The major annual festival at Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine in Kamakura is known as REITA-Sai. It stands out as one of the most remarkable moments in Japan’s Shinto festivities calendar. The festival, held over three days from September 14 to 16, captivates visitors with its lavish yabusame ritual. This is a unique form of archery performed on horseback.
The Genesis of REITA-Sai
The REITA-Sai archery tournament takes its name from the Japanese word “REI” meaning “respect” and “TA” for “archery”. This annual event has its roots in medieval Japan, where samurai used archery as an essential skill on the battlefield. Today, REITA-Sai serves as a bridge between the past and the present, emphasizing the importance of respect, tradition, and self-control.
The Magnificence of Kamakura
Kamakura, located an hour from Tokyo, provides an idyllic setting for the REITA-Sai tournament. Surrounded by lush green mountains and majestic temples, the city exudes history and spirituality. The tournament is usually held at a traditional shrine, where the spiritually charged atmosphere adds an extra dimension to the event.
The Precision and Grace of Archery
Japanese archery, or “kyudo,” is more than just a sporting competition. It is an art form where precision and grace come together to create a sequence of elegant movements. Archers, dressed in traditional attire, perform a series of methodical, fluid movements. Each shot is imbued with concentration, discipline, and introspection.
The Ritual of Participation
Participating in the REITA-Sai tournament is a highly ritualized experience. Participants prepare mentally and physically for the event. Before firing their arrows, they perform rituals that date back centuries. This shows their respect for tradition and commitment to the art of archery.
Local Community Involvement
The REITA-Sai tournament is not limited to expert archers. The local community plays a vital role in supporting and helping to organize the festival. People of Kamakura see this event as an opportunity to preserve and promote their unique cultural heritage. While warmly welcoming visitors from around the world.
September 15: Traditional Rites and Parade
The day of September 15 is reserved for rituals and prayers. The focal point of this celebration is the solemn ceremony that gives the festival its name. During this ceremony, the priests and attendants of the shrine offer respectful prayers to the gods. The audience can thus have a spiritual experience.
After these intimate moments, the afternoon takes on a more festive tone with the Shinko-sai procession. This lively parade consists of portable mikoshi shrines and traditional dances. All of this takes place within the spacious grounds of Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu.
September 16: Equestrian Performance and Archery
On September 16, horse enthusiasts gather for Yabusame-shinji. This is a highlight of the festival. This unique performance combines horse racing and archery. Originally established in 1187 by Shogun Minamoto Yoritomo, this discipline has its roots in samurai training. This consisted of aiming at targets on horseback, within the grounds of shrines.
The yabusame ritual is dedicated to the god of war Hachiman. Three exceptional riders are selected to embody the best archers in the region. This attraction attracts a crowd of spectators, lined up on both sides of the track. Although the performances do not begin until early afternoon, you are advised to arrive early to ensure a good spot. With only one attempt per galloping rider, the event is fleeting and lasts only a few minutes.
The REITA-Sai festival in Kamakura transcends the boundaries of time and space by celebrating tradition, precision, and communion with nature. In a modern world that is constantly changing, this event reminds participants and spectators of the importance of respecting the values of the past while integrating them harmoniously into the present. If you are looking for an experience that combines the beauty of traditional Japan with the art of archery, REITA-Sai in Kamakura is definitely a destination not to be missed.
Source: “Kamakura Travel Guide.” Japan Guide.
