1-hour Japanese Archery Experience In Kyoto

My wife and I paid our first visit to Wako Japanese restaurant this week, and all I can say is WOW! It’s located in the building just off Shallowford Rd previously occupied by O’Charlie’s, but the atmosphere is jaw droppingly better. Everybody we came into contact with was pleasant and attentive including the robotic waitress that delivered our meals(!) Our food came promptly and was tasty and a good value. Wako is a worthwhile addition to the Chattanooga food scene; we’ll certainly be back.

This is a great and memorable experience that I am very glad I got to try in my life. I’ve never shot a bow and even so they made me feel welcome and showed patience and encouragement. I would absolutely recommend anyone visiting Kyoto make sure to reserve a spot here.

This was an amazing experience! The sensei was an incredible & encouraging teacher with 65 years of experience. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone interested in archery or who wants to try something unique.

This is an authentic experience. The master and his assistant are generous, friendly and patient, and although I was terrible and only hit the target once, I would highly recommend it.

We loved the experience as a family ... the master or sensei ( in Japanese) is 80 years old and super good ... he is a high grade teacher and obviously loved his job ... we had his student translating for us and we loved every minute of the practise ..... will strongly recommend this experience

It's not only about shooting an arrow, but the whole posture, stance and mindset. Yamaguchi-sensei is very patient, and both he and his assistant Aina-san (?) explained things well. I would like to build up more arm strength and attend another class(es).

This experience was a bit underwhelming. Having a bit of experience in western archery, I was really looking forward to this experience as I was always interested in kyudo and I'm quite fascinated by the japanese style bow. Unfortunately this experience only left me wanting. The duration is way too short, it could use at least an extra hour. Each participant only got to shoot 4 arrows. The form and techinque were only briefly explained and on each shoot the instructor guides your hands and doesn't let you try on your own. This feels a bit pedantic and I don't think it's a good way for someone to truly enjoy this experience. After all where's the satisfaction and the sense of achievement? Unfortunately not here. Another thing that doesn't work in this experience's favour is the lack of a translator with good English skills. While the translator's English is serviceable, it's not at the level required to convey the instructor's guidance, which is a shame because he is a true kyudo master.

I do Western/target archery so was very excited to try this experience. I found it to be similar yet different in a fascinating way. We were taught by a master who has been practicing for much longer than I've been alive. There were 4 of us and we each shot 5 arrows, which I thought was a good amount, as shooting a bunch of arrows with no input is worthless, so the small class size was important so that we all got some coaching from the master for each shot. I found myself improving with each arrow. We also got given some resources and the chance to read a translated kyudo manual which were very interesting. I am now looking into kyudo in my area so that I can continue practicing.

Great experience getting to to learn about and try kyūdō! Kyōshi and his students we’re so helpful and kind!

We were very excited about this experience but felt it fell a little short. There were four people during that session that day and we only each got to shoot four times. While the instructors were patient and kind and informative, I’m not sure if we would recommend this. Unless you’re a true cultural enthusiast it might be one to skip.

The experience feels so genuine in a city full of tourist activities. Yamaguchi sensei is spirited yet down to earth, Wei and the rest of the team are so welcoming you can't help but feel excited. We were even invited to a Kyudo Tourment and it was wildly awesome.

What a great experience. This was super fun to be taken through the movements for kyudo. It starts out with a little theory before jumping straight into practise. It is more about the experience of kyudo and the developed movements which just made it super enjoyable. I had been wanting to do this for a long time and it was definitely worth the wait. In a group of 4 we had time to shoot about 4 arrows each under the watchful eye of our senses. I would highly recommend this

Great experience overall. Wish we had more time to practice and absorb the technique. Encouraging, kind, and patient instructors.

We had a very enjoyable experience, and the instructors were very friendly. There was four of us in the group so we got plenty of goes using the bow. There's a lot of reading beforehand, which may not be best for non-english speakers so more demonstrations or visible examples would work better.

I had an amazing time trying out Kyudo in Sensei's workshop, Sensei is so experience I really enjoy the whole class, Sensei also taught us how to shoot holding 2 arrows and it make me feel like Legolas, my girlfriend took so many photos for me it is such an amazing experience with a very cool memory of practicing Kyudo in Kyoto.

This was a truly an amazing experience, we have been taught the right way of Kyudo, from the history of Kyudo, to the Spirtual aspect of it we have also been taught how to shoot, definitely will visit again on my next visit to Japan.

A very lovely experience, that i highly recommend. We got introduced to what kyudo is about, and got a demonstration from the expert, before we got to try for our selves. Even though the instructor could not speak much english, he was very friendly and patient with us, and younger student translated and explained everything very well. So there was no communicarion issue. We got to try to shoot four times, as well as reading in a book about the different principles and steps of Kyudo, and what they mean. A more meditational experience than expected, with focus on posture and breathing. A very insightful and memorable experience, that i will cherish for a long time. Its also possible to buy the english translated book of teachings about Kyudo, if one want to pursue kyudo further. Thank you for having us!

Enjoyed myself very the Japanese instructor was excellent new the kyodo very well instructed us very excellent girl translation time went to quickly

I practice instinctive archery. To me it was an interesting experience to get an idea of the traditions of positioning in traditional kyudo. However, we had 1 hour to shoot 4 arrows with a protocol that didn't allow for anything else. Not even reading instructions. I don't regret it however. I just was hoping for something more explicit and exclusive. It felt a little like a chain of demonstration. Kyudo is an art that requires a lifetime to learn. But still I believe that this experience should be extended to 2 hours. With a time to shoot alone. I thank my teacher and assistant for their time.

This was a great experience. The instructor was outstanding and the translator was fluent in English. Easy location. We highly recommend it.

What a great insight and personal experience. Teaching the fundamentals of Kyudo from experts. This is a meditative experience that focuses on stances, breathing and perfecting form.

Kyudo is not Archery in essence. My friend prefers archery so it was ok for him. My only regret is not knowing sufficient Japanese to talk to the Sensei and to do it again to understand and practice the culture and technique of Kyudo - Loved the experience.

This was a great experience - my teenage son and I were joined by one other person (max 4 ppl in this class) where we learned the philosophy in addition to the technique. The master was there with a student who served as a translator and they were both very kind and patient (it’s not as easy as it looks!) They were both very knowledgeable and with guidance we were all able to hit the target. Would definitely recommend definitely recommend this experience to all!

I don't know where to start this was very spiritual experience all build up to draw the bow was excellent and amazing and i didn't expect us to do this 4 times, really hard but fun. Kyudo teacher and his apprentices was realty cute and happy we had really good time and enjoyed it a lot. Thanks for the hospitality <3

This was an interesting, yet challenging experience. It. is more difficult than it looks, but I am glad to have had the kyudo experience from a master archer while in Japan. A special experience indeed. The archery range was in the basement of a house and there are a lot of interesting things there, such as old photos of the archer, student bow cases lined up on a shelf and a photo of a very famous celebrity taking a lesson. An experience to remember. If I can find kyudo in my country when I return, I think I will sign up for classes

It was good in sense you get to learn about how to shoot. We were given a book to read about it and only shoot 4 arrows each and that was it. It took less than 1 hour since it was a small group. Once you shoot your 4 arrows each, you are done even if there is still time left in that hour. But the host and the girl translating were very nice

I thought a lot if to write this review or not. Usually if I have a bad review I prefer not to give it. But even now, half a year later when I see my archery bow, I remember and get angry of this bad experience. We were 2 girls in the class. The teacher didn't speak English so we had his granddaughter or something translating. We were given a book to read how it works and what we have to do. No explanation in person. He demontrated once by showing. Than he practiced 2 turns with each. Again, no explanation. Just moving our hends around, looking disappointed and not interested. I still can't belive this was my japanese archery experience after I practice classic archery for years and waited for this so much. Really, it was supposed to be one of the peaks of my trip. A total waste of money. A lot of money. And so unbelievably disappointing.

The teacher was very patient and kind. Provided a lot of insight into the complexity and tradition of Japanese archery.

The host has years of experience with the bow. It is a fun filled adventure for me as I got to experience a traditional bow and arrow. He has many students under his tutelage as we saw all his students equipment kept in his home. One of his students is also the interpreter. If you want to have a taste of Japanese culture, I would suggest this archery workshop, not forgetting that the host is also jovial which makes the experience much more fun.

This was an amazing experience that I would highly recommend. I had a shoulder issue which the instructor was great at accommodating and my son who is in his 20s loved the experience. Ask questions and enjoy the experience. I highly recommend this adventure.

This was definitely a unique experience and very fun! Definitely a "learn by doing" approach! The teacher, Yamaguchi-sensei, doesn't speak much English, but nevertheless did a great job in guiding me through my kyudo experience. And when he did need to communicate with words, his student and assistant was available to translate. If you're looking for something very hands-on and a little off the beaten path, then this would probably be a great experience for you!

It was great! The instructor was clear and professional and his assistant was able to speak excellent English to make it easier for those who don’t speak Japanese. Both were very encouraging and helpful. Super cool experience and highly recommend!

If you are expecting to be shooting arrows for an hour non-stop, you might be disappointed as the lesson is more about the spiritual side of japanese archery and focuses on the techniques as well as correct postures and breathing during the shooting. Of course you get to actually shoot arrows, but Yamaguchi-sensei will guide you through each attempt. For us this was a great experience however

The instructors and students were very patient in teaching me! I had a great time! I did not have many questions, but I greatly appreciated their patience as I stumbled speaking in Japanese with them!

Awesome experience to try some traditional archery, the teacher was very instructive and helped with each shot. We also had the opportunity to learn the history of Kyudo, the pupil of the teacher was translating into English and was also very knowledgeable herself

What an experience! The instructor was so patient. I’ve come away with a great appreciation for the mindful approach Kyudo takes as well as a deep respect for the beautiful philosophy behind the practice. The whole experience was mesmerising; really worth doing.

The instructor and his two apprentices were fabulous. We arrived knowing nothing of Kyudo, and it was a fabulous one-hour introduction. One other couple was with us for the lesson and it was the perfect balance, giving just enough time as we rotated individually using the bow and arrow with guidance from the instructor. I 100% recommend this experience!

The session was held in the garage of the master's house. He had a young girl interpreting. The four participants were given 4 opportunities to shoot arrows at the target - one at a time with the master hands-on guiding us. Advise you to read up on kyudo because there won't be detailed explanations; this is more an opportunity to try kyudo and decide if this is a sport you would like to pursue.

Fantastic experience. Really interesting to learn the methods and routines of traditional Japanese bow techniques!

Instructor was patient, friendly and a really good teacher, even with the language barrier. Kyudo was a great experience.

Wonderful experience, very kindly and patient. Thank you! My sons are very happy with the experience.

This is as such an amazing experience. Focus on the spiritual side as well as practical skill. Really loved this activity and was a highlight of our trip

It was a great experience, we really enjoyed learning how to shoot with the japanese longbow. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for authentic activities!

If you like to try archery, this is an excellent choice. Very patient master teaches perfect technique. Requires some strength.

This is the real deal for a non-touristy but authentic experience in Japan. Learning from a Kyūdō master the basics of the art and sport was really interesting and not cheesy as this is an actual archery training facility. They stressed the importance of learning the cultural meanings of Kyūdō and the related movements. Not difficult to follow as there was an English translator assisting and explaining. They even provided information on how to pursue the sport in the U.S.

This was the wife's favorite activity in Kyoto. The experience was great learning the traditional way of doing it was even more entertaining. Would do it again so much fun !

It was amazing. We do recurved archery ourselfs back home, but this was something different. Very cool to learn about ancient Japanese archery. Very good and kind theacher.

This was an amazing experience! It was great to experience the tradition of Kyudo and learn about the practice in so much detail. The sensei was very knowledgeable and helped us to shoot correctly, and his student helped translate for us. Everyone was so kind! Definitely would recommend Kyudo to anyone curious about archery.

This was a wonderful experience! We didn't know exactly what to expect and we're very happy. Archery is a very traditional practice, and so we learned each step in the process. It starts with breathing and setting intentions. The studio itself is a bit away from where most hotels are, but the bus takes you within 10 min walking. The space is inside and there are a number of fans (but it is not air conditioned). Despite the heat, we had no issues with the temps when we were there. This isn't a "private" class - though we were the only people actively learning at the time. I think this is a working archery studio as there were other students there who were locals. They went before and after our families time. The instructor was great, he spoke mostly Japanese but it was easy to understand as he spoke slowly and showed you what to do- guiding your hands the whole way. His student also spoke wonderful English, so she went through the demo in English which made it easier after seeing the first time.