There are two events in this festival. First, they start Samurai parade at Kameoka Hachiman Shrine. After the parade, people move to Zushi Beach.

Then, Yabusame starts at 13:00.

This Yabusame was originated in 1199 by 2nd Kamakura Shogun, Minamoto no Yoriie. Yabusame itself was started in Heian period (6th century).

Minamoto no Yoritomo, the 1st Kamakura Shogun, recommended Yabusame for peace making ritual after his unification. His son Yoriie joined Yabusame for not only the ritual reception, but also he did Yabusame many times for his combat training as the head of Samurai.

Current Yabusame started in 1945. After the WWII, Kaneko Shihan, the former Soke of Takeda Ryu Yabusame, demonstrated Yabusame to US military at Zushi beach. They are fully impressed with his art of tradition, and their commander encouraged the soldiers to learn Yabusame.

Later, Zushi people join the school and became the Yabusame event for the friendship between Japan and the United States.

Tenchouchikyu no Shiki
the opening ritual. Ride on a horse and turn left 3 times, and right 2 tims. Shooting up an arrow to the sky.

Subase
test running. Huge fun is the sign of the start.

Housha
shooting up three targets with full speed of horse riding. Target are painted a mark with blue, yellow, red, white and purple. They also place a seasonable flowers behind the target. Long time ago, one Samura who missed his shot committed Seppuku and killed himself because he thought it was embarrassing thing for Samurai. However, because Yabusame is sacred ritual for the god which they cannot show any blood to the god. After his Seppuku, they putted flowers behind the target so that no one feel embarrassing when they missed the target.

Kyousya
shooting up biscuit ware for ending.

Gaisen no Shiki
triumphal return.