Best Time to Visit Kushida Shrine for Setsubun 2026
Setsubun marks the exciting start of spring in Japan. Kushida Shrine hosts the most famous celebration in Fukuoka. Finding the best time to visit Kushida Shrine for Setsubun ensures a great experience. You will see giant masks and participate in lively bean-throwing rituals.
Peak Hours: Best Time to Visit Kushida Shrine for Setsubun
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The main events happen on February 3, 2026. Bean throwing starts around 11:00 AM and lasts until late afternoon. Local celebrities and sumo wrestlers often join these lively sessions. Arriving thirty minutes early helps you secure a good viewing spot.Crowds are largest during the noon and 2:00 PM slots. You should expect many people in the main courtyard. Wear comfortable shoes for standing on the stone paths. Check the Fukuoka Setsubun Festival Guide 2026 for specific times.
The bean throwing happens every thirty minutes throughout the day. Each session lasts about ten to fifteen minutes. Priests also perform traditional dances inside the main hall. These performances are part of the watching the bean throwing at Kushida Shrine experience.
Wait times for the main hall can exceed one hour. Most visitors stay outside to catch the lucky beans. Small packets of beans are thrown from high wooden platforms. Try to stand near the front for the best chance to catch them.
Morning Photography and the Giant Otafuku Masks
Kushida Shrine features three massive Otafuku masks during Setsubun. These masks represent the goddess of mirth and good luck. They are placed over the shrine's three main entrances. Walking through their mouths is said to bring fortune.
The best time for photos is before 10:00 AM. The morning light hits the masks perfectly for your pictures. You will avoid the massive crowds that arrive for the beans. This is the quietest time to appreciate the shrine's beauty.
The masks are usually set up a few days before the festival. You can visit in late January to see them early. This allows for a much more relaxed visit. You can find more information on the YokaNavi Fukuoka Tourism website.
Each mask has a slightly different facial expression. They are the largest of their kind in all of Japan. Take time to visit all three gates to see them. The masks create a unique backdrop for your Fukuoka travel photos.
Evening Bonfires and Traditional Purification
As the sun sets, the atmosphere at Kushida Shrine changes. A large bonfire often burns in the center of the grounds. This fire symbolizes the purification of the previous year's bad luck. Many locals visit after work to offer prayers.
The evening ceremonies are less crowded than the afternoon bean throwing. You can see the shrine lanterns glowing in the dark. It is a peaceful way to experience traditional Setsubun rituals for tourists in Fukuoka. Temperatures drop quickly, so wear a warm winter coat.
The bonfire ritual usually begins around 5:00 PM. Visitors can watch the priests perform sacred rites by the flames. It is a deeply spiritual part of the festival. This event provides a contrast to the high energy of the morning.
Stay late to enjoy the local food stalls near the entrance. You can try hot amazake or grilled mochi. These treats are perfect for staying warm during the February night. The festive mood continues until the shrine gates close.
Travel Logistics for Your 2026 Fukuoka Visit
Kushida Shrine is located in the heart of Hakata. You can reach it easily by walking from Canal City. The Gion subway station is also just a few minutes away. Entry to the shrine grounds is free for all visitors.
Plan to spend at least two hours at the shrine. This gives you time to see the masks and the ceremony. Bring a small bag to collect any lucky beans you catch. You can also buy lucky charms at the shrine shop.
- Location: 1-41 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka
- Entry Fee: Free for the festival and shrine grounds
- Subway Access: Gion Station (Kuko Line) or Kushida-jinja-mae Station (Nanakuma Line)
- Best Arrival Time: 10:00 AM for masks or 10:30 AM for beans
Fukuoka offers many other seasonal events during this time. You can explore the Fukuoka winter events 2026 for more ideas. The city is famous for its ramen and winter illuminations. Make sure to check the Japan National Tourism Organization for travel updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date is Setsubun at Kushida Shrine in 2026?
Setsubun at Kushida Shrine will take place on February 3, 2026. The main ceremonies and bean-throwing events happen throughout this single day. Some decorations, like the giant Otafuku masks, are usually available for viewing a few days before the main event.
Is there a fee to see the bean throwing at Kushida Shrine?
No, there is no entry fee to watch the bean throwing. The festival is open to the public for free. However, you may want to bring cash for food stalls or to purchase lucky charms and amulets from the shrine office.
How do I get to Kushida Shrine from Hakata Station?
Kushida Shrine is a 15-minute walk from Hakata Station. You can also take the subway to Kushida-jinja-mae Station on the Nanakuma Line. This station is located right next to the shrine entrance. It is very easy to find during the festival.
Kushida Shrine offers an unforgettable cultural experience during Setsubun. Visit in the morning for photos or mid-day for the bean throwing. Plan your 2026 trip early to enjoy the best of Fukuoka. Don't forget to walk through the giant masks for good luck!