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View all Hiroshima toursHiroshima Kyudo Experience: Traditional Japanese Archery in Uniform
Discover Japanese archery in Hiroshima. Dress in an authentic kyudo uniform and try your hand at a style of archery that demands complete focus of mind and body.
Highlights
- Practice authentic kyudo, Japan's meditative way of the bow
- Dress in a real kyudo uniform for the session
- Draw the two-meter yumi bow and shoot at real targets
- Personal instruction, no experience or strength needed
- One of Hiroshima's best-loved cultural experiences
- Nearly 470 reviews, rated close to 4.9
Hiroshima Kyudo Experience: Traditional Japanese Archery in Uniform: Key Facts
| Price | From $53.86 per person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Languages | English |
| Tour type | Experience |
| Booking | Direct with the local operator — no OTA markup |
Full description
Kyudo, the way of the bow, is the most meditative of Japan's martial arts: a discipline where the drawing of a two-meter asymmetric bow is choreographed into a sequence of movements refined over centuries, and where hitting the target is considered the consequence of correct form rather than the goal itself. This one-hour experience at the Sharaku dojo near Hiroshima Castle is one of very few places in Japan where travelers can practice it properly. The session begins with dressing the part: you are fitted in an authentic kyudo uniform, the same worn by practitioners, which does more than look striking in photographs; it changes how you stand and move. Your instructor then walks you through the fundamentals, the footing, the posture, the nocking of the arrow, the slow raising and drawing of the yumi bow, the moment of release, emphasizing the complete focus of mind and body that gives kyudo its reputation as moving meditation. Then you shoot, for real, at targets down the dojo range, with the instructor correcting and encouraging between arrows. Most guests are surprised twice: first by how difficult the elegant simplicity turns out to be, and then by how absorbing it becomes; an hour disappears quickly when every arrow demands your entire attention. With nearly 470 reviews and a rating close to 4.9, this is among the best-loved cultural experiences in Hiroshima, and it slots easily into any itinerary as a counterpoint to the city's heavier historical sites. No experience or strength is required, just curiosity and a willingness to be a beginner.
Tour Itinerary
The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Arrive at the Sharaku dojo
Arrive at the archery hall near Hiroshima Castle and meet your kyudo instructor.
Dress in kyudo uniform
Be fitted in the authentic practice uniform worn by kyudo archers, which changes how you stand and move.
Learn the form
Your instructor teaches the fundamentals: footing, posture, nocking the arrow, and the slow ceremonial draw of the two-meter yumi bow.
Shoot at the range
Practice live shooting at targets down the dojo range, with correction and encouragement between arrows.
Closing and photos
Wind down with final arrows and photo time in uniform before the session ends.
Detailed Itinerary
10:00 AM - Arrive at the Sharaku dojo: Arrive at the archery hall near Hiroshima Castle and meet your kyudo instructor.
10:05 AM - Dress in kyudo uniform: Be fitted in the authentic practice uniform worn by kyudo archers, which changes how you stand and move.
10:15 AM - Learn the form: Your instructor teaches the fundamentals: footing, posture, nocking the arrow, and the slow ceremonial draw of the two-meter yumi bow.
10:30 AM - Shoot at the range: Practice live shooting at targets down the dojo range, with correction and encouragement between arrows.
10:55 AM - Closing and photos: Wind down with final arrows and photo time in uniform before the session ends.
Includes
- Professional local guide, all fees mentioned in the itinerary
Excludes
- Personal expenses, meals unless specified, gratuities
Important information
Meeting point
Hiroshima (details confirmed with operator on booking)
Know before you go
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts
About this activity
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Traveler Reviews
amazing! the two lovely instructors spoke perfect English. The place was easy to find, very knowledgeable. would recommend to young and old. would and will return
The activity was really interesting and fun! We enjoyed spending time with the two girls, whose calm and patient attitude helped us having so much fun.
Great activity, first you get an introduction to archery in Japan and Samurai times. They explain to you how to hold and shoot the arrow in great detail, so it’s easy to follow up. After a practice round you can shoot away in a competition with others and yourself.
The guides were very knowledgeable in Kyudo. you will do a beginner version of the real art. It is already quite challenging. not very suitable for very young kids as it takes quite a bit if concentration to follow the techniques.
Fun and educational! Dress up as skilled archers. The instructors first explain how to do it well, then it's straight to practice, and then a real Japanese archery competition! Highly recommended experience!!
Great! I would do it again anytime. The Kudo masters were unique and even managed to get us to score a goal at the end.
Wow what a fun activity! Perfect thing to do to beat the heat midday, and learn a bit about the samurai history and techniques of the sport. There are even competitions still going on today, attended by the women guiding the experience so you know they are passionate / know what they’re talking about. They and the owner who is also were so friendly and welcoming. Thank you for a great time!
A very pleasant experience as a family. The explanations were clear and easy to follow. Even for my 11-year-old daughter, who had a great time. The instructors were friendly. I recommend this activity!
A wonderful discovery with my 14-year-old teenager. Fun, interesting, and a nice front desk. It's next to Hiroshima Castle, so it's a good combination. I highly recommend it.
Great event, highly recommended. You get a great insight into the sport, shoot a lot, and learn interesting information. Time flew by.