• Best Conversion
  • Sports Lessons
  • Excellent Quality
  • Short term availability

Kyoto: Japanese Archery (Kyudo) at an 800-Year-Old Temple

5.0(19 reviews)Kyoto, JapanOperated by Sangetsu
  • Duration1 hour 30 min
  • GroupShared · max 4
  • TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
  • LanguagesChinese, Japanese, English
  • BookingInstant confirmation

About this activity

Begin with an English-guided tour of an 800-year-old National Treasure temple, where you can experience the historic atmosphere and gain a deeper appreciation of Kyoto’s cultural heritage.

You’ll then take part in kyudo (Japanese archery) using a real yumi (Japanese bow) and arrows under careful guidance. In traditional practice, students usually spend a long time training with a rubber bow before shooting real arrows. In our experience, however, even beginners can safely enjoy the feeling of drawing the bow and releasing the arrow in an authentic setting.

This is more than just an activity—it’s a unique chance to experience Japanese archery and temple culture together in a way that is both accessible and deeply memorable.

What you will do

1 hour 30 minShared tourMax 4 travellers

Experience Kyudo (Japanese archery) in Kyoto with a guided tour of a historic temple. Visit the main hall and treasure hall, home to nationally significant Buddhist statues, before stepping into the practice. Learn under a Kyoshi (master-level) 6th-dan instructor with over 50 years of teaching experience, supported by English and Chinese guidance. Designed for beginners, this experience focuses on movement, awareness, and the process itself. No special attire is required—simply come as you are and enjoy a relaxed introduction to traditional Kyudo. To ensure a safe and smooth experience, Mr. Yamaguchi and our staff may gently adjust participants’ posture by touching their arms, legs, or shoulders during instruction. Please inform participants in advance. All accessories such as earrings, piercings, and watches must be removed. For beginners, the bowstring may strike glasses and cause damage, so contact lenses are recommended if possible. If not, we will guide you carefully, but please understand there is some risk involved.

Places you'll visit

  • Sembon Shakado1034 Mizomaecho, Kamigyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 602-8319, Japan

Pickup & meeting point

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

Take a Kyoto City Bus to Kamishichiken and walk a short distance to the temple. If taking a taxi, simply tell the driver “Senbon Shakado” (Daihoonji Temple). We will be waiting for you at the temple entrance ticket counter.

End / drop-off

Take a Kyoto City Bus to Kamishichiken and walk a short distance to the temple. If taking a taxi, simply tell the driver “Senbon Shakado” (Daihoonji Temple). We will be waiting for you at the temple entrance ticket counter.

What's included

Included

  • Admission fee
  • Includes all equipment required for kyudo.

Not included

  • Private transportation
  • Meals

Good to know

Accessibility & suitability

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Participants must be at least 12 years old.

Traveller requirements

  • Minimum 1 traveller per booking
  • Maximum 4 travellers per booking
  • Age bands: Adult (12–80)

Languages

Guide
Chinese, Japanese, English

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 1+ days before100% refund
  • 0–1 days before0% refund
  • This experience requires good weather. If it's cancelled due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Important booking information

Booking cut-off
Bookings close 1 day before the activity starts.
Confirmation
Confirmed immediately after booking.
Tickets
One per booking
Local time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Product code
5646032P5

What you'll be asked when booking

  • Any special requirements

Traveller reviews

5.0/ 519 reviews
  • 519

Ratings aggregated from Viator (9) and Tripadvisor (10).

Ready to book Kyoto: Japanese Archery (Kyudo) at an 800-Year-Old Temple?

From JPY 15,000 per person · Free cancellation available

Check dates & book

Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.

Link copied to clipboard!
Gateera

Install Gateera on iPhone

Add to your Home Screen for the best experience

  1. 1
    Tap the Share button in Safari's bottom toolbar
  2. 2
    Scroll down and select Add to Home Screen
  3. 3
    Tap Add in the top right corner to launch Gateera anytime!