Sakura Yabusame

Festival highlights

A highlight is the mounted archery as women riders in colorful costumes gallop on Japanese horses beneath the cherry trees.

The approximately 100 m course has 3 sections, each with 3 targets of different point values, and riders aim to fire 3 shots in a single run.

As riders race down the course in around 10–13 seconds, you can also watch the competitors’ tactical contest over target scores and time.

Women riders in graceful mounted archery as Japanese horses gallop beneath the cherry trees

What to expect

In 2026, individual and team competitions were held as part of the yabusame events, with horseback riding experiences, a photo contest, and various vendors also planned at the venue.

The competition consisted of runs in beginner, intermediate, advanced, and professional classes, as well as a team event. The schedule included a lunch break at 12 p.m., followed by the team event and runs in the various classes from 12:30 p.m.

A group photo was planned after the competition on the first day, and a closing ceremony on the second day.

How to take part

The competition is held for women riders.

Visitors can take part in a horseback riding experience designed for everyone from children to older adults, including people with no riding experience.

An archery experience corner and various activities at the venue are also listed, but no information is provided about general visitors participating in the competition.

At the 2026 event, the horseback riding experience was scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a listed fee of 500 yen.

The information also lists an archery experience corner for visitors and various vendors.

Volunteers were recruited from among junior high school students and older, and were allowed to participate for just 1 day.

Location and access

Venue and address

Towada Central Park Yabusame Venue / 3 Nishisambancho, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture

Train and bus

From Shichinohe-Towada Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen, take a Towada Kanko Dentetsu bus for about 40 minutes to Government Offices Street bus stop, then walk about 15 minutes / From JR Hachinohe Station, take the JR Bus Tohoku Oirase-go for about 45 minutes (reservation required) / From JR Hachinohe Station, take a Towada Kanko Dentetsu bus for about 1 hour 10 minutes / From JR Shin-Aomori Station, take a Towada Kanko Dentetsu bus for about 2 hours

By car

About 20 km from Shimoda-Momoishi IC on the Momoishi Road / About 30 minutes from Shimoda-Momoishi IC via the Hachinohe Expressway and Momoishi Road

Parking

Use nearby parking (200 yen per use) / In 2026, the Central Parking Lot is closed to parking from April 16 at 5 p.m. until April 20

Address 3 Nishisambancho, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture

Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

The event was scheduled to take place on April 18, 2026 (Saturday) and Sunday the 19th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The official website reports that the 23rd Sakura Yabusame, held in 2026, has ended.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

As riders and horses race down the course in a short time, follow the competition closely so you don’t miss the 3 shots on the approximately 100 m course.

Photography at the venue must not inconvenience other visitors, competitors, or event staff.

Photography is prohibited in designated no-photography areas, as is photographing competitors or spectators without permission or taking photos for commercial purposes.

Nearby attractions

Near the venue is Government Offices Street (Komakaido), known for its cherry blossoms.

Government Offices Street is a scenic landmark in Towada City, selected for the “100 Best Roads in Japan” and “New 100 Landscapes of Japan.” Its scenery features cherry trees, pine trees, and scattered works of art.

Nearby attractions include the World Yabusame Championships, Inosegawa Walk, Towada City Spring Festival, and Towada City Government Offices Street.

Museums and art museumsTowada City

十和田市現代美術館

青森県十和田市にある美術館

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

Photo and data sources×

写真：Angaurits / CC0(resized and reformatted)

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Facility data source

Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Sakura Yabusame

The Sakura Yabusame history page lists event records from the 1st edition in 2004 through the 23rd in 2026.

The official information describes it as a women-only event held every year in April in Towada City. It continues to feature women riders riding Japanese horses beneath the cherry trees.

The available materials do not explain specific reasons for the event’s origins or identify its founder.

Official information

Official information is available from the Towada Yabusame Tourism Federation’s “Towada Yabusame Official Information Guide.”

The site provides information on the Sakura Yabusame event, competition details, activities at the venue, photography guidelines, and competition results.

Sakura Yabusame at a Glance

Sakura Yabusame is a yabusame competition held beneath the cherry trees of Towada Central Park, where women riders on Japanese horses shoot at targets.

Alongside mounted archery over a course of about 100 m, completed in around 10–13 seconds, the program also includes individual and team competitions and horseback riding experiences.

A distinctive feature is the chance to enjoy the cherry blossoms, Japanese horses performing Japanese-style equestrian arts, and the competition to score hits and achieve the fastest time all at once.