1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto

Recommended by 97% of travelers

Kyoto, Japan

Great choice

10+ bookings last month.

1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: Japanese

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Overview

This beginner-friendly experience teaches you the Japanese martial art of "kyudo". Instead of organizing equipment hire, everything you need is provided in the session and our teacher will guide you step-by-step through the lesson. During the lesson, learn about the history of Kyudo from a teacher with over 50 years of experience, and have a chance to practice shooting an arrow with a bow.

"Kyudo" archery session in Kyoto
Learn from an expert—a teacher with 50+ years' experience
Enjoy one-to-one guidance and lots of practical tips

What's Included

All items for Kyudo
Class fees

Transportation fees

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Kyudo Experience
22-2 Mibuaiaichō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8812, Japan
There are NO door bells at the entrance. Entrance is to the side of the building, opposite a small parking lot. Please don't enter through other doors or ring door bells!! https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xz2kP6JzyR7yLq5E8 10minutes on foot from JR Tambaguchi/Hankyu Omiya/Randen Shijo-Omiya station.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Make your way to the meeting place, located in central Kyoto. Meet your *kyodo kyoshi* (kyodo teacher) and your small group of fellow kyudo students, ready to experience Japanese archery.

Your class begins with an introduction to the history and art of kyudo, as well as your teacher’s impressive credentials. Then it’s time to try your hand shooting an arrow with a bow. Through one-on-one guidance, your teacher ensures that you learn the proper technique, including proper arm and foot placement, so that you gain a good understanding and enthusiasm for this unique Japanese tradition.

Finally, your teacher provides information on how to continue using your newfound kyodo skills back home.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Our instructor provides hands-on guidance to demonstrate the correct stance and bow hold. If you prefer a different style of instruction, please contact us in advance.

Please let us know if you have practiced archery before, so we can inform our teacher.
Due to limited space at our location, we kindly ask that only participants attend. Should there not be enough space the teacher may ask non-participants to wait outside.
Please plan an additional +10 minutes for your arrival time, enough to allow to find and walk to the location. Should you not be able to attend anymore on the same day, we would highly appreciate a notice. Thank you.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 4 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Eugene_C

This was a great experience - my teenage son and I were joined by one other person (max 4 ppl in this class) where we learned the philosophy in addition to the technique. The master was there with a student who served as a translator and they were both very kind and patient (it’s not as easy as it looks!) They were both very knowledgeable and with guidance we were all able to hit the target. Would definitely recommend definitely recommend this experience to all!

Reviews

4.8

based on 194 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

I do Western/target...

Louis_B, Apr 2026

I do Western/target archery so was very excited to try this experience. I found it to be similar yet different in a fascinating way. We were taught by a master who has been practicing for much longer than I've been alive. There were 4 of us and we each shot 5 arrows, which I thought was a good amount, as shooting a bunch of arrows with no input is worthless, so the small class size was important so that we all got some coaching from the master for each shot. I found myself improving with each arrow. We also got given some resources and the chance to read a translated kyudo manual which were very interesting. I am now looking into kyudo in my area so that I can continue practicing.

Great experience getting...

Anonymous, Feb 2026

Great experience getting to to learn about and try kyūdō! Kyōshi and his students we’re so helpful and kind!

If you have time, worth a try.

Carol_W, Feb 2026

We were very excited about this experience but felt it fell a little short. There were four people during that session that day and we only each got to shoot four times. While the instructors were patient and kind and informative, I’m not sure if we would recommend this. Unless you’re a true cultural enthusiast it might be one to skip.

Genuine!

Roxy_L, Feb 2026

The experience feels so genuine in a city full of tourist activities. Yamaguchi sensei is spirited yet down to earth, Wei and the rest of the team are so welcoming you can't help but feel excited. We were even invited to a Kyudo Tourment and it was wildly awesome.

Kyodo experience in Kyoto

Wade_E, Nov 2025

What a great experience. This was super fun to be taken through the movements for kyudo. It starts out with a little theory before jumping straight into practise. It is more about the experience of kyudo and the developed movements which just made it super enjoyable. I had been wanting to do this for a long time and it was definitely worth the wait. In a group of 4 we had time to shoot about 4 arrows each under the watchful eye of our senses. I would highly recommend this

Quick insight into Kyudo but don't expect anything else

South_E, Jul 2025

I practice instinctive archery. To me it was an interesting experience to get an idea of the traditions of positioning in traditional kyudo. However, we had 1 hour to shoot 4 arrows with a protocol that didn't allow for anything else. Not even reading instructions. I don't regret it however. I just was hoping for something more explicit and exclusive. It felt a little like a chain of demonstration. Kyudo is an art that requires a lifetime to learn. But still I believe that this experience should be extended to 2 hours. With a time to shoot alone. I thank my teacher and assistant for their time.

This was a great...

Laurie_C, Jul 2025

This was a great experience. The instructor was outstanding and the translator was fluent in English. Easy location. We highly recommend it.

This was a great...

Eugene_C, Jun 2025

It’s ok

Sabrine_I, Apr 2025

It was good in sense you get to learn about how to shoot. We were given a book to read about it and only shoot 4 arrows each and that was it. It took less than 1 hour since it was a small group. Once you shoot your 4 arrows each, you are done even if there is still time left in that hour. But the host and the girl translating were very nice

One of the worst experiences in Japan

leaalmog1, Apr 2025

I thought a lot if to write this review or not. Usually if I have a bad review I prefer not to give it. But even now, half a year later when I see my archery bow, I remember and get angry of this bad experience. We were 2 girls in the class. The teacher didn't speak English so we had his granddaughter or something translating. We were given a book to read how it works and what we have to do. No explanation in person. He demontrated once by showing. Than he practiced 2 turns with each. Again, no explanation. Just moving our hends around, looking disappointed and not interested. I still can't belive this was my japanese archery experience after I practice classic archery for years and waited for this so much. Really, it was supposed to be one of the peaks of my trip. A total waste of money. A lot of money. And so unbelievably disappointing.

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Thank you for your feedback. We are very sorry to hear that the experience did not meet your expectations. We understand how disappointing this must have been, especially given your anticipation for the class. We are taking your comment seriously and will work to ensure better communication in the future. Please feel free to reach out to us directly. We would appreciate the chance to make things right.

Wonderful Experience

nigel_t, Mar 2025

The host has years of experience with the bow. It is a fun filled adventure for me as I got to experience a traditional bow and arrow. He has many students under his tutelage as we saw all his students equipment kept in his home. One of his students is also the interpreter. If you want to have a taste of Japanese culture, I would suggest this archery workshop, not forgetting that the host is also jovial which makes the experience much more fun.

5 stars

Jennifer_C, Feb 2025

This was an amazing experience that I would highly recommend. I had a shoulder issue which the instructor was great at accommodating and my son who is in his 20s loved the experience. Ask questions and enjoy the experience. I highly recommend this adventure.

If you are expecting to...

Christof_D, Dec 2024

If you are expecting to be shooting arrows for an hour non-stop, you might be disappointed as the lesson is more about the spiritual side of japanese archery and focuses on the techniques as well as correct postures and breathing during the shooting. Of course you get to actually shoot arrows, but Yamaguchi-sensei will guide you through each attempt. For us this was a great experience however

The instructors and...

Stephen_B, Dec 2024

The instructors and students were very patient in teaching me! I had a great time! I did not have many questions, but I greatly appreciated their patience as I stumbled speaking in Japanese with them!

Kyudo is Amazing

Ari_A, Nov 2024

What an experience! The instructor was so patient. I’ve come away with a great appreciation for the mindful approach Kyudo takes as well as a deep respect for the beautiful philosophy behind the practice. The whole experience was mesmerising; really worth doing.

Amazing Experience

Katrina_R, Nov 2024

The instructor and his two apprentices were fabulous. We arrived knowing nothing of Kyudo, and it was a fabulous one-hour introduction. One other couple was with us for the lesson and it was the perfect balance, giving just enough time as we rotated individually using the bow and arrow with guidance from the instructor. I 100% recommend this experience!

4 arrows (ya) with master guidance

Tony_C, Oct 2024

The session was held in the garage of the master's house. He had a young girl interpreting. The four participants were given 4 opportunities to shoot arrows at the target - one at a time with the master hands-on guiding us. Advise you to read up on kyudo because there won't be detailed explanations; this is more an opportunity to try kyudo and decide if this is a sport you would like to pursue.

Really cool

kieran_k, Oct 2024

Fantastic experience. Really interesting to learn the methods and routines of traditional Japanese bow techniques!

Step outside the tourist spots and search for more Japanese experiences, you won’t regret it

Brenda_W, Oct 2024

Instructor was patient, friendly and a really good teacher, even with the language barrier. Kyudo was a great experience.

Unique experience

Luz_D, Oct 2024

Wonderful experience, very kindly and patient. Thank you! My sons are very happy with the experience.

Amazing experience and highlight of our trip

penelope_j, Sep 2024

This is as such an amazing experience. Focus on the spiritual side as well as practical skill. Really loved this activity and was a highlight of our trip

The Real Deal

Jessica_H, Aug 2024

This is the real deal for a non-touristy but authentic experience in Japan. Learning from a Kyūdō master the basics of the art and sport was really interesting and not cheesy as this is an actual archery training facility. They stressed the importance of learning the cultural meanings of Kyūdō and the related movements. Not difficult to follow as there was an English translator assisting and explaining. They even provided information on how to pursue the sport in the U.S.

Amazing hands-on archery experience!

Janelle_H, Jul 2024

This was an amazing experience! It was great to experience the tradition of Kyudo and learn about the practice in so much detail. The sensei was very knowledgeable and helped us to shoot correctly, and his student helped translate for us. Everyone was so kind! Definitely would recommend Kyudo to anyone curious about archery.

Wonderful experience for the family

Cheryl_H, Jul 2024

This was a wonderful experience! We didn't know exactly what to expect and we're very happy. Archery is a very traditional practice, and so we learned each step in the process. It starts with breathing and setting intentions. The studio itself is a bit away from where most hotels are, but the bus takes you within 10 min walking. The space is inside and there are a number of fans (but it is not air conditioned). Despite the heat, we had no issues with the temps when we were there. This isn't a "private" class - though we were the only people actively learning at the time. I think this is a working archery studio as there were other students there who were locals. They went before and after our families time. The instructor was great, he spoke mostly Japanese but it was easy to understand as he spoke slowly and showed you what to do- guiding your hands the whole way. His student also spoke wonderful English, so she went through the demo in English which made it easier after seeing the first time.

A very cool experience!

Katarina_E, Jun 2024

Great instructors to support and teach you. You get to shoot approx. 4 times if you've got four people in at once. A very cool experience!

Wonderful experience

Mara_G, Jun 2024

Both parents and teenagers loved learning about japanese archery from sensei and his student and give it a try.

Great New Learning Experience Everyone Should Try

Lisa_T, Jun 2024

We have a bit of archery background but the Japanese Archery was very interesting to learn as it deals with having 2 arrows instead of 1, as well as the philosophy behind it. Sensei was very patient with our new learning experience and it was fun to learn. The hour went by fast even though it was just the 2 of us! We enjoyed ourselves and would love to practice more if it was available locally. They did let us know where in Canada we can go to (alas it wasn't where we were!). Highly recommend and our translator and his student was so helpful. Thanks for a wonderful experience!

Highly reccommend :)

Sonali_F, Jun 2024

Really cool experience with a lovely instructor who guides you through the whole process with an English translator helping out too.

Kyudo in Kyoto great experience!

Jennifer_S, Jun 2024

We brought 12 and 13 year old to try kyudo. The building was fairly easy to find given the giant bullseye on the two sides facing streets. The instructor was incredibly patient, his translator/student equally so! The kids were given a booklet to read, the thumb guards and for my daughter a chest guard. He demonstrated the steps to take before even putting an arrow to string. They got three tries with two arrows each with 3 total guests. The kids as well as the adult dropped the arrow multiple times and he adjusted their stance and hold multiple times all with patience and calm. Breathing and relaxation were a big part of kyudo. So glad we came!

Excellent echoey experience

Maria_J, Jun 2024

Instructor was highly knowledgeable and the experience really gave you a direct experience of the skill involved in Japanese archery. And I will always remember “body action!”