-Authentic Experience · Kagawa

The Path of the Bow: Authentic Shrine Kyudo Experience in Higashikagawa

Experience the meditative art of authentic Kyudo on the sacred grounds of Shiratori Shrine, dedicated to the legendary Yamato Takeru no Mikoto. Step onto a traditional 28-meter range equipped with custom bamboo bows handcrafted by master artisan Koren Harima and specialized archery gloves locally crafted in Higashikagawa—Japan’s premier glove-making hub.

Duration

150min

Group size

1-5 guests

From

¥13,840

Location

Kagawa

Book this Experience
Read the Full Story ↓

By Lily Terada

Category: Cultural Experience 

Reading time: 12 min

Most tourist archery classes focus on hitting a bullseye, handing you synthetic gear and counting your points. This one is different. Here, you step onto sacred shrine grounds to practice the quiet art of presence before you ever release your first arrow.

Table of Contents

I

神社 · Shrine

THE SHRINE:Sacred Grounds of Martial Heritage in Higashikagawa

At a Glance

  • 80+ Years of History
  • 100% Authentic Bamboo
  • Historical shrine

To step onto the grounds of Shiratori Shrine  in Higashikagawa City is to enter a space heavily weighted with history. As the largest shrine precinct in the city, it operates far away from the frantic rush of mainstream tourist corridors. Here, the practice of Kyudo (Japanese archery) functions not as a superficial performance, but as a genuine living tradition.

Legendary Origins and Spiritual Lineage

According to legend, Shiratori Shrine stands on the sacred ground where the soul of the legendary Japanese hero Yamato Takeru no Mikoto  descended in the form of a white bird. Revered as a deity of martial arts, protection, and good fortune, his spirit has drawn practitioners of martial disciplines for generations. Furthermore, the shrine carries a distinguished history as a place of prayer for historic warriors, including the famous commander Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who prayed here for victory in battle.

Because Yamato Takeru has long been venerated by warriors, Shiratori Shrine remains a deeply respected place of worship for those seeking discipline and mastery. In fact, traditional martial arts tournaments have been hosted continuously on these shrine grounds for over 80 years . Today, practicing Kyudo within this sacred precinct offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage in a mindful experience rooted entirely in respect, focus, and historical continuity.

80年

years of history

28m

shooting range

100%

authentic bamboo

The Connection Between Kyudo and Sacred Shrine Traditions

To understand Kyudo (Japanese archery), one must look beyond physical sport to its deep historical ties with Shinto spirituality. Because Yamato Takeru no Mikoto is venerated as a deity of martial prowess, Shiratori Shrine has long served as a sacred site where warriors gathered to refine their skills. Building on this legacy, the shrine has hosted traditional martial arts tournaments for over 80 years, creating an authentic environment where drawing the bow becomes an act of mindfulness. Stepping onto the sacred 28-meter range transforms the practice into a deeply reflective exercise—one that emphasizes breath control, posture, and inner quietude over mere scorekeeping.

“Archery is often called ‘Ritsuzen’—standing Zen. Drawing the bow in quiet focus allows us to reclaim a peaceful mind and harmonize both body and spirit. My goal is to create a space that offers visitors true tranquility away from daily stress.” —  Mashima Sensei

Authentic Mastery Over Commercial Entertainment

弓道 Archery—Historically, authentic Kyudo has never been a rushed or casual attraction. Instead, it stands as an exercise in profound discipline, patience, and mental clarity. The practice requires absolute presence of mind, material respect, and deep philosophical intention as you learn each step on a full 28-meter shrine range. Consequently, this immersive process cannot be simulated by quick, tourist-oriented archery games.

Furthermore, engaging in this tradition through local collaboration restores genuine cultural authenticity. Every detail reflects regional heritage—from custom Komayugake archery gloves created alongside Tomokuni Co., Ltd. in Japan’s premier “Glove Town” to bespoke bamboo bows crafted by Koren Harima, one of the last remaining traditional bow artisans in the country. Hosted within the historic precinct of Shiratori Shrine under the guidance of Mashima Sensei, your participation represents a meaningful connection to living Japanese craftsmanship rather than a mere commercial transaction.

II

道具 · Tools

CRAFTSMANSHIP & EQUIPMENT: The Fusion of Local Artistry and Innovation

To truly appreciate this Kyudo experience, one must look at the exceptional equipment crafted specifically for this program. Traditional Japanese archery relies heavily on the quality and harmony of its tools. Through a unique collaboration between local artisans and regional manufacturers in Kagawa Prefecture, three distinct elements come together to make this ancient discipline accessible and authentic for every practitioner.

The Essential Tools of Authentic Kyudo

竹
弓

Takeyumi

Bamboo Bows

In traditional Kyudo, the Takeyumi (竹弓) represents the pinnacle of bow craftsmanship. Crafted in nearby Takamatsu City by Mr. Koren Harima—one of only about 30 remaining master bamboo bow craftsmen in all of Japan—these bows are made using natural materials and time-honored techniques. Custom-developed specifically for this experience, these bamboo longbows allow beginners to feel the genuine recoil, flexibility, and living resonance of an authentic master-crafted weapon.

小
弓

Komayumi

Custom Short Bow

The Komayumi (こまゆみ)  is an innovative, short-stature bow engineered specifically to make authentic Kyudo accessible to a wider range of participants. Traditional Daikyū longbows can be intimidating and physically demanding for beginners or younger guests. Designed with careful proportions, the Komayumi retains the essential balance and mechanics of traditional archery while offering a manageable draw weight, ensuring every guest can learn proper posture and form safely.

 

こ
ま
ゆ
が
け

Komayugake

Beginner Archery Gloves

Higashikagawa is famous across Japan as “Glove Town,” producing roughly 90% of the nation’s domestic gloves. Partnering with local manufacturer Tomokuni Co., Ltd., the experience features the Komayugake (こまゆがけ) —a specially designed archery glove tailored for beginner protection and ease of use. These custom gloves allow guests to hold and release the string securely, blending Kagawa’s celebrated glove-making heritage directly into the practice of Kyudo.

 

Thoughtful Design for Beginners and Tradition

Every pair of Komayugake (こまゆがけ) is individually handcrafted, prioritizing both comfort and functional elegance. Unlike traditional rigid Kyudo gloves that present a steep learning curve, these gloves feature a soft construction without a stiffened thumb or deep string groove. This specialized design allows beginners to comfortably practice the authentic technique of tying the glove’s cord while maintaining the solemn appearance of traditional gear.

Furthermore, the design reflects a deep commitment to detail and regional pride:

  • Handcrafted Comfort: Each glove is individually handmade, ensuring a comfortable fit and smooth feel during use.

  • Beginner-Friendly Specification: Designed without a rigid wrist support (hikoe-nashi) or hard thumb cap (soft boshi), making it easy and intuitive for first-time practitioners to draw the bow naturally.

  • Authentic Aesthetic: Embellished with fine edge-piping (sofuri) and stamped with the official Sanuki Komayumikai logo featuring a sacred guardian lion-dog and arrow (Koma-inu to Yumiya).

  • Protective Leather Guard: Features carefully positioned protective leather reinforcement (fukuro-gawa and hikimi-gawa) spanning from the thumb to the index finger to ensure safe drawing up to 10 kg bow weights.

III

先生 · Instructor

THE INSTRUCTOR:Finding Balance and Purpose Through Kyudo

From Personal Restoration to Guiding Others in Kyudo

To practice alongside Yuto Mashima (間嶋 悠人)  is to learn from someone who understands Kyudo not merely as a technical skill, but as a path to personal restoration. Having walked a journey from corporate burnout to spiritual balance, Mashima Sensei brings empathetic guidance and deep personal experience to every guest he instructs.

From Baseball to the Path of the Bow

During his school years from age 6 to 15, Mashima Sensei spent nine years playing baseball. Despite his efforts, he struggled to see results on the field, which left him with a deep sense of inferiority. However, upon discovering Kyudo in high school, he found a discipline that truly resonated with his nature. For someone who preferred quiet self-reflection over fast-paced team dynamics, Kyudo proved to be a transformative outlet where body and mind could move in quiet harmony

Reclaiming Peace and 'Standing Zen'

After working at the Kagawa Prefectural Government, Majima Sensei faced severe mental exhaustion from corporate pressures, leading him to take a leave of absence. Returning to Kyudo provided the exact quietude he needed to heal and restore his spirit. Often referred to as “Ritsuzen” (standing Zen), drawing the bow allowed him to align his mind and body. Driven by this personal journey, he established his practice to offer adults a quiet sanctuary away from daily stress—creating a space that fosters self-acceptance, inner calm, and meaningful connection.

IV

流れ · Nagare

EXPERIENCE FLOW:The Journey of Mindful Shrine Kyudo

TIMEWHAT HAPPENSNOTES
15–20 minTraditional Hakama Attire & PreparationChange into a traditional pleated hakama garment to ground your posture. Equip your custom Komayugake archery glove, handcrafted locally in Higashikagawa's famous "Glove Town."
30 minBasics & Guided InstructionReceive hands-on guidance from Sensei Yuto Majima. Learn the fundamental posture, breathing techniques, and shooting etiquette of Kyudo in a safe, structured setting.
60 minShooting on the 28-Meter RangeStep onto Shiratori Shrine’s authentic 28-meter range. Practice drawing a real master-crafted Daikyū bamboo bow (or a manageable Komayumi), focusing on mindful release rather than mere scorekeeping.
30 minReflection, Green Tea & Budou MochiConclude your practice inside the serene shrine grounds. Enjoy warm green tea paired with budou mochi—a traditional local sweet featuring smooth red bean paste in thin dough with a 350-year heritage.

Book this experience

Authentic Experience
1 participant

w/ English Material

¥13,840

Experience authentic Kyudo on sacred shrine grounds supported by detailed English reference materials. Step onto the 28-meter range in traditional hakama, draw a master-crafted bamboo bow, and take home custom archery gloves made in Kagawa’s famous “Glove Town”—all concluding with fresh green tea and 350-year-old local budou mochi.

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よくある質問 · Before you book

Frequently asked questions

No prior experience is necessary. This session is specifically designed for beginners. You will receive guided, step-by-step instruction covering posture, etiquette, and breath control before stepping onto the range.

Please wear a comfortable top without buttons. You will be changing into a traditional hakama garment during the session. For safety, remove all accessories (e.g., earrings, necklaces, or piercings) and tie or pin back long hair. Because the range is outdoors, it is recommended to bring insect repellent and heat or cold protection depending on the season.

Your booking includes the guided experience fee, hakama rental, full Kyudo equipment usage, a pair of locally crafted archery gloves to keep, and a post-practice rest session with green tea and traditional local budou mochi.

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