In the heart of Osaka by the famous Dotonbori River is a humble little dojo where you can try out half-bow archery known as “kyudo hankyu.”
Hankyu which literally means “half-bow” is a term used to describe the smaller bows used for shorter distance archery. This nameless branch by Osaka’s Dotonbori River allows all visitors from pros to first-timers to experience traditional Japanese archery under the guidance of an instructor.
Kind kyudo sensei!
Our kyudo instructor was a kind young man who went over the basics of kyudo hankyu. This type of archery is performed while sitting on a small stool with the body facing perpendicular to the drum-like targets. For 1,500 yen, you get a total of 6 arrows to shoot with guidance from the instructor as well as a cool souvenir to take home!
Let it rip!
Archery is definitely more difficult than it looks, even though it wasn’t my first time handling a bow. Out of my 6 shots, I only managed to land 2 on the target, and of those 2 none were remotely close to the bulls-eye. Well, even if you miss, you still get the satisfaction of hitting the backboard!
Cool souvenir!
It was a fun little side quest during my visit to Dotonbori with family, and I’d recommend it to anyone who is even a little interested in kyudo.
These little kanji-covered wooden souvenirs make for a nice memorabilia to reminisce the experience and to take home a piece of Japan with you.
I, for one, will be hanging it on my wall along the rest of my souvenirs from Japan! Since returning home to Australia, I always treasure the memories I’ve had in the Land of the Rising Sun!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!