Guida
Toshiya is a traditional archery event held at the shooting range located to the west of Sanjusangen-do (Rengeo-in Main Hall) in Kyoto. Currently, it is widely known as the 'Oki-no-Tai' tournament, held on the Sunday closest to the third Sunday of January. This event showcases the skill of 20-year-old men and women, and the sight of women shooting in beautiful ceremonial attire such as furisode (long-sleeved kimono) or hakama is a quintessential winter scene in Kyoto. With a history of record-breaking feats dating back to the Edo period, this event serves as a precious way to preserve and pass down ancient traditions to the modern era.
The origins of Toshiya are subject to various theories, but one legend traces it back to the late Heian period (around 1156), when a figure from Kumano reportedly shot an arrow through the eaves of Sanjusangen-do with a combat arrow. During the Edo period, 'Oya-su' (competitions to record the number of arrows shot) became highly popular, with warriors from various domains competing for honor. The rivalry between the warriors of the Kiyosu and Kishu domains captured the public's imagination. Historical records note that Wasa Noritō of the Kishu domain achieved a record of 8,133 arrows out of 13,053, a feat that remains legendary. Thus, Toshiya is more than just a competition; it is a ritual steeped in the spirit of the samurai and the prestige of their domains.
The greatest thrill of the tournament is the intense sound and sight of arrows being released simultaneously toward targets (Oki) set 60 meters away. During the preliminary rounds, the tension rises as 12 archers may shoot at once toward four targets. In the final rounds, the difficulty increases as the target size shrinks (from 1 meter to 79 cm, or 79 cm to 50 cm), testing the archers' extreme precision. The sight of the young participants in formal kimono or martial arts attire symbolizes the profound aesthetic of Japanese tradition.
The Toshiya tournament is typically held on the Sunday closest to the third Sunday of January. This period often coincides with the 'Yanagi no Okaji' ceremony at Sanjusangen-do, creating a special, sacred atmosphere for the new year. Since Kyoto can be quite cold in January, heavy winter clothing is essential for outdoor viewing. While the event usually takes place during daylight hours, the schedule may shift depending on weather or progress, so checking the timing in advance is recommended.
While spectators cannot participate in the archery themselves, you can witness the high-level martial arts skills up close against the backdrop of the National Treasure, Sanjusangen-do. Additionally, you can experience the spiritual side of Japan through the 'Yanagi no Okaji' ceremony, a prayer for health and well-being performed before the Thousand-Armed Kannon statue. The cultural richness of the season is further enhanced by the traditional kimono-wearing culture prevalent in Kyoto during this time.
The event takes place to the west of Sanjusangen-do, a historic building famous for its 121.7-meter-long structure. The surrounding area is filled with temples and traditional streets that evoke the history of Kyoto, making it an excellent base for winter sightseeing.
As this is an outdoor event in winter, please bring heavy coats, gloves, and heat packs (kairo). Sturdy, non-slip shoes are also recommended. When visiting the temple grounds, please maintain silence and be respectful of other worshippers and participants. Regarding payments, cash, transit IC cards, and credit cards are generally accepted at nearby shops and transport. While English support may be available at major nearby tourist facilities, detailed explanations of the competition rules are primarily in Japanese, so it is helpful to research the event beforehand.