What it is
Moroyama calls itself a “yabusame town”. Twice a year, Izumoiwai Shrine holds mounted archery as a ritual offering to its kami, a tradition the town traces to 1063, when the warrior Minamoto no Yoshiie is said to have offered yabusame here after a campaign in the north.
Unlike the famous yabusame of Kamakura, the riders here are local children, chosen and trained for the role. In costume, they gallop down a track through the shrine forest and shoot at three wooden targets, in a morning round and a longer afternoon round.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Nov 3, morning | Asamato: The morning round of mounted archery |
| Nov 3, afternoon | Yūmato: The afternoon round, with more riders and techniques |
Which day should you go?
Nov 3, afternoon
The afternoon round is the main event. Arrive early to stand along the track.
What to look for
Young riders
The archers are local children, chosen and trained for the role.
The targets
Three targets stand beside a straight track in the shrine forest.
The legend
Tradition says the ritual began when the warrior Minamoto no Yoshiie offered mounted archery here in 1063.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ikebukuro | Tōbu Tōjō and Ogose lines to Kawakado | about 1 h |
| Shinjuku | JR to Moro Station via Kawagoe | about 1 h 30 min |
On the day. Izumoiwai Shrine is a short walk from Kawakado Station. Check the start time for the archery runs.
Crowds. A small local festival. Arrive early for a place along the course.
Where to stay
Day trip from Tokyo
Easy to visit for the day from Ikebukuro.
Kawagoe
Stay in the old warehouse town on the way.
When to book. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead is usually enough.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Spring too. A spring yabusame is held on the second Sunday of March.
Glossary
Yabusame流鏑馬
Mounted archery, in which a rider at full gallop shoots arrows at wooden targets beside a track. It is performed as an offering to the kami.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Moroyama Town: yabusame, https://www.town.moroyama.saitama.jp/soshikikarasagasu/rekishiminzokushiryokan/1218/16/2820.html
- Saitama Prefecture: Izumoiwai Shrine yabusame, https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/wabunka/event/kawagoe/moroyama-yabusame.html
- Matsuri Stream (Nippon Matsuri Network): Moro no Yabusame.
Last checked 2026-10-13.