The Fascinating Setsubun Festival in Japan and Where to Experience It

As someone who has had the pleasure of exploring Japan’s vibrant culture firsthand, I can’t wait to share my experiences with you about one of the most unique and fascinating Japanese traditional events – the Setsubun festival in Japan.

Taking place every February, this traditional event marks the beginning of the spring season and is celebrated with various customs and rituals. From throwing roasted soybeans to drive away evil spirits to eating lucky sushi rolls, Setsubun is a time for reflection, renewal, and purification. Its long history and deeply roots in Japanese culture make it a beloved and cherished tradition.

Whether you’re a fan of Japanese culture or just curious about different cultural celebrations, learning about the Setsubun festival is sure to captivate and enchant you. So, let’s delve into the origins, customs, rituals, and exciting activities that make Setsubun an unmissable experience.

Setsubun Festival : A Burst of Culture and Tradition

Setsubun literally means “seasonal division” in Japanese language. The Setsubun Festival, also known as “Bean-throwing Festival,” is a cherished annual event that marks the arrival of spring in Japan.

A time when the old is swept away, and new beginnings are embraced. The air is crisp, the days are getting longer, and spring is just around the corner, before the cherry blossoms bloom.

The Origins of Setsubun

You know what they say about history, right? It’s like a game of whispers that echoes across time. Well, the origin of Setsubun is no different. Setsubun Festival traces its origins back to ancient times, where it originated from a Chinese custom called “Tsuina.” The belief behind this tradition is to ward off evil spirits and welcome good luck and fortune for the upcoming year.

The Chinese custom was believed to be introduced to Japan during the Heian period (794-1185), and taken root since then.

Nowadays, Setsubun is celebrated in homes, temples, and shrines across Japan every year, captivating locals and tourists alike with its symbolic rituals.

Spiritual Significance of Setsubun

Setsubun holds spiritual significance in Japanese culture. It serves as a time for reflection, renewal, and gratitude for the blessings of the past year while eagerly embracing the fresh beginnings of spring.

The festival’s rituals and ceremonies create an atmosphere of unity and positive energy as people come together to celebrate and strengthen their spiritual connections. It’s like a collective spring cleaning for the soul.

Customs and Rituals : Driving Away Evil Spirits

Setsubun Festival is synonymous with captivating customs and rituals aimed at purifying and driving away evil spirits.

It has evolved over time, adapting to the changing tides of Japanese culture. Each region puts its own unique spin on the festival, adding their local flavors and traditions to the mix.

Let’s explore some of the fascinating practices that make this festival a truly unique experience:

1. Mamemaki Bean-Throwing Event

It was believed that soy beans (pronounced “mame” in Japanese), similar to rice, has the sacred power to expel evil spirits. Therefore throwing roasted soy beans into the air is like destroying demons (“mametsu”).

The highlight of the Setsubun Festival is the thrilling mamemaki (bean throwing) event. Families and communities gather together to participate in this energetic ritual, believed to dispel bad luck and invite good fortune into their homes.

Roasted soy beans, known as “fukumame,” are thrown into the air inside each house, or thrown at a family member wearing a demon mask, while shouting, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” which means “Demons out! Fortune in!”

Oh, and the thrown beans must be roasted, not raw. Or else, they’ll help demons grow more eyes, which is apparently a big no-no.

Some say that the number of beans thrown often corresponds to the person’s age. That each bean represents a year’s worth of bad luck being sent packing.

The joyous atmosphere, filled with laughter and excitement, creates an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

2. Eating Ehomaki (Fortune Sushi Roll)

Another delightful tradition during Setsubun is indulging in ehomaki (meaning “fortune roll“), a special type of sushi roll believed to bring you good luck.

Ehomaki is made with a combination of carefully selected ingredients, including seven fillings representing the Seven Deities of Good Fortune. The lucky ingredients inside the roll could vary, with the most common ones being cucumbers, dried gourd, eel, shiitake mushrooms, fish, egg omelet, or tofu.

It is customary to eat the entire uncut sushi roll in complete silence, and making a wish with your eyes closed, while facing the most auspicious direction of the year, as determined by the Chinese zodiac.

So grab a delicious ehomaki roll, close your eyes, and savor the flavors while embracing the positive energy of the festival!

3. Eating Roasted Soy Beans

Another Setsubun tradition is to eat roasted soy beans (“fukumame” in Japanese) in an amount equal to your age, which is said to also bring good luck in the upcoming new year. For example, a 20 year-old person would need to eat 20 roasted soy beans.

Clearly, this part of the tradition could be a little frustrating for older people, who would have more beans to eat to complete this ritual.

Setsubun Festival Schedule

If you’re planning to experience Setsubun Festival, it’s essential to know the festival schedule and the best places to witness its grandeur.

Setsubun Festival typically takes place on the 3rd of February, a day before the arrival of spring. However, it’s important to note that some shrines and temples celebrate Setsubun on different dates, so make sure you check the specific schedules of your desired celebration location.

Must-Visit Places to Experience Setsubun Festival

1. Tokyo : Senso-ji Temple

In the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa district takes center stage during Setsubun. Join the lively festivities as crowds of more than 10,000 people gather to enjoy the traditional ceremonies and partake in the lively bean-throwing event. Make sure to explore the temple’s vibrant surroundings, including Nakamise Shopping Street, where you can find delightful souvenirs and local street food.

• Official Website : https://www.senso-ji.jp/english/

• Address : 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

• Hours : from 10 AM to 6 PM daily

• Phone Number : 81-33-842-0181 (weekdays)

• How to Get There : Senso-ji Temple is a 5-minute walk from the Asakusa Station in Tokyo. You can get to the station by using the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tobu Skytree Line, or the Tsukuba Express.

Want to know more about Senso-ji Temple and all the awesome things you can experience there year-round ? Check out my post of all-thing Senso-ji Temple guide here.

2. Tokyo : Zojoji Temple

Setsubun celebration starts at the Sangedatsumon gate of this Buddhist temple, which is located at the base of Tokyo Tower. Here starts a parade consisting of carefully selected men and women dressed in traditional kamishimo outfits, along with adorable Meitoku kindergarten children wearing handmade kamishimo.

This chosen group prays for protection against evil in front of the “Kurohonzon,” a Buddha associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu. Right after this, a bean-scattering ceremony will take place on the stage, performed by the group, sumo wrestlers, and famous entertainers.

There are also rice cake pounding and demon fighting ceremonies taking place on stage during the event.

• Official Website : https://www.zojoji.or.jp/en/

• Address : 4-7-35 Shibakoen Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan

• Hours : from 9 AM to 5 PM daily

• Phone Number : 81-3-3432-1431 or 03-3432-1431 (weekdays)

• How to Get There : Zojoji temple is a few minutes walk from the closest subway stations Onarimon and Shibakoen station (by Mita Subway Line), or Daimon station (by Oedo Subway Line), or a 10-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station (by the JR Yamanote and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line).

3. Kyoto : Kiyomizu-dera Temple

One of the most iconic destinations to celebrate Setsubun is the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a breathtaking backdrop for the festival’s vibrant rituals. Witness the enchanting bean-throwing ceremony conducted by the temple’s monks and embrace the spiritual ambiance that permeates the air.

• Official Website : http://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/visit/

• Address : 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0862, Japan

• Hours : 6 AM – 6 PM, varied by season

• Phone Number : 81-75-551-1234 (weekdays)

• Wheelchair-friendly and wheelchair-accessible restrooms? Yes

• How to Get There : From Tokyo (2.5 hours by shinkansen, or 1.5 hour by air), from Kansai Airport (1.5 hour by shinkansen or Airport Limousine bus). For specific public transport mode and routes, check out the temple’s official Access Guide here.

4. Kyoto : Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

• Official Website : https://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/

• Address : 931 Bakuro-Cho, Kamigyo-Ku, Kyoto 602-8386, Japan

• Hours : 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily

• Phone Number : 075-461-0005 (from 6 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays)

• How to Get There : accessible by air, train, subway, and bus. For specific public transport mode and routes, check out the shrine’s official Access Guide here.

5. Osaka : Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

For a Setsubun celebration with a dash of Osaka charm, head to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. This historic shrine is renowned for its vibrant festival atmosphere, featuring lively performances, traditional rituals, and, of course, the exhilarating bean-throwing event. Immerse yourself in the local culture and savor the unique energy of Osaka during this special time.

• Official Website : /https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/

• Address : 2 Chome-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0041, Japan

• Hours : from 9 AM to 5 PM daily

• Phone Number : 06-6353-0025 (weekdays)

• Email : info@osakatemmangu.or.jp

• How to Get There : accessible by air, train, subway, and bus. For specific public transport mode and routes, check out the shrine’s official Access Guide here.

Things to Do at Setsubun

Here are some delightful activities to make the most of the Setsubun celebration:

1. Attend Traditional Performances

At various Setsubun venues, you’ll have the opportunity to witness captivating traditional performances that showcase Japan’s cultural heritage.

From lively drumming displays to mesmerizing lion dances to demon fighting shows to mochi pounding ceremony, these performances add an extra layer of excitement to the festival’s ambiance.

2. Dress Up in Traditional Attire

To fully immerse yourself in the Setsubun spirit, consider dressing up in traditional Japanese attire, such as a kimono or yukata.

Many festivals offer rental service kiosks where you can choose from a wide range of colorful garments and accessories, and even Japanese sandals to go with the outfits.

Donning traditional attire not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also provides an excellent opportunity for unique photos to capture your memorable experience.

3. Explore Festive Stalls and Food Vendors

Take a leisurely stroll through the festival grounds, where you’ll find vibrant stalls and street food vendors offering an array of delightful treats and souvenirs.

Indulge in yummy street food (such as takoyaki, grilled seafood, or the various Japanese sweets), try your luck at traditional games, and discover handcrafted souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

The music, dancing, festive atmosphere, and the scent of delicious snacks in the air will undoubtedly heighten your enjoyment of the Setsubun experience, and offer excellent opportunity for people watching as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

The Setsubun Festival in Japan is a mesmerizing celebration that intertwines tradition, customs, and joyful festivities, and offers a unique experience for visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. By exploring the festival’s origins, customs, rituals, and must-visit locations, you can plan your trip efficiently and ensure you make the most of this wonderful event. So, mark your calendars and get ready to welcome spring with open arms at the Setsubun Festival in Japan!

If you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travels in Japan!

Post You Might be Interested In

– Have you heard of the lively and energetic Awa Odori Dance Festival in Tokushima? You won’t want to miss it. Read my “Awa Odori Dance Festival in Tokushima : An Enchanting Japanese Tradition” post here.

– Want to enjoy delicious cheap eats in Tokyo and Japan and indulge without breaking the bank? Read my “Budget-Friendly Travel : Where to Find Cheap and Delicious Food in Japan” post here.

– Interested in knowing more about the all-time traveler favorite and super awesome Pasmo and Suica IC cards mentioned above? Read my “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post here.

– Are you planning a trip to Tokyo, Japan for the very first time and worried about how best to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo after arriving in Japan? Read my “Airport Limousine Bus – The Convenient Way to Get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo” post here.

– Wonder what awesome tips you could get in order to navigate Tokyo and Japan in general smoothly and stress-free, with or without a JR Pass ? Read my “12 Ultimate Tips for Taking Tokyo’s Public Transport With Ease” post here.

– Want to easily navigate Tokyo and Japan like a pro, or even as a local? Read up on my ‘Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use Train and Subway in Tokyo Japan’ post here, and enjoy your vacation with ease and peace of mind.

– Wonder what the JR Pass everyone talks about all the time is? More importantly, if getting a JR Pass would be a good idea and save you a lot of money on transportation costs? Get concise and practical answers here in my “Japan Rail Pass : Answers to All Your Questions, and Is It Worth Buying?“ post.

And much more – Check out all of my posts here on the Main page.