How difficult is it to travel with a yumi (longbow) in Japan?
I'm planning a trip to Japan end of next march. I want to take my yumi (Japanese longbow, around 2.3 meters long) with me, as I have some contacts I'd like to train with.
Now I was wondering how difficult it is to travel with such a long piece of luggage in Japan, specifically on trains (Shinkansen).
I have found this notice here:
〈持ち込める荷物〉
●携帯できる荷物で、タテ・ヨコ・高さの合計が250センチ（長さは2メートルまで）以内で、重さが30キロ以内のものを2個まで持ち込むことができます。
Which means (if I'm not mistaken): Width + height + length < 250 cm. And neither one of them larger than 2 m. And under 30 kg (not a problem here).
Which would mean, I cannot take a yumi on a Shinkansen.
What are my options? Just take it with me and explain that it is a yumi (hoping for understanding) or use a shipping service between the places where I stay (or where I want to use it, if storing for a few days is possible)?
Best Answer
You should have no trouble at all with a Yumi (longbow) on the trains in Japan. I see people carrying them all the time. I wouldn't worry about it.
Pictures about "How difficult is it to travel with a yumi (longbow) in Japan?"
Is a Yumi better than a longbow?
Both the Japanese bow (Yumi) and the English Longbow are both \u201clong\u201d in that they are approximately 2 meters in length. Both bows would have been in use during the same periods in time....Yumi:Time PeriodType of BowBow Formationc.1300\u20131400ShihochikuWood surrounded by bamboo7 more rowsHow far can a Yumi bow shoot?
The average Yumi can shoot somewhere between 150 and 200 meters or 490 to 650 feet. Lighter arrows will land you closer to the 100-meter range. The heaviest of arrows will land you closer to 200. So it's all about what kind of arrow you use, as well as your experience with the bow itself.Why does the samurai Long Bow have the handle only a third of the way up the shaft?
It was loosed from one third of the way up its shaft for convenience when riding a horse. Some bows were very powerful, and stories are told of the finest archers sending arrows through an enemy's arm or even shattering the planking of a boat so that the samurai on board were drowned.How much does a Japanese longbow cost?
Japanese longbows can cost over $2,000. Here's what makes them so expensive. Longbows, or Yumi, have been used in Japan for centuries. A handmade bamboo bow can cost over $2,000.Kyudo − The Way of the Bow
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