Field Archery in Hiroshima: A 2025 Authentic Japan Review

So, we all know Hiroshima for its deep history, which is incredibly moving and you should definitely experience it. Yet, after visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, I honestly found myself wanting to connect with the area in a different way, you know, something a little more active and maybe tied to older traditions. So, I started looking for activities just outside the city center, and stuff like that. As a matter of fact, I stumbled upon something called a ‘Field Archery Experience,’ which sounded just right, a bit outdoorsy and sort of culturally unique. Actually, the idea of walking through a Japanese forest with a traditional bow was just a little too good to pass up, so of course, I booked it right away for my 2025 trip. It’s almost like I knew it would be a highlight, right from the very start.

Finding Our Way to the Forest Range

Okay, so the journey itself was actually part of the adventure. The range is apparently located a bit outside the main city, so you have to take a local train and then a short bus ride. At the end of the day, it’s pretty easy to follow the directions they give you. The bus stop basically drops you off at the base of a small mountain, and from there it’s just a short walk up a winding path. You know, the air immediately felt cleaner and cooler than in the city. You could just smell the damp earth and pine, which was incredibly refreshing. Honestly, birds were chirping, and there was this low hum of cicadas in the background, which is a sound that’s so typically Japan in the summer. It felt a world away from the busy streets we had just left, which was kind of the whole point.

Anyway, as we walked, we started to see these really subtle signs for the archery range, just simple wooden markers. It’s almost like they wanted you to feel like you were discovering a secret place. As a matter of fact, when we finally arrived, it wasn’t some big, flashy building. It was basically a beautiful, modest wooden structure that just blended perfectly with the forest around it. There was a friendly-looking older man, who we later learned was Tanaka-sensei, waiting for us with a warm smile. First impressions, you know, they really do matter, and this place just felt so calm and welcoming. It was pretty much the exact opposite of a tourist trap, you know, it felt very real and sort of special.

The First Feel of the Yumi Bow

So, after some friendly greetings, Tanaka-sensei led us to an open-air pavilion to get our gear. I mean, this wasn’t like any archery equipment I’d ever seen before. He handed me what he called a *yumi*, which is a traditional Japanese bow, and honestly, it was huge. It’s almost like it was taller than me. Apparently, the design is asymmetrical, which means the grip is not in the middle but about a third of the way up. It feels a little weird to hold at first, to be honest. Tanaka-sensei explained, through a mix of simple English and really clear gestures, that this shape is a very old design. It was just amazing to hold something with so much history, you know, feeling the smooth, polished bamboo in your hands.

He then showed us the arrows, or *ya*, which were also quite long and fletched with what looked like real feathers. There were no complex sights or gadgets on the bow; basically, it was just you, the bow, and the arrow. The first part of the lesson wasn’t even about shooting. It was about respect. For instance, he showed us how to properly handle the bow, how to bow to the target area, and how to stand. It’s almost like a meditation before you even think about firing an arrow. At the end of the day, it’s about a state of mind, not just hitting a target. This quiet, focused approach was sort of a big contrast to the grab-and-shoot style you might find elsewhere, and I really, really appreciated that part of it.

Walking the Path of the Archer

Alright, so once we got the basics down, Tanaka-sensei led us onto the actual field course. Honestly, this was the part I was most excited about. Unlike a normal archery range where you stand in one spot, here you actually walk a path through the forest. As a matter of fact, every hundred meters or so, there’s a new target set up at a different distance and angle. Some targets were down in a small valley, and for others you had to shoot uphill. This, you know, made every single shot a completely new puzzle. It was a little challenging, and that’s what made it so fun.

The targets themselves weren’t just the standard colorful circles either. For instance, some were shaped like gourds or fans, kind of like what you might see in old Japanese paintings. My first few shots were, frankly, terrible. The arrow would just sort of fly off in a completely random direction. But Tanaka-sensei was very patient. He would just gently correct my posture or my grip. He kept repeating, “Calm mind, straight shot.” There’s a particular sound the arrow makes when you release it correctly—a clean *hiss* followed by a satisfying *thwack* when it hits the straw target. Actually, getting that first solid hit was an absolutely incredible feeling. You’re standing there in the quiet forest, you release your breath, you let the arrow go, and for a second, it’s almost like time slows down a bit.

More Than Just Archery: A Cultural Immersion

You know, as we spent more time on the course, I realized this experience was about so much more than just learning to shoot a bow. It’s almost like it was a lesson in mindfulness. To do well, you really have to clear your head of all the other stuff. You can’t be thinking about your travel plans or what you’re having for dinner; you just have to focus completely on the present moment. Tanaka-sensei often spoke about the connection between archery and Zen principles, you know, about finding clarity and composure. This felt very profound, standing in the middle of a beautiful Hiroshima forest.

“He told us, ‘The real target is not in front of you. The real target is inside you.’ And you know what? That really, really stuck with me.”

So, at the end of the course, we returned to the main building, feeling pretty accomplished and maybe just a little bit tired. But the experience wasn’t quite over. Tanaka-sensei’s wife invited us to sit on the tatami mat floor and served us freshly brewed green tea and some small, sweet rice cakes. We just sat there, sipping tea, looking out at the forest, and talking with our hosts about their life there. It was so incredibly peaceful. It transformed the activity from just a cool sport into a really warm, human connection. This final act of hospitality was basically the perfect ending to the day. It kind of sealed the deal for me, making this one of my most cherished memories from my whole trip to Japan.

Handy Pointers for Your Visit

So, if you’re thinking about doing this, which you definitely should, here are a few things to keep in mind. At the end of the day, being prepared makes everything a bit smoother. First, wear comfortable clothes that you can move in easily. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and stretching your arms, so just avoid anything tight like jeans. Actually, good walking shoes are a must because the forest path can be a little uneven in spots.

Booking in advance is probably a good idea, especially in peak seasons. It’s a pretty small, personal operation, so they likely can’t handle huge groups all at once. You can just check their website for availability and stuff. And seriously, don’t worry if you’ve never held a bow in your life. Tanaka-sensei was just so good at teaching beginners, making everyone feel really comfortable, you know, regardless of their skill level. Honestly, just come with an open mind and a willingness to try something new. It’s a bit of a break from the usual tourist path, and it’s an experience that feels truly special and connected to the spirit of the place.

---

Read our full review: Field Archery Hiroshima Experience Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Mori no Yumi Archery Bookings)