Omi Jingu

Horseback archery at Omi Jingu, Otsu
On April 4th there was a horseback archery event at Omi Jingu in Otsu. I visited Omi Jingu at around 10 in the morning and I unexpectedly saw horses. Not knowing that there was going to be an event later that day I carried on looking around the temple. It was only when I heard two people talking about the event that I found out about it. From about 12.30 people started to arrive and food stalls started to open. There were stalls selling: yakisoba, takoyaki, hot udon noodles and mitarashidango (sweet rice cakes). I bought the yakisoba and mitarashidango, which were both really good!
At 1pm there was a parade where the horses and their men and women carrying the targets came out. The men who were taking part in the event were wearing the most incredible clothes. They wore hakama and what looked to be dear skin around their waists and they carried the long arrows. There were 3 targets in total, which were 40 meters apart. The men on the horses galloped at a high speed. Some of the horses sped past at high speed, which made the event extremely exciting and enjoyable. Hundreds of people gathered for this event, which made it difficult to get a good view, however the atmosphere was great and it was an amazing experience.

English rose garden, at Yanagasaki Lakeside Park, Otsu



