Visiting Kokura Castle any time of year brings you in touch with history as well as festivals and seasonal events. Furthermore, the castle makes for a great backdrop for other special events, such as this demonstration of kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.

This was a fantastic opportunity to see experts in this ancient art from all around western Japan and show off their skills and wisdom. A free event, it attracted an impromptu gathering of spectators, along with some traditionally-dressed participants of another event at the Kokura Castle Japanese Garden that day. If you’re looking for authenticity in cultural events, this had plenty. Although an announcer filled in the details for the audience, the participants themselves were dressed in beautiful formal clothing.

Although the archers had trouble finding the mark this day, it was a pleasure to be witness to their spiritual journey along the Way of the Bow.