Kisone no Yumi-buchi

Festival highlights

The highlight is the target-shooting ceremony, in which archers shoot at a target set up for the occasion.

Members of the preservation association make the bows, arrows, and target the day before the event, and a naorai banquet accompanied by singing is held after the target shooting.

Traditions are also reflected in the offerings, including “Hana,” shaped like rice flowers, as well as clams, green onions, and daikon radish.

You can experience the prayers of the event through both archery and offerings.

Source: 八潮市の伝統行事「木曽根の弓ぶち」埼玉県指定無形民俗文化財に指定へ｜八潮市オンライン【やしおん】

A New Year event in Yashio, entrusting community prayers to bows, arrows, and song

What to expect

After the religious rites, a target is set up and archers selected from local festival groups shoot arrows at it.

The arrows’ accuracy is said to foretell the year’s weather and harvest, and the ceremony concludes with Toshiya, in which the target paper is torn.

This is followed by a naorai banquet accompanied by singing, with offerings such as “Hana.”

How to take part

The central target-shooting ceremony is carried on by archers selected from local festival groups and members of the preservation association.

Children are also said to take part in the Yumi-buchi, passing the tradition down across generations in the community.

Check the event-day information to find out whether members of the public can participate as archers.

Archers are selected from local festival groups to take part in the event.

Members of the preservation association gather the day before the event to make the bows, arrows, and target.

If you wish to watch, please follow the guidance at the site and avoid disrupting the progress of the religious rites or target shooting.

Location and access

Venue and address

Around Kisone Hikawa Shrine, 1092 Kisone, Yashio City

Train and bus

Take a bus from the east exit of Soka Station bound for Yashio Station South Exit or Kisone, get off at “Shimo 2-chome,” and walk about 2 minutes.

Parking

No free or paid parking is listed.

Source: 八潮市のオビシャ | 観光スポット一覧 | 【公式】埼玉観光情報 - ちょこたび埼玉

Address 1092 Kisone, Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture

Open in Google Maps

Dates and season

Season

Around mid-January, on a Sunday close to Coming of Age Day

Frequency

Every year

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

As this is a local traditional event featuring religious rites, target shooting, and a naorai banquet, it is best to watch quietly from a place that does not obstruct the archers or preservation association members.

When bows and arrows are in use, stay away from the target and shooting area, and follow instructions at the site.

No parking is listed as available near the venue, so considering public transportation is a good idea.

Nearby attractions

Yashio City Museum is listed as a nearby place to visit.

The permanent exhibition room introduces the history of Yashio City under the theme “Water and Life,” and you can also see artifacts excavated from the Hachijo Site.

If you are interested in traditional crafts, visits to see katazome stencil dyeing and indigo-dyeing experiences are also offered at Kaeru-jirushi Senshoku Kogei.

All are facilities and places where you can experience the culture of Yashio City.

Origins and History of Kisone no Yumi-buchi

Kisone no Yumi-buchi is an Obisha ceremony that has been passed down in the Kisone area for generations.

Obisha ceremonies are folk events found across the Kanto region, especially in eastern Saitama Prefecture. Kisone no Yumi-buchi retains many typical elements, including target shooting, a naorai banquet, and offerings.

The preservation association makes the bows, arrows, and target, and traditions such as “Hana” are also maintained.

In 2026, it was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Saitama Prefecture.

Official information

The Saitama Prefectural Board of Education introduces Kisone no Yumi-buchi as an intangible folk cultural property.

The group responsible for preserving the event is the Kisone Hikawa Shrine Yumi-buchi Preservation Association.

Yashio City’s neighborhood association guide also lists it as a prefecturally selected intangible folk cultural property, held every January at Kisone Hikawa Shrine.

Check the latest information from Kisone Hikawa Shrine, the preservation association, or Yashio City for event dates and visitor information.

Kisone no Yumi-buchi at a Glance

Kisone no Yumi-buchi is a traditional Obisha ceremony in Kisone, Yashio City, where arrows are shot at a target to divine the year’s good or bad fortune.

Target shooting, Toshiya, a naorai banquet accompanied by singing, and the “Hana” offering express prayers for the harvest and the community.

It is held every January at Kisone Hikawa Shrine and is carried on as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by Saitama Prefecture.