Best Traditional Setsubun Food to Buy in Hiroshima Stores
Traditional Setsubun food to buy in Hiroshima supermarkets is very easy for tourists to find in February. These seasonal items help you celebrate the end of winter and welcome good luck for the year. You can learn more about Setsubun festival events in Hiroshima to plan your local trip. Every grocery store in the city prepares special displays for this exciting Japanese tradition.
Ehomaki Sushi Rolls in Hiroshima Stores
Ehomaki is the most popular traditional food to buy during the spring festival in Japan. You can find these thick sushi rolls in every major grocery store across the city center. Hiroshima supermarkets stock many different varieties of sushi in early February 2026. They range from simple vegetable rolls to very luxury seafood fillings for gourmet shoppers.
To gain the most luck, you must eat the entire sushi roll whole and in total silence. Do not cut the sushi into small pieces before you finish the entire roll today. In 2026, the lucky direction for eating your Ehomaki is South-South-East. After shopping, you can celebrate Setsubun in Hiroshima city at various local shrines and temples.
Most stores offer pre-orders for their premium Ehomaki sushi rolls starting in late January. Prices usually start around 800 yen for a basic roll in the refrigerated deli section. High-end versions filled with local Hiroshima seafood will naturally cost much more for shoppers. Look for these lucky ingredients inside your traditional sushi roll:
- Sweet rolled omelet (Tamagoyaki)
- Simmered shiitake mushrooms
- Fresh cucumber strips
- Seasoned eel or boiled shrimp
Fuku-mame Roasted Soybeans for Luck
Roasted soybeans are essential for the traditional Mamemaki ritual performed in homes and shrines. You will find bags of "Fuku-mame" in almost every grocery aisle during the festival. These beans symbolize health and driving away all evil spirits from your life and home. They are very affordable for travelers visiting Hiroshima during the cold winter months.
Most bean packets come with a free cardboard demon mask for children to wear. Kids love wearing these colorful masks during the fun bean-throwing ceremony at home. You can find these displays near the front supermarket entrance for easy shopping. These masks add a fun and festive element to your cultural celebration in Japan.
Buy small individual packets of beans to avoid making a large mess in your room. These are much easier to throw inside your small hotel room during your stay. Some brands even offer sugar-coated beans that appeal to young kids and picky eaters. These taste like sweet snacks rather than plain roasted beans from the grocery store.
Grilled Sardines and Seasonal Soup
Grilled sardines are another very traditional food for this important day in the Japanese calendar. The strong smell of the fish is said to repel scary demons and bad luck. Many Hiroshima supermarkets sell pre-grilled sardines in the fresh fish section for your convenience. They are often sold with green holly leaves to complete the traditional look.
Look for "Hiiragi Iwashi" displays in the local grocery store during your February visit. This decoration consists of a salty sardine head placed on a sharp holly branch. People hang these outside their doors for spiritual protection against any entering evil spirits. It is a unique sight for Hiroshima winter events held in early February.
Pair your salty sardines with a bowl of hot vegetable soup for a full meal. Kenchinjiru is a popular vegetable soup served during many traditional winter festivals in Japan. Many deli sections sell this soup in ready-to-heat containers for a quick dinner. It warms you up perfectly during the cold February weather in Hiroshima city.
Where to Buy Setsubun Food in Hiroshima Supermarkets
Visit major chains like YouMe Town for the best variety of traditional festival foods. These large stores have massive Setsubun displays for shoppers looking for specific seasonal items. You can find everything from fresh food to festive decorations in their large aisles. They are located throughout the busy Hiroshima city center for easy access by tram.
Fuji Grand is another excellent choice for local grocery shoppers near the downtown area. They offer high-quality Ehomaki made with fresh local rice and high-grade seaweed. Their seafood section is usually very impressive to see during the busy festival week. Look for their special 2026 Setsubun flyers for family-friendly Setsubun activities and deals.
Small convenience stores also stock many basic Setsubun items for travelers on the go. Lawson and 7-Eleven carry mini Ehomaki rolls that are perfect for a quick snack. You can check Dive! Hiroshima for more local shopping tips and store locations. These stores remain open 24 hours a day for your last-minute festival needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lucky direction for eating Ehomaki in 2026?
In 2026, the lucky direction for eating Ehomaki is South-South-East. You must face this direction while eating the entire sushi roll in silence. This tradition is believed to bring good fortune and fulfill your wishes for the new year.
Where can I buy a demon mask for Setsubun in Hiroshima?
You can find demon masks at almost any Hiroshima supermarket or convenience store in February. Most bags of roasted soybeans (Fuku-mame) include a free cardboard mask. These are usually located in large seasonal displays near the store entrance.
How much does Ehomaki cost in Hiroshima supermarkets?
Ehomaki prices typically range from 500 yen to 1,500 yen depending on the ingredients. Basic vegetable rolls are cheaper, while seafood rolls with eel or tuna cost more. Gourmet versions in department stores can exceed 2,000 yen.
Finding traditional Setsubun food to buy in Hiroshima supermarkets is a highlight of winter travel. Be sure to pick up your Ehomaki and roasted beans before the festival begins. For more travel planning, visit the Hiroshima Convention & Visitors Bureau website. Enjoy your lucky sushi roll and have a wonderful spring season in 2026!
