The Tama Hills Archery Club in Tokyo places realistic, life-size targets shaped like wild boar or deer along wooded trails, challenging shooters to judge distance before taking a shot. (Tama Hills Recreation Area)
A property long associated with fairways and wooded trails, Tama Hills Recreation Area in western Tokyo has added a new way for U.S. troops and their families to unplug, one arrow at a time.
The Tama Hills Archery Club, launched last spring, has transformed portions of the 500-acre recreation area — an extension of nearby Yokota Air Base — into a 3D archery space that feels more like backcountry than the outskirts of one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas.
“It’s peaceful, but in a city,” golf course manager Patrick Bowman said by phone Dec. 16. “You sit there and look around and think you would not know you’re in a city with 37 million people. That’s unique.”
The idea grew out of a practical challenge, Bowman said. Roughly half of Tama Hills’ acreage consists of dense woods and steep terrain unsuitable for development.
“We have hiking and biking trails, but a lot of the woods was still unused,” he said. “So, I started thinking about what could work there.”
That question led him back to his childhood. Bowman said he grew up shooting 3D archery, which employs foam targets shaped like animals to simulate hunting scenarios.
Japanese hip-hop artist AK-69 visited the archery trail at Tama Hills Recreation Area in Tokyo on Nov. 16, 2025, where he practiced shooting foam animal targets. (Tama Hills Recreation Area)
“There are a lot of hunters in the military,” he said. “They’re overseas, and they just don’t have that opportunity.”
After identifying safe locations and investing in equipment, Tama Hills’ archery areas officially opened in May, with the first tournament in November.
Today, archers can use three ranges. One offers basic target practice, and another features multiple 3D targets.
The third, known as “unknown yardage,” places realistic, life-size targets shaped like wild boar or deer along wooded trails, challenging shooters to judge distance before taking a shot.
“It’s stationary targets, but in a realistic setting,” Bowman said.
The activity costs $5 per hour, or $10 per hour with bow and arrow rental, with a $5 fee for each broken arrow. Bowman did not respond to questions about the cost of starting the club and purchasing its equipment and supplies.
Tama Hills golf superintendent Eric Van Gorder said early success is key to keeping participants engaged.
Japanese hip-hop artist AK-69, left, visited the archery trail at Tama Hills Recreation Area in Tokyo on Nov. 16, 2025, where he practiced shooting foam animal targets with manager Patrick Bowman. (Tama Hills Recreation Area)
“When people hit a target for the first time, they get excited,” he said by phone Dec. 16. “Then they would want to build on that and want to do it more and more.”
The club’s first tournament drew 22 participants on Nov. 2, including families and first-time shooters.
Club member and former competitive archer Staff Sgt. Lance Stroman said the activity is open to everyone, from beginners to experts.
“It’s definitely a hidden gem that I hope more people take advantage of,” Stroman, an aircraft maintainer with the 21st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, said by phone Jan. 6.
Roughly 60% to 70% of the tournament’s participants returned to shoot again, Van Gorder said. The next tournament is scheduled for March 7. Interested archers can sign up on the Tama Hills Archery Club Facebook page.
Bowman and Van Gorder said the club carries personal meaning for them.
“Both of us did it with our dads,” Bowman said. “Every time I shoot, I think of my dad.”
The club has also attracted interest beyond the base community. Japanese hip-hop artist AK-69 visited the course on Nov. 16 and shared the experience on social media.
Bowman wants more people to know the activity exists and that it is open to them.
“The learning curve is small,” he said. “The biggest challenge is getting people to realize they’re welcome.”
