To be held this Sunday on October 9, 2011, this annual festival held in Toki City, Gifu is said to have begun in 1623 when the lord of Tsumaki Castle offered a horse in exchange for good fortune in battle. To this day, horses still play a central role in the festival, as archery on horseback is the main attraction! Six elementary school boys, riding up the mountainside on horseback towards the shrine, each take 6 rounds of shooting as their horses whiz pass the targets-3 times in battle garb, battle helmets and all, and 3 times in the garb of ancient Japan. Aside from that event, the horses themselves are paraded for all to see, there is a matchlock rifle ceremonial firing, and finally there is a parade of school children fully equipped with samurai armor. It is a relatively unique event among Japanese festivals, so if you have time this weekend you should definitely check it out!

Location: Hachiman Shrine, Tsumaki-cho, Toki City

Time: 11am (horseback archery from 2:30pm)

Access: Train to JR Toki Station South Exit à Tohnoh Tetsudou Bus on the Toki Tsumaki Line à Get off at Tairaguchi à 10 minute walk to the Hachiman Shrine