Holiday in Tokyo

On November 3rd, there was a Culture Day (Bunka no Hi) originally celebrating the birthday of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912), an important figure in Japanese history.

It made sense to go to the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo on that day as I had heard that there would be many ceremonies taking place there.

The Meiji Shrine is located in a large wooded area in the middle of Tokyo.

Many people were out and about...

many invited guests, but also many families taking advantage of such a holiday to dress their children, and sometimes the whole family, in traditional clothing.

Beautiful flowers are always presented according to the season.

But my goal was the YABUSAME Ritual: Horseback Archery, which has over 800 years of history in Japan and is celebrated as a spiritual ceremony for peace.

copyright www.yabusame.or.jp

During the ritual, three targets are shot at full gallop, with the goal being to hit all three.

First, the riders (including a female rider this year) enter with all the assistants necessary for the ceremony and competition:

the Amazon

The race takes place in the shade of the forest.