World Yabusame Championship

Festival highlights

The main highlight is the riders’ skill in hitting targets with arrows from horseback at a gallop.

Alongside multiple divisions in the individual competition, there are team events and the World Challenge, letting you compare each rider’s skill and coordination with their horse.

Watch the horse-and-rider pairs in action, from practice runs to the main competition.

Horseback riding and archery experiences are also available at the venue.

Source: (2026年10月24・25日)第12回世界流鏑馬選手権のご案内 | 十和田流鏑馬公式総合案内

Towada’s yabusame showdown, where galloping horses and archers’ skill come together

What to expect

In 2026, morning practice runs will be followed by the opening ceremony, with the divisions, team events, and World Challenge taking place in the morning and afternoon.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on the first day, and the awards ceremony for 3 p.m. on the second day.

Along with watching the competition, visitors can also take part in accompanying programs such as horseback riding and archery experiences.

How to take part

General visitors can watch the competition and enjoy an archery experience using the bows and arrows used in yabusame competitions, as well as a horseback riding experience.

Adults and children can take part in the horseback riding experience.

Competition entrants include athletes in individual beginner, intermediate, advanced, and professional divisions, as well as team events. The World Challenge welcomes participants from any region or country.

You can watch the competition by visiting the venue.

Activities for visitors include archery experiences, horseback riding experiences, food stalls, and a kids’ corner.

To take part in the World Challenge, you must apply for a program that combines practice with participation in the competition.

The application form is listed as being for the World Challenge.

Source: 世界流鏑馬選手権 | 十和田乗馬倶楽部

Check participation details

Location and access

Venue and address

Towada Central Park Green Space Yabusame Venue / 3 Nishisambancho, Towada, Aomori Prefecture

Train and bus

From Shichinohe-Towada Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen, take the Towada Kanko Dentetsu Bus on the “Noheji Line”; the trip takes about 40 minutes.

Get off at either “Kanchōgaidōri” or “Towada-shi Chūō”; then walk about 10 minutes.

By car

About 30 minutes (about 20 km) from Shimoda-Momoishi IC on the Momoishi Road / About 24 minutes from Shichinohe-Towada Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen

Parking

Use a nearby parking lot (paid, 200 yen per use)

Address 3 Nishi-Sanbancho, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture

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Dates and season

The 2026 World Yabusame Championship is scheduled for October 24 (Saturday) and the 25th (Sunday).

On both days, practice runs take place from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., with the competition starting at 10 a.m.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the first day, and the awards ceremony for 3 p.m. on the second day.

The events proceed in this order: World Challenge, beginner and intermediate competitions, team competition, and professional and advanced competitions, among others.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

Admission is free in 2026, but some spectator seats require a fee.

The horseback riding experience costs 500 yen.

A limited number of merchandise items will be distributed at the venue, while supplies last.

The Self-Defense Forces PR corner will be open on Saturday only. The tea gathering on Sunday is expected to require an admission fee.

Nearby attractions

Nearby attractions and events include Sakura Yabusame, the Inokawa River Walk, the Towada City Spring Festival, and Towada City Government Office Street (Komakaido).

You can combine events related to yabusame with places to explore around the city, depending on when you visit and what interests you.

Since these are presented as spots near the venue, check with each facility or organizer for the latest event and opening information.

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 World Yabusame Championship

Towada’s yabusame activities developed after the All-Japan Yabusame Championship was held at the Towada Koma Festa in 2003.

The yabusame competition event Sakura Yabusame began in 2004, and the Yabusame Clinic training sessions began in 2006.

The World Yabusame Championship was also streamed in 2020, and efforts to promote the sport and the region’s equestrian culture are ongoing.

Source: 十和田流鏑馬観光連盟について | 十和田流鏑馬公式総合案内

Official information

Official information is available from the Towada Yabusame Official Information Center.

In addition to information about the World Yabusame Championship, related activities such as Sakura Yabusame, the Yabusame Clinic, and the Yabusame Culture Festival are also listed.

World Yabusame Championship at a Glance

The World Yabusame Championship is a competitive event where you can watch horse-and-rider archery at Towada Central Park Green Space.

The 2026 event will be held on October 24 and 25, with individual and team events and the World Challenge.

Admission is free, some spectator seats are available for a fee, and horseback riding and archery experiences are also available.