弓場
弓場は園内の北の端にあり、藩主が武芸の稽古をしたり、家臣に武芸の腕前を披露する機会を与えたりするために使われました。家臣は巧みな弓術を披露した見返りとして庭園を鑑賞することが許されました。後楽園は藩主と家臣が信頼の絆を育むことのできる場所でした。
弓場には、的場の反対側に茅葺き屋根の射場があります。観射亭は射場に隣接しており、現在は土産店が入っていますが、かつては藩主が弓術を鑑賞した場所でした。観光客は射場でお茶の時間を楽しむこともできます。土産店と食事処は、正門の北にもあります。
ここではもう弓術の稽古はしていませんが、以前ここで行われていた名残はまだ目にすることができます。たとえば、射場の近くの左端には、弓術の判定をする人が座っていた矢見塚の小さな窪みがあります。
弓場は正門の近くにあり、現在の入園券売り場の後ろにあります。
Archery Range
The Archery Range or Yumiba is located at the northern tip of the garden and was used by the daimyo lords to practice martial arts and host events at which their retainers could display their skills. Afterwards, retainers were allowed to enjoy the garden as a reward: Korakuen was a place where the lord and his retainers could establish bonds of trust.
The range has a thatched-roof shooting gallery facing the target zone. The Kanshatei Rest House, which is adjacent to the gallery, now houses a souvenir shop but was once the spot where the daimyo lord would observe the archery. Visitors can also enjoy a tea break at the launching area. Another souvenir shop and restaurant are located north of the Main Gate.
Archery is no longer practiced here, but reminders of the place’s former role can still be seen. For instance, on the far-left end near the target area is a small indentation which marks the spot where a judge would be posted to announce the accuracy of the shots.
Today the Archery Range can be found near the Main Gate of the garden behind the ticketing office.
