Traditional Japanese Archery Experience in Hiroshima

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Duration1 hour
Open onDaily
Meeting pointSannomaru area of the Hiroshima Castle grounds, about 15 minutes' walk from the Atomic Bomb Dome

Traditional Japanese Archery Experience in Hiroshima

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Overview

This one-hour experience introduces kyudo, the traditional Japanese art of archery, in a small studio in the Hiroshima Castle grounds, about 15 minutes' walk from the Atomic Bomb Dome. You change into a traditional uniform, the dogi top and hakama trousers, and an English-speaking instructor explains and demonstrates the etiquette and the shooting sequence before you take up the long Japanese bow yourself. About 45 minutes are spent practising and shooting at the target, with time at the end for photos. Sessions are limited to four guests and are suitable for complete beginners from age 10. It is an ideal cultural hour for couples, friends and families with older children between visits to the Peace Park and the castle.

Highlights

Dress in a traditional kyudo uniform: dogi top and hakama trousers
English-speaking instructor with explanation and demonstration of etiquette
About 45 minutes of practice and target shooting with a Japanese bow
Small sessions of up to four guests
Beginner-friendly: no experience needed
Studio in the Hiroshima Castle grounds, 15 minutes' walk from the Atomic Bomb Dome
Morning and afternoon start times
Time for photos in uniform at the end

Full Description

Kyudo, the way of the bow

Kyudo, literally the way of the bow, grew from the archery of Japan's mounted warriors into a discipline practised today for focus, posture and calm. The Japanese bow is over two metres long and is held below its centre, which gives it its unusual, elegant shape. Every shot follows a fixed sequence of movements, from the stance and the nocking of the arrow to the full draw and the release.

What sets kyudo apart from Western archery is that the form matters as much as the result: each movement shows respect for the equipment, the place and the other archers. Practitioners usually spend a long time on the basics before shooting at a real target, but this experience lets beginners try the genuine art in a short session. Hitting the target is said to bring good luck.

Your kyudo session

On arrival you remove your shoes and change into the uniform, with a chest guard to protect you from the bowstring. The instructor then explains the etiquette of the dojo, demonstrates the shooting sequence and guides each guest through the stance, the grip and the draw, using simple English and, when useful, a translation app.

Then it is your turn: about 45 minutes of practice and target shooting on a compact indoor range. Hitting the target is harder than it looks, which makes the first hit all the more exciting. The last 15 minutes are for changing back and taking photos in uniform. With a maximum of four guests, the instructor can correct everyone's form, and the session suits beginners from age 10.

Hiroshima Castle grounds and how to get to the studio

The studio is in the Sannomaru area of the Hiroshima Castle grounds in Naka Ward, about 15 minutes' walk north of the Atomic Bomb Dome, or a short tram or taxi ride from Hiroshima Station. Hiroshima Castle was founded at the end of the sixteenth century on the delta of the Ota River and is nicknamed Carp Castle. Its keep was destroyed in 1945 and rebuilt in concrete in 1958.

The wide moats, stone walls and reconstructed gate and turrets of the inner citadel are free to walk around before or after your session. Check whether the keep's interior is open, as it was scheduled to close for earthquake-safety reasons. Arrive a few minutes before your start time, because the studio opens only at the start and late arrivals cannot join.

Combining kyudo with a day in Hiroshima

A one-hour kyudo session fits easily into a day in central Hiroshima. With the 11:15 start you can visit Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the museum in the morning; with the 13:15 or 15:45 start you can spend the morning on Miyajima and return in time. Shukkeien, a landscaped garden with a central pond and tea houses, is about ten minutes' walk from the castle.

Haqqi Tours can arrange a private car with driver for the day in Hiroshima, private transfers from Hiroshima Airport, about 50 minutes away, or connections with the bullet train from Osaka, Kyoto or Fukuoka. Some halal restaurants operate in central Hiroshima, and our team is happy to suggest places for lunch or dinner.

Itinerary

Arrive at the kyudo studioArrive at the studio in the castle grounds just before your start time (11:15, 13:15 or 15:45) and remove your shoes.
Change into uniformPut on the dogi top, hakama trousers and chest guard with the instructor's help. About 10 minutes.
Etiquette and demonstrationThe instructor explains kyudo etiquette and demonstrates the shooting sequence.
Practice and target shootingLearn the stance, grip and draw, then shoot arrows at the target. About 45 minutes in total with the explanation.
Photos and changingTake photos in uniform and change back. The session ends after about one hour.

What's included

English-speaking kyudo instructor
Traditional uniform: dogi top and hakama trousers
Japanese bow, arrows and chest guard
Explanation and demonstration of kyudo etiquette
About 45 minutes of practice and target shooting
Time for changing and photos

Not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Not suitable for children under 10, people under 120 cm or over 70 years
Late arrivals of more than 5 minutes cannot join

Is this right for you?

Great for

Families with children — a child price for ages 10–17
A short visit — about 1 hour
Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.9/5 by past travellers

Not suitable for

Children under 10 years
People under 120 cm in height
People over 70 years
People with a cold
People with limited mobility

Meeting point

The experience takes place at a kyudo studio in the Sannomaru area of the Hiroshima Castle grounds, Naka Ward, about 15 minutes' walk from the Atomic Bomb Dome; the exact address is sent with your confirmation. Arrive just before your start time, as the studio cannot be entered earlier. Hotel pickup is not included; our team can arrange a private transfer on request.

Important information

Late arrivals of more than 5 minutes cannot join the session
Shoes are removed inside; socks or clean bare feet are fine
Come with clean hands that have not touched food
Food and drinks are not allowed in the studio
There are no toilets in the studio; public toilets are nearby
Only booked participants may enter, so companions cannot watch inside
In rare cases the bowstring can strike the arm or wrist and cause swelling
Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to change out of

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

Is this a shared or a private session?

It is a small shared session limited to four guests with an English-speaking instructor. If your party books all places, you will have the session to yourselves.

Do I need any experience?

No. The session is designed for complete beginners, and the instructor explains and demonstrates every step before you shoot.

Can we choose the time?

Yes. Sessions start at 11:15, 13:15 and 15:45; choose the one that suits your day when booking.

How many people can join?

Up to four guests per session, which allows the instructor to correct each person's form.

Is the price per person or per group?

The price is per person. The booking panel on this page shows the current price.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You go directly to the studio in the Hiroshima Castle grounds. Our team can arrange a private transfer on request.

What is included?

An English-speaking instructor, the traditional uniform (dogi and hakama), Japanese bow, arrows and chest guard, an explanation and demonstration of etiquette, about 45 minutes of practice and target shooting, and time for photos.

How long is the experience?

About one hour: around 45 minutes of explanation, practice and shooting, and 15 minutes for changing and photos.

Is it suitable for children or guests with reduced mobility?

It is suitable from age 10 and 120 cm in height, up to age 70. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility, as you stand, kneel and change clothes during the session.

What should I bring?

Comfortable clothes, clean socks and clean hands. The uniform and all equipment are provided.

What is the best time of day to book?

The 11:15 session follows a morning at the Peace Park; the afternoon sessions fit well after a morning on Miyajima. Hiroshima is pleasant all year, with spring and autumn the mildest seasons.

How do I book and confirm?

Choose your date and time in the booking panel and send your request. Our team confirms on WhatsApp within minutes and sends the exact address of the studio.