One Hundred Famous Views of Edo No.115Takata Horse Practice Ground

This ground, in the shape of a square 660 metres long and 54 metres wide, was completed by a shogun in 1636 for the purpose of training warriors to ride horses and to use bows and arrows.
The outer square was used for horse riding, as is seen in this print, while the inner square was used for archery. Several warriors are aiming at a round target made of parchment stretched tightly over a hoop. The head of the arrow was covered with cloth and, therefore, there was no fear of breaking the target no matter how hard it was hit. On the ground lie a few arrows already shot by the warriors. Even in peacetime, warriors were anxious to train themselves in preparation for an emergency. It was a usual custom for archers to bare one shoulder in order to make the practice easier.
There was a shrine nearby and its festival included an archery display by the warriors. They dedicated the practice of archery on horseback to the god of the shrine, and the archery display became a feature of the festival that attracted many people.
This ground was also once used by the shogun to review troops during his term. Between pine and cedar trees growing around the square is seen Mt. Fuji covered with snow in the far distance.
Although not depicted in this print, there was a miniature Mt. Fuji, called Takata Fuji, to the south of this ground. Built in 1780 by the leader of Mt. Fuji mountaineering ascetics, it was the first such miniature in Edo city.