Washibara Park

A park known for hosting Tsuwano yabusame horseback archery. The entire precincts of Washibara Hachimangu Shrine, which tradition says was established during the Kamakura period, is generally called Washibara Park. The riding ground where the thrilling ceremony is held is one of the oldest existing horseback archery grounds in Japan. It is said to be an imitation of Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura, and an event held on the second Sunday of April attracts many spectators who come to view picture scrolls from that period. It is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing, and the sight of the cherry trees around the riding ground is sublime.