Kyoto, Japan: The "Sanjusangendo Toshiya", the Most Special Coming-of-Age Ceremony

What is Toshiya?

Ancient Toshiya was a kyudo event, also known as "Dousha" or "Doumae", held under the west eaves of the main hall of Rengeo-in (Sanjusangendo) in Kyoto (approximately 121 meters long). Among various events, the most famous is the "Oyakazu", a 24-hour endurance competition where archers compete to shoot the most arrows from the south end to the north end. It peaked in the early Edo period, with many archers and record attempts heavily supported by domains, but large-scale Toshiya competitions ceased after the mid-Edo period.

Related Manga

A recent Japanese manga, "Ten wo Iru", features a master archer who challenged the Sanjusangendo Toshiya as its protagonist. The story is based on Shigekaze Hoshino, an Owari domain samurai from the early Edo period. On May 28, 1662, he challenged the Oyakazu at Sanjusangendo, successfully shooting 6,666 arrows out of 10,025 total attempts, breaking the previous record and becoming the best in the world. He was appointed head of archery and granted a 500-koku stipend. However, in 1668, Kasaizaemon of Kishu broke Hoshino's record.

The Best in the World

On May 2, 1669, Shigekaze challenged the Oyakazu again, hitting 8,000 out of 10,542 arrows, reclaiming the top rank. The challenge lasted from 6 PM until noon the next day. Interestingly, he stopped with 6 hours remaining, leaving some strength in hopes of encouraging future challengers. 15 years later, on April 27, 1686, Wasa Daihachiro of Kishu hit 8,133 of 13,053 arrows, setting a record that remains unbroken today.

In modern times, Ando Sotaro set a record at the west corridor of Todai-ji Temple in Nara in 1842. He hit 8,685 out of 11,500 arrows with an accuracy of 75.5%. Although conditions differed from Sanjusangendo and a direct comparison isn't possible, Todai-ji is generally considered more difficult. The Owari scholar Shin Seiju praised Ando's record as the greatest of all time.

Modern Toshiya

Toshiya today relies on the modern kyudo "Enteki" (long-distance) standard of 60 meters, shooting from north to south at Sanjusangendo. It's held annually on the Sunday closest to January 15. Participants include 20-year-olds (Shodan level or above) in formal kimono and hakama celebrating their Coming-of-Age Ceremony, as well as high-ranking titled archers. Competitors shoot a pair of arrows; those hitting both advance to the finals, a sudden-death elimination round. It's highly challenging—the year I attended, only six out of more than a thousand women made the finals.

Sanjusangendo Toshiya Experience

The Sanjusangendo Toshiya is an annual event (e.g., January 18 in 2026). Here is the YouTube live stream archive from 2023 for those interested. If you're visiting Japan, remember to register for "Visit Japan Web" before arriving.

For Kyoto accommodations, I recommend "Moxy Kyoto Nijo", "Hiyori Chapter Kyoto", or "Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto". Don't miss the chance to try wearing a kimono, yukata, or hakama like the young participants. The route through Yasaka Shrine, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera is excellent for photos.

Start Your Kyudo Journey Today