Archery At The Castle

Overview

This one-hour archery session takes place inside the Sannomaru area of Hiroshima Castle grounds, at a facility called SHARAKU. You are fitted with a traditional costume and a bow and arrow set, then taught the basics of Japanese archery: how to notch an arrow, hold the bow and shoot in the Japanese style. Instruction is hands-on, with the teacher correcting your form through practice shots before the session finishes with a friendly mini-competition against the others in your group.

Groups are capped at four travellers, and reviewers repeatedly praise the instructors as patient, helpful and knowledgeable. One reviewer mentioned learning a few historical facts along the way, and another described the session as very technical but still fun to learn.

The experience suits complete beginners, including families with teenagers, and one reviewer described it as very technical but still fun to learn. One traveller reported their arms getting tired by the end of the hour, and felt the hour was a perfect amount of time. It works well combined with a visit to the castle itself, since it starts and ends at the same spot on the castle grounds.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Hiroshima CastleArrive at HIROSHIMA CASTLE SHARAKU in the Sannomaru ruins area of Hiroshima Castle, about a 15-minute walk from the Atomic Bomb Dome.
2. Suit up and get equippedYou are dressed in a traditional Japanese outfit and given the bow and tool set. The facility fee, bow tool set and costume are all included.
3. Learn the techniqueThe instructor demonstrates proper form, how to notch the arrow and how to fire using a traditional Japanese bow, correcting your stance through practice shots.
4. Shoot and competeYou shoot rounds of arrows at a target before a friendly mini-competition rounds out the session.
5. Finish at the meeting pointThe activity ends back at the same spot on the castle grounds, after a total duration of 1 hour.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most from the hour, based on what the listing states and what past participants repeatedly report.

• Arrival timing. One reviewer noted the facility opens only for your booked time slot, so there is no point showing up early. Plan to arrive close to your slot.
• Group feel. The session is limited to a maximum of four travellers. One reviewer mentioned the small group and close instruction as a highlight.
• Physical demand. One traveller said their arms were tired by the end of the hour. Anyone with arm, hand or shoulder injuries is advised against booking, and it is not recommended for people with back problems.
• Dressing up. The traditional costume is included and many reviewers highlight dressing up in the outfit as a fun part of the session.
• Accessibility. The listing states the activity is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, with accessible transport nearby. It sits a short walk from the Atomic Bomb Dome on the castle grounds.
• Language. One reviewer explained that the instructor primarily communicated through a translation app and demonstration. That traveller still found the technique clear and strongly recommended the experience.

Common issues. The hour is physically tiring on the arms, and the listing warns against participating with arm, hand, shoulder or back problems. One reviewer described the hour as one of stress and doubt before finally hitting the target. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time receive no refund.

Common Questions