The Kamo Kurabeuma (賀茂競馬) at Kamigamo Shrine (上賀茂神社) is an ancient equestrian ritual established in 1093 AD during the reign of Emperor Horikawa. Unlike modern horse racing, this is a sacred Shinto rite held to predict the success of the year's harvest and pray for national peace. It is rooted in the belief that the speed and spirit of the horses directly influence the favor of the Kamo (賀茂) deities. The event is a rare survival of Heian-period military and courtly tradition, maintaining the same rules and ceremonial structure for over 900 years.

The competition features two riders, known as Norijiri (乗尻), dressed in elaborate Samurai (侍) attire of red and black representing the left and right teams. You will see them perform the Saho-no-gi (左法の儀) ritual before the race, where they demonstrate their mastery of the bow and whip to the high priests. The race itself is a test of precision and timing rather than a simple sprint; the riders must maintain a specific distance between each other, and the victory is determined by whether the trailing horse can close the gap or the leading horse can widen it by the time they reach the Linden Tree (菩提樹) at the finish line.

The ceremony begins with the Muma-awase (馬合わせ), a psychological standoff where the horses are brought head-to-head to gauge their spirit before charging down the 200-meter track. This ritual is said to be the origin of the Japanese phrase "Iki ga au" (息が合う), meaning to be in perfect sync or "breathing together." Legend holds that the outcome of these races provides a divine blueprint for the coming season, with the Sakura-no-maba (桜の馬場) track serving as a bridge between human skill and celestial will. Before leaving, many spectators seek out a Muma-mamori (馬守), a horse-themed charm believed to grant speed and success in one's personal endeavors.