FEBRUARY | SETSUBUN FESTIVAL (SPRING FESTIVAL)

In Japan, setsubun is the day before the start of spring. On the Japanese lunar calendar, this falls sometime between February 2nd-4th every year. For centuries, this day was celebrated by performing rituals with the intent of chasing away evil spirits from the year before.

On this day, it is common to perform the setsubun ritual of mamemaki. Mamemaki literally means bean throwing, and participants will usually throw roasted beans at their homes or at shrines and temples. While throwing the beans you are supposed to shout oni-wa-soto which means evil spirits out and fuku-wa-uchi which means good luck in.

At shrines and temples, people will be tossing out beans and sometimes money, sweets, snacks and toys to celebrate. Major shrines and temples will even bring in sumo wrestlers to throw the roasted beans. Some shrines and temples that hold this event on big scales and have been known to bring in sumo wrestlers are Sensoji Temple, Zojoji Temple and Honmonji Temple.

Entrance fee: Free

Photo credit: Savvy Tokyo

Location: Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Zojoji Temple near Tokyo Tower and Honmonji Temple in Ota Ward.

Hours: Typically around noon

Website: N/A

Below are the map locations for Sensoji Temple, Zojoji Temple and Honmonji Temple in relative order.