It\u2019s been cool in the morning and the evening in Kyoto, but it\u2019s the best timing to come sightseeing.
\nMany events are held this weekend so we recommend Kasagake Shinji held at Kamigamo Shrine for you.<\/p>\n
Kasagake Shinji, Kasagake Archery is one of the traditional equestrian event in Kyoto, in which riders shoot targets both on the ground and at eye level while riding their horses at full speed.
\nThe archers take aim at five targets: three at shoulder-height (T\u014dkasagake) and two closer to the ground (Kokasagake) to simulate more realistic military maneuvers on the battlefield.<\/p>\n
If you know Yabusame ritual held in Shimogamo Shrine, you might think Kasagake ritual is similar to it.
\nCompared to that, Kasagake ritual is more casual ritual and realistic equestrian.
\nSince commentary is provided in English, it is easy for tourists to understand and enjoy it.<\/p>\n
12:30\u3000Paticipants take a pulification for the ritual at the main hall
\n13:00~13:30 The ritual to pray for peace at the event place
\n13:30\u3000Trial run for horses to let them calm
\n13:40\u3000Archery ritual starts
\n14:45\u3000Finish<\/p>\n
We know there are a lot of equestrian events all over the world.
\nJapan also has several ones, kurabeuma (traditional horse racing) ,yabusame and kasagake (horseback archery).
\nIt is a traditional riding technique in Japan that was originally performed as a form of mounted archery, but also became associated with ritual events at shrines.
\nBut why are Japanese associated with like that?<\/p>\n
Both horse racing and horseback archery have been since Heian era and the important thing is horses.
\nPeople believe horses are animal messengers that the Gods ride when coming down to the world.
\nSo there are many shinto rituals related with horses in Japan.<\/p>\n
For example, it is said that those who see a blue horse (having black and bluish colors) at the beginning of the year will be free of evil spirits for the year and enjoy longevity.
\nThis belief originated in a Chinese historical event.
\nThus the \u201cAouma-Shinji\u201d held at the Sumiyoshi Taisha is based on that story.<\/p>\n
The reason why horses are used for rituals is that they are a sacred animal and it is said that some rituals in imperial court are taken over to shrines.<\/p>\n
Last, the ema (ritual wooden tablets inscribed with wishes and prayers), often found at Shinto shrines, feature a representation of a horse. These replaced the use of a living horse in modern ceremonies.<\/p>\n
Address:
\nKamigamo Shrine; 339, Kamigamo motoyama, Kita ku, Kyoto 603-8047
\nAccess:
\nInfront of \u201cKamigamo jinja mae(\u4e0a\u8cc0\u8302\u795e\u793e\u524d)\u201d bus stop on the Kyoto Bus #4 at Kyoto Station
\n15-minute walk from \u201cKitayama(\u5317\u5c71)\u201d Station on Subway Karasuma line
\nEvent Day&Time:
\nOctober 20th,2019\/ 12:30~16:00
\nAdmission Fee:
\nFree *Except Charged Seat<\/p>\n
You should receive such local information of Kyoto by an application “KoI APP”.
\nWith this application, even if you don\u2019t have Wi-Fi, you can find nearby stores and so on.
\nYou can install the application from the following URL.<\/p>\n