Pop Japan

Archers from all over the country gather to compete in firing arrows in the 120-meter long Sanjusangen-do Temple.   This festival is also part of the Coming-of-age ceremony. This is where the young women archers dressed in kimono showcase their skills in archery in celebration of entering adulthood.   In the main hall, a Buddhist monk will pray for visitors' health in the New Year by sprinkling them with water purified by prayers of monks. Entrance is free.   Photo by: Roland Geider (Ogre). Licensed under Creative Commons.