The history of Setsybun
“Setsubun” means the division of seasons, and “Risshun” is the beginning of the spring. On the day before Risshun called Setsubun, there is an important Shinto ritual event called Tsuina-shiki to drive away demons said to bring disease and misfortune. People do bean-throwing called Mamemaki believed to ward off evil spirits and pray for happiness in the coming year.
The Tsuina-shiki / Ritual performance
The Tsuina-shiki (Ritual of Demon Expulsion) is a traditional ceremony performed to ward off evil spirits and misfortune.
It involves symbolic acts like driving away a demon figure and bean-throwing rituals (Mamemaki), where participants chant “Oni wa Soto, Fuku was Uchi”, means ward off misfortune and welcome blessings. It is now a key part of Setsubun celebrations.
１.Yoshida shrine
Setsubun Festival at Yoshida Shrine: A Kyoto Highlight Spanning Three Days
From Saturday, February 1st, the three-day Setsubun Festival takes place at Yoshida Shrine, one of Kyoto’s most famous locations for Setsubun celebrations.
☆Recommended☆
Tsuinashiki Ritual on February 1st
A traditional demon-chasing ceremony performed by Hososhi, where red, blue, and yellow demons are defeated.
Fire Ritual on February 2nd
A massive bonfire is set up in front of the shrine’s third torii gate to burn old talismans brought by worshippers. The towering flames are an awe-inspiring sight.
Festival Market on February 1st & 2nd
Over 800 food and craft stalls line the shrine grounds, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Visitors can also purchase Fukumame (blessing beans) with raffle tickets for a chance to win luxurious prizes.
Check raffle results at the shrine’s bulletin board or in the Kyoto Shimbun newspaper.
Post-Setsubun Ritual (February 3rd)
Visitors can pay respects at Daigengu Shrine, where they symbolically seal the demons within their hearts into a mound and pray for health and spiritual connection with the Yaoyorozu no Kami (All the deities / gods).
Event & Access Information
- Eve of Setsubun (February 1st): Ritual: Tsuinashiki at 6 PM / Market: Open
- Setsubun Day (February 2nd): Ritual: Bonfire at 11 PM / Market: Open
- Post-Setsubun Ritual (February 3rd): Event: Raffle Draw at 1 PM / Market: Not available
- Access: Take City Bus #206 from JR Kyoto station to “Kyodai Seimon-mae” and walk 5 minutes.
- Official Website: https://www.yoshidajinja.com/setubunsai.htm
２.Manzoku-shrine
It is a shrine beloved and commonly called “Manzoku-san,” and it is also famous for being a fox’s path.
☆Highlights☆
At the Setsubun Festival in February, the fox, the messenger of the gods, performs the hyottoko dance, which is a must-see.
Accompanied by the rhythm of flutes, bells, and drums, the fox dances around the shrine grounds. The performers get close to you and are very exciting.
The colorful fukumame (blessing beans) with lucky charms are full of originality, something you won’t find elsewhere. If they contain konpeito (sugar candy), it’s a sign of good luck. There are also zenzai (sweet red bean soup) and fu-yaki senbei (baked wheat crackers), so both your heart and body will be fully satisfied.
After the offering at the shrine, the dancers will travel for two hours, dancing all the way to Tatsumi Bridge and Hanami-koji Street in Gion Shirakawa.
Event&Access Information
Setsubun festival :
- February 1st from 12:00-20:00
- February 2nd from 9:00-20:00
Hyottoko Matsuri (Ritual performance) : February 2nd from 19:00
Access :
- Kyoto City bus : Get off at “Higashiyama Nioumon Mae” bus stop and walk 1 minutes
- Keihan Railway : Get off at Sanjo station and walk east about 500m.
The official website : https://www.manzokuinari.com/
３. Yasaka shrine
When you think of Kyoto, many people may imagine pictures of maiko (apprentice geisha) and the charming traditional streets.
At the Setsubun festival at Yasaka Shrine, maiko and geiko (trained geisha) perform a dance offering and throw beans.
Dressed in colorful, elegant attire, they showcase their graceful dance, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
☆Recommended☆
There will be a total of 8 dance offerings over the course of two days. You can either watch them all or visit at the time of your favorite kabuki performance for a more tailored experience.
There are also Fukumame (blessing beans) with raffle tickets that guarantee a prize, making it an undoubtedly delightful festival for visitors.
Event & Access information
Kabuki Performances:
- February 1st: 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00
- February 2nd: 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00 / 16:00
After every performance, Geiko & Maiko ladies bean-throwing called Mamemaki rituals.
Access:
- Keihan Railway : Get off at Gion-shijo station and 5 minutes on foot
- Kyoto City bus : Get off at Gion bus stop
The official website: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/event/setsubun/
４. Heian Shrine
The Tsuinashiki ritual at Heian Jingu is performed in its traditional form. With the sacred ceremonies taking place from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, it offers more than enough content for a full day of enjoyment.
☆Recommended☆
The Dainanogi (Great Purification Ceremony) is the origin of the Tsuinashiki ritual and Oni-yarai (demon expulsion), introduced from China in the 8th century.
In the Oni-no-mai (Dance of the Demons), demons invade the court and are driven away by citizens throwing beans, creating a dramatic and emotional experience. The event concludes with the scattering of Fukumame (blessing beans) to invite good fortune.
Event & Access
- The Setsubun festival: From 9:00
- The ritual performances: From 12:00, The Hounou Kyogen
- From 14:00, The Dainanogi
- From 15:00, The Onino Mai and beans-throwing
Access:
- Keihan railway: Get off Jingumarutamachi station and walk 5 minutes
- Kyoto city bus: Get off Heian Jingu Mae bus stop
The official website: https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/shrine/jingu_event.html
５．Shimogamo shrine
The Setsubun Festival at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shimogamo Shrine features many archery rituals.
The offerings, archery ceremony, and bean-throwing events start at 10 AM and end by noon, making it perfect for those who only have half a day to explore. The shrine is easily accessible, just a short walk from Keihan Electric Railway’s Demachiyanagi Station.
☆Recommended☆
The ceremony of shooting a Kabyari (sacred arrow) at the gate of the main shrine, known as the Romon, is thrilling. Although only one arrow is shot, the moment it is released creates a palpable sense of excitement.
The ceremony takes place close to the main hall, and if you arrive early to secure a good spot, you can enjoy the event up close.
Event & Access
The Setsubun Festival:
- From 10:00, The dedication
- From 11:00, Arrow ritual event
- From 12:00, Beans-throwing
Access: Keihan railway:
- Get off at Demachiyanagi station
- Kyoto city bus: Take #4 or #205 and get off at Shimogamojinja Mae
The official website: https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/%E7%AF%80%E5%88%86%E7%A5%AD
We hope this web log helps you organize to trip to Kyoto and enjoy the Setsubun festival in Kyoto. There are many other places to enjoy the festival such as Kitanotenmangu, Matsuotaisha, Fujinomori jinja, Nagaoka Tenmangu, Rokuharamitsuji, Tenryu-ji, Iwashimizu Hachimangu etc.
