Tsuwano Horseback Archery Festival 4/10/11

Stan at a statue outside the Horseback Archery Festival in Tsuwano. This event is only held once a year - the second Sunday in April & we decided to see it this year. Although we've been to Tsuwano several times, we've never been here during sakura (cherry) season. Riders dressed in ancient traditional dress ride VERY fast along the long track while shooting arrows at targets.


Riders warming up as we arrive on the grounds. I'm heading up a little hillside under a cherry tree, so I can look over the heads of the crowd, but Stan is going to walk around near the track to take his pictures.


Beautiful costumes. This archery track is lined with flowering cherry trees.


The white banner with black design is behind each target that the rider will be aiming toward.


White horse with elaborately dressed young rider walking the length of the course.


Cute little girl reaching out for me. Kids love me . . .


That end is where they start racing. There are 3 targets along the distance they ride - don't know how long it is, but it looked VERY long to me. All the spectators are on the opposite side from where the arrow lands!


A bunch of sacred arrows . . .