The short answer: buy in order, not all at once
A full set of kyudo equipment includes the bow (yumi), string (tsuru), arrows (ya), glove (yugake), under-glove (shitagake), rosin (giriko), training top (dogi), hakama, belt, tabi socks, and a bow wrap. But you don’t need to buy it all at the start. Most dojo lend bows, so the reliable path for a beginner is glove → arrows → training wear, buying the bow last. Costs vary widely, so think in ranges.
- A kyudo set = bow, string, arrows, glove, under-glove, rosin, training wear, hakama, belt, tabi, bow wrap, and more.
- Use the dojo‘s loan gear; the bow can usually wait.
- Buying order: glove → arrows → training wear → (last) the bow.
- Costs range widely by item and grade.
- Prioritise correct fit, and consult an instructor or senior before buying.
What’s in a kyudo set
- Bow (yumi): the body that shoots the arrow — glass, carbon, or bamboo.
- String (tsuru): strung on the bow; a consumable, replaced before it breaks (see Kyudo Bowstrings).
- Arrows (ya): usually bought as a set of two or more.
- Glove (yugake): a deerskin glove for the right hand — central to the shot.
- Under-glove (shitagake): a thin cotton liner worn under the yugake. The All Nippon Kyudo Federation says it must always be worn, to protect the glove from sweat (About equipment, in Japanese).
- Rosin (giriko): powder put on the glove’s middle finger (ring finger on a four-finger glove) and rubbed against the thumb, so the hold on the string does not slip.
- Training top (dogi): an easy-moving, sweat-absorbing garment.
- Hakama: the wide pleated trousers worn beneath.
- Belt, tabi socks, bow wrap and quiver: to fasten, to wear, and to protect and store your gear.
Think of this as the entry point (a hub); detailed choices for each item are covered in the individual Japanese guides.
What to buy first
Buying “everything at once” sounds daunting, but you don’t have to. Most dojo lend bows and arrows, so beginners learn the basics on loan gear. That’s why there’s a standard order.
1. First, the glove (yugake)
The glove goes directly on your hand, so for hygiene and fit it’s usual to get your own early. Most dojo recommend it first. Because a good fit matters, read up on choosing between a three-finger and four-finger glove and sizing before you buy.
2. Next, arrows (ya)
Arrows must match your draw length (yazuka), which is a direct safety issue. Loan arrows may not fit, so get your own early. Materials (duralumin or carbon) and shaft thickness are worth understanding first.
3. Training wear and hakama
Needed for gradings, competitions, and milestones in practice. Check how to measure your size.
4. Last, the bow (yumi)
The bow is the most expensive item, and the rule is to buy it only once your suitable bow strength is settled. Buy too early and you’ll be replacing it as you grow stronger and move up in draw weight.
This order is a general guide; it shifts with your dojo‘s policy and loan situation, so follow your instructor.
A note on cost
Costs vary greatly by item, material, and grade, so we give only general ranges and won’t state fixed figures — always confirm with a dealer, as prices change with specification and timing. The point is that if you look only at what you need first (glove, arrows, training wear, and consumables), it need not be a large outlay all at once, because the bow can wait while you borrow one.
How to buy without regrets
- Consult an instructor or senior before buying — your dojo may follow a particular school or recommend certain items.
- Put fit first — glove, arrows, and wear live or die by size, ahead of price or design.
- Separate consumables from long-term gear — strings and rosin are consumables; the glove and bow are long-term.
- Don’t rush the bow — wait until your bow strength is settled.
- Be careful with used or handed-down gear — arrows of the wrong length or a glove of the wrong size are safety risks; don’t use them.
FAQ
Do I need to buy the whole set at the start?
No. Most dojo lend bows and arrows, so you don’t need everything up front. The usual order is glove → arrows → training wear, buying the bow last, once your bow strength is settled.
What’s the very first thing to buy?
Most dojo recommend the glove (yugake) first — it goes directly on your hand, so for hygiene and fit it’s usual to own your own early. Next, get your own arrows, which are a direct safety matter.