Kyudo

A lesson in Japanese-style archery promises to be great fun, and will introduce you to an interesting side of Japanese culture at the same time as teaching you a brand-new skill.

Japanese archery, known as kyudo, is an extremely popular martial art in Japan; most high schools have a kyudo club. The first images of archery in Japan date back to the Yayoi period (500BC - 300AD) but the practice really took off in the 12th century when it was adopted by samurai as part of their training.

InsideJapan are able to arrange a private kyudo lesson with a master archer during your time in Kyoto. His English is basic but his friendly nature and humour more than make up for it! By copying the instructors movements, you'll have a go at shooting arrows from a two metre long kyudo bow. An important part of kyudo is the ritual preparation of each shot in order to train your mind as much as your body.