Tokyo Ebisu: Traditional Japanese Archery Experience with a Master

Most visitors to Japan never get closer to its archery tradition than a photograph. This morning, you pick up a bow yourself. You’ll meet your host at Ebisu Station and walk five minutes to a private studio, where a master of shihan-mato is waiting. Shihan-mato is a traditional Japanese archery style, distinct from kyudo, with its own bow and posture. You’ll change into archery dress, learn how to stand, hold the bow and breathe, then shoot one at a time while the master corrects your form. Then a friendly target game against your group, your host, or the master himself. Very few guests beat him. Before you go there are photographs in archery dress and a small gift. Maximum eight guests, with an English-speaking host throughout. Children from six are welcome.