have been founded in 123 AD during the reign of Emperor Keikō. According to the shrine's traditions, it began when Prince Yamato Takeru, during his eastern expedition, offered a sacred spear bestowed upon him by the Emperor and enshrined Ōmono-nushi-no-kami. Later, during the reign of Emperor Seimu, the Musashi kuni-no-miyatsuko enshrined Amenohoshi to create Izumo Iwai-no-kami. Records indicate that it received imperial offerings as a Kanpei-sha shrine in 772 AD (during the Hōki era), and the Engishiki Jinmyōchō lists it as the foremost of the five shrines in Iruma County. The current shrine building was rebuilt the year after a fire in 1527 (during the Daiei era). Izumo Iwai Shrine preserves many historical structures, including its main hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The grounds are also filled with lush greenery, including centuries-old giant trees. A significant feature of this shrine is the Yabusame (horseback archery) ceremony performed twice a year, in spring and autumn. Yabusame is a traditional ritual performed as part of the sacred ceremonies, and the sight of mounted warriors shooting arrows is both powerful and awe-inspiring. In spring, a ritual (Gan teki) is performed where a boy under 7 years old rides a horse and shoots one arrow. In autumn, a boy around 15 years old rides and performs three shots on three horses (one per Shinsai district). The Yabusame ceremony takes place annually on November 3rd (Culture Day), with the morning session (Asa teki) from around 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM and the evening session (Yu teki) from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Izumo Iwai Shrine offers a blend of history, tradition, and natural beauty. We encourage you to visit.
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