The major annual festival at Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine in Kamakura, known as REITA-Sai, shines as one of the most notable moments in Japan’s Shinto festivities calendar. This festival, spread over three days from September 14 to 16, captivates visitors with its sumptuous yabusame ritual, a unique form of archery practiced on horseback.
The Genesis of REITA-Sai
The REITA-Sai Archery Tournament takes its name from “REI” meaning “respect” in Japanese and “TA” for “archery”. This annual event has its roots in Japan’s medieval era, when samurai used archery as an essential skill on the battlefield. Today, REITA-Sai serves as a bridge between the past and the present, highlighting the importance of respect, tradition and self-control.
The Magnificence of Kamakura
Kamakura, located an hour from Tokyo, offers an idyllic setting for the REITA-Sai tournament. Surrounded by lush green mountains and majestic temples, the city exudes history and spirituality. The tournament usually takes place 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 much more than a simple sporting competition. It is an art form where precision and grace come together to create a sequence of elegant movements. The archers, dressed in traditional outfits, perform a series of methodical and fluid movements. Every shot is imbued with focus, 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 shooting their arrows, they perform rituals that date back centuries, showing 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 providing support and participating in the organization. The 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 central point of this celebration is the solemn ceremony which gives its name to the festival. During this ceremony, priests and shrine attendants offer respectful prayers to the gods, opening a spiritual experience to the public.
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. Everything takes place within the spacious grounds of Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu.
September 16: Equestrian Performance and Archery
On September 16, it’s the turn of horse enthusiasts to gather for Yabusame-shinji, a highlight of the festival. This unique performance combines horse racing and archery. Initially established in 1187 by the shogun Minamoto Yoritomo, this discipline has its roots in the training of samurai to aim at targets on horseback, within the confines of sanctuaries.
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 performances do not begin until early afternoon, it is advisable to arrive early to ensure a good seat. 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 constantly changing modern world, this event reminds participants and spectators of the importance of respecting the values of the past while harmoniously integrating them into the present. If you are looking for an experience that blends 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. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2166.html.
