Kyudo Archery Experience in Tokyo

Absolutely enjoyed this unique experience! Sensei was very passionate, explained everything thoroughly. The technique looks so majestic and easy, but in reality it is very complex and requires lot of focus. I was proud to hit the target a few times, although by the end of the 3 hour long training I was quite exhausted. Would certainly recommend it to those interested in Japanese martial arts, weapons, meditation or history.

It was a great experience :) Sensei was really nice and patient, and cheered us on! I wanted to try Kyudo for a long time and I was not disappointed. I would definitely recommend you to try it if you have some extra time, it is a nice change of pace compared to museums and shrines. We were a mixed group if Japanese and foreigners but it did not hinder the teacher in any way. We were maybe a bit too many, but then again, the organizer was really nice and let our friend join us last minute. Overall, time flew by quickly, we had a lot of fun. Thank you! <3

Wonderful experience with a very in depth and insightful lecture by teacher! Not only will you actually shoot a kyudo bow in the historical attire but you will learn the reason behind every step of the kyudo shooting process. It is a once in a lifetime experience that I highly recommend!

Great experience in learning something different in Tokyo. We received an email with instructions to meet at Shimo station a few minutes before noon, where we met the instructor and other participants. By noon we walked to a gym complex nearby where they had a large room just for kyudo practice. The instructor helped the guys change into traditional clothes (and gave my wife a tablet with a video containing step-by-step instructions). Around 12:30 we were all ready for our lessons. We spent some time training with a prop similar to a sling, learning that kyudo is not just point and shoot, and that it is not similar to western archery either. There are details to kyudo which are very interesting to learn. Particularly, I found that the way the arrow and bow are held (first making an arch, then raising them above your head and finally lowering close to face to aim) makes it easier to pull the arrow. We then spent almost 2 hours shooting targets, first from a close distance until from the other side of the room. There was enough time to have fun, practice, and take cool pictures. It is not rushed and the instructor even helps you taking photos. However, even after all this practice, only a couple of times someone managed to hit a target. It is difficult to aim correctly, but that doesn't take away the fun. The instructor is energetic, but patient and polite, and would explain again what we didn't understand. As English is not my first language (and neither the instructor's), sometimes it was difficult to understand a few words, but we could get the meaning from the context.

You got the adress the day before. It is easy to find, so you don't have to worry about to come to the rigtht place. The instructer was kind and knew what he was talking about. So all learnt the basic. But I alså felt that it would take years to real understand it. Very inspiring

My brother and I had an amazing morning learning about the tradition of Kyudo and how to shoot the Yumi bow. Completely different to Western archery. Our Sensei was great at explaining each step of the shooting process and offered much help when we were shooting at the targets. We were also in a proper Kyudo dojo not just a hall. We were given the uniform to wear to complete the experience. I have to say that the loose trousers were unbelievably comfortable. Do yourself a favour and don't wear them with your normal trousers underneath. So much room to breath! We had a Japanese couple in our class of five who were a delight to meet, so it isn't just for foreigners. And we got to meet the rest of the class as we were finishing up and observe them shoot. I would whole heartedly recommend this, especially if you want something different from the touristy activities.