Sanjusangendo Archery!

Last Sunday I went to Kyoto's Sanjusangendo Temple to observe their annual archery competition. January 8th is Coming of Age Day, when 20 year olds become adults. Thousands of 20 year olds who study archery (Kyudo) on the Japanese long bow come to this temple to compete every year. Twelve archers shoot at the same time. They have two shots to hit their target, which is really far away. If they make both they get to move on to the finals. I don't think many people move on the target is so far away. The men mostly wear black hakama (pants) and a white top. The girls all wear their formal kimonos; they look absolutely stunning.