Tsuwano, a small town in western Shimane Prefecture, is known for castle ruins, a major Inari shrine and rich cultural traditions. Cherry blossom viewing season (from late March to mid-April) is one of the most popular times to visit Tsuwano because of the annual Yabusame Festival—a demonstration of traditional mounted archery held on a course lined with cherry blossom trees. Typically held on the first Sunday of April, this is one of the most famous festivals in Tsuwano. A Samurai Heritage and Shinto RitualMounted archery is over 1,000 years old in Japan. It was an essential skill for samurai…