Best Setsubun Festival Events in Hiroshima for 2026
Experience the vibrant Setsubun festival events in Hiroshima this February to welcome the coming spring season. This traditional holiday focuses on driving away evil spirits and inviting good luck into your home. You can join locals in 2026 as they throw roasted beans at shrines and temples. Explore the many Hiroshima winter events that make this city a special destination for travelers.
Setsubun Festival Events in Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine
Gokoku Shrine sits near the famous Hiroshima Castle and hosts the city's largest bean-throwing event. It is the most popular place for Setsubun festival events in Hiroshima during the winter season. The main ceremony features local priests performing traditional purification rites for the large public crowd. You can watch these sacred rituals starting around 11:00 AM on February 3, 2026.
The highlight of the day is the massive bean-throwing ceremony known locally as the Mamemaki ritual. Special guests and local leaders throw thousands of small packets of roasted soybeans to the visitors. Catching these packets is said to bring great health and luck for the entire coming year. Crowds can get very large, so please watch your personal belongings and children carefully during the event.
Entry to the beautiful shrine grounds is free for all international visitors and local residents alike. You can buy your own lucky beans at the many shrine stalls located near the entrance. These stalls also sell traditional charms and protective amulets to help you start the new season. Check the official Dive! Hiroshima website for any last-minute schedule changes or guest announcements.
Many people wear traditional kimonos or heavy winter coats to stay warm during the outdoor festivities. The atmosphere is very lively and filled with loud shouts of 'Oni wa soto' from the crowd. This famous phrase means 'Demons out' and is a central part of the Japanese festival spirit. Follow the Gokoku Shrine schedule to plan your morning visit and secure a good viewing spot.
Best Temples for Setsubun Rituals in Hiroshima
Many travelers prefer the quiet and spiritual atmosphere found at local Buddhist temples during the Setsubun holiday. Mitaki-dera is a stunning temple hidden in a forested valley just outside the busy city center. It offers a more traditional and intimate experience compared to the larger shrine events in downtown. The temple grounds feature three beautiful waterfalls that look magical during the cold month of February.
Priests at these temples often perform fire rituals to purify the souls of the many attendees. You can watch as they burn wooden prayer sticks to send wishes to the heavens above. This ritual creates a powerful and moving experience that connects you deeply with ancient Japanese culture. It is one of the best temples for Setsubun rituals if you want to avoid the largest tourist crowds.
Most temple ceremonies occur in the early afternoon between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on February 3. Visitors are often invited to participate in the bean throwing after the main religious service ends. You might even see people dressed as red or blue demons running through the temple grounds. This playful tradition represents the act of chasing away bad luck from the sacred temple space.
The mountain air near Mitaki-dera can be significantly colder than the temperatures in the city center. Be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes as the temple paths can be slippery in the winter. The scenic views of the surrounding forest make this a perfect spot for seasonal photography enthusiasts. Taking a short train ride to this location provides a peaceful break from the urban festival rush.
Family-Friendly Setsubun Activities in the City
Hiroshima offers many wonderful ways to celebrate Setsubun with your children in a safe environment. Major department stores in the Hatchobori district often host special events designed specifically for younger kids. These venues feature friendly demon characters that children can 'attack' with soft bean bags or paper balls. It is a fun way for families to learn about Japanese traditions without any scary elements.
You can find creative workshops where children learn how to make their own colorful Setsubun masks. These masks usually represent the 'Oni' or demons that are central to the festival's unique story. Most workshops provide all the necessary materials and are located inside warm, indoor shopping mall areas. Check the Hiroshima Convention & Visitors Bureau for a full list of family event locations.
Supermarkets and department store food basements also get involved with vibrant displays and interactive food stalls. You can watch professional chefs prepare thousands of lucky sushi rolls for the hungry festival crowds. Some stores even offer small prizes or stickers to children who participate in the local bean-throwing games. These indoor activities are perfect if the February weather in Hiroshima turns rainy or very cold.
The city center is easy to navigate with a stroller using the extensive local streetcar network. Most festival sites are located within walking distance of the main shopping arcades and public parks. Families can enjoy a full day of culture, food, and play without leaving the downtown area. Planning your route in advance ensures a stress-free experience for both parents and their excited children.
Traditional Setsubun Food in Hiroshima Shops
No Setsubun celebration is complete without eating a special lucky sushi roll called an Eho-maki. This long roll contains seven different ingredients to represent the seven lucky gods of Japanese folklore. You must eat the entire roll in total silence while facing the lucky direction for 2026. This tradition is believed to make your wishes come true for the rest of the year.
You can find these delicious rolls at almost every grocery store and convenience shop in the city. They are also available at the high-end food floors of the major Fukuya and Mitsukoshi department stores. Be sure to check the Hiroshima supermarket guide for the best brands and prices. Most shops start selling these special seasonal items in the last week of January.
Roasted soybeans, known as fukumame, are another essential food item for the Setsubun festival events. People eat one bean for each year of their age to ensure good health and vitality. These beans are often sold in small, colorful boxes that include a free paper demon mask. You can buy them at local shrines or small neighborhood shops throughout the Hiroshima city area.
Local bakeries in Hiroshima often create cute demon-shaped breads and sweets during the weeks leading up to February. These treats are very popular with students and make for great photos on your social media. Trying these seasonal snacks is a tasty way to participate in the local culture while exploring. Remember that many of these specialty food items sell out quickly on the actual festival day.
Setsubun Travel Tips for Hiroshima Visitors
The weather in Hiroshima during early February is typically quite cold with occasional light rain or snow. You should dress in layers to stay comfortable while moving between indoor shops and outdoor shrine ceremonies. A warm hat, gloves, and a windproof jacket are essential items for any winter festival visitor. Review the Hiroshima winter weather guide to pack the right gear for your trip.
Public transport is the best way to travel between different festival sites across the city. The local streetcars are very frequent and stop near all the major shrines and shopping districts. You should purchase a one-day pass to save money if you plan to visit multiple events. This allows you to hop on and off the trams as you explore different neighborhoods.
When participating in bean-throwing events, always be respectful of the people standing around you in the crowd. Avoid pushing or shoving to catch the bean packets, as these events are meant to be joyful. It is polite to let children or elderly residents take the packets that fall near them. Following these simple rules of etiquette will help you have a positive experience with the locals.
You can easily combine your Setsubun visit with a trip to the nearby Peace Memorial Park. Most of the main festival locations are just a short walk or tram ride from the park. This allows you to experience both the historical and cultural sides of Hiroshima in one day. Plan your schedule carefully to make the most of the limited daylight hours during the winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to see Setsubun in Hiroshima?
The best place to experience the festival is at Gokoku Shrine near Hiroshima Castle. It features the largest crowds and the most famous bean-throwing ceremony in the region. You can find more details on where to celebrate Setsubun in our detailed city guide.
What time does the bean throwing start?
Most major ceremonies in Hiroshima begin between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on February 3. Gokoku Shrine typically starts its main ritual at 11:00 AM. Arriving thirty minutes early is recommended to find a good spot in the crowd.
Is it free to attend Setsubun events in Hiroshima?
Yes, almost all Setsubun festival events at shrines and temples are free for the public to attend. You only need money if you wish to buy lucky beans, food, or traditional charms. It is a very budget-friendly way to enjoy Japanese culture.
What is the lucky direction for eating sushi in 2026?
The lucky direction for 2026 is South-Southeast. You should face this specific direction while eating your Eho-maki sushi roll in silence. This tradition is believed to bring you the best fortune for the coming year.
Attending Setsubun festival events in Hiroshima is a highlight of the winter travel season in Japan. From the energetic bean throwing at Gokoku Shrine to the quiet rituals at Mitaki-dera, there is something for everyone. Don't forget to visit Miyajima Island for even more traditional winter celebrations during your stay. We hope you enjoy the unique food and festive atmosphere of this wonderful holiday in 2026.