Setsubun, held on 3 February (or 2 February in years when risshun falls a day earlier), marks the final day before spring in the old lunar calendar. Rooted in the practice of expelling evil with dried soybeans, the festival is celebrated at shrines and temples nationwide with theatrical bean-throwing ceremonies.
Five destinations stand out: Naritasan Shinshoji in Chiba, famous for celebrity throwers; Sensoji in Asakusa where the entire street market joins in; Yoshida Shrine in Kyoto, the oldest Setsubun festival in the city, culminating in a towering bonfire ceremony after 10:30 p.m.; Yasaka Shrine in Gion where maiko and geisha throw the beans; and Ikegami Honmonji in Tokyo’s Ota ward, calmer and family-friendly.
For purification prayers (yakuyoke kito), register at the temple or shrine office (¥3,000–5,000) and attend before the main bean-throwing begins. Dress warmly — February evenings at Kyoto shrines often drop below freezing — and bring a bag to collect lucky beans, which are eaten by the handful according to your age.
Final update: 21 May 2026