Setsubun Festival

3 February 2025

Kushida Shrine, Tocho-ji Temple

Since the Edo Period, people have been visiting the Kushida Shrine to rid themselves of bad luck during Setsubun. Guests enter through the mouth of Japan’s largest otafuku mask at the shrine’s entrance. Inside, you'll see people tossing beans and scrambling to catch those thrown by priests, along with dancing devils and other elaborate "monsters." Both adults and children enjoy the festivities. Why not test your luck at the lottery and enjoy some snacks from the stalls outside? After your visit to Kushida Shrine, a 5-minute walk will bring you to Tocho-ji temple, which hosts its own Setsubun festival. Special stages are set up in front of the main hall, where the seven deities of good luck and otafuku dance, tossing beans while chanting “Fuku wa uchi, Oni wa soto!” (Good luck in, evil spirits out!). Besides beans, you might see candy, rice cakes, and even fruit being thrown. If you want to participate, it costs 5,000 yen to get some beans to throw yourself, but watching is completely free.

Setsubun Festival