Best Setsubun Festival Activities for Families in Kamakura
Setsubun marks the exciting start of the spring season for many people in Japan. Local families gather together at temples to drive away evil spirits and welcome luck. In 2026, you can enjoy many Setsubun festival activities for families in Kamakura on February 3rd. These ancient traditions offer a unique way to experience Japanese culture with your children.
Setsubun Festival Activities for Families in Kamakura at Shrines
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu serves as the most popular location for celebrating the Setsubun festival. The main ceremony typically begins around 1:00 PM on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026. Visiting families watch priests perform ancient rituals designed to ward off all bad luck. This specific event is a major highlight of the Setsubun festival Kamakura 2026 schedule.
Crowds gather in the large courtyard to catch small packets of lucky roasted beans. These special beans are called fukumame and represent health for the coming new year. Children often find this activity very exciting as they reach for the flying packets. Be sure to arrive at least thirty minutes early to secure a good viewing spot.
The shrine grounds are quite spacious but they become very crowded during the bean toss. It is best to keep your children close to you during the peak moments. The energy is vibrant and reflects deep local traditions that have lasted for centuries. It is a wonderful way to experience the heart of Kamakura culture together.
Experience Traditional Rituals at Kenchoji Temple
Kenchoji Temple offers a more peaceful and spiritual experience for families visiting the city. It is the oldest Zen temple in Kamakura and features very impressive wooden architecture. The bean-throwing ceremony here feels authentic and provides a great educational moment for kids. You can find more details in our Kenchoji temple Setsubun festival 2026 guide.
The monks lead the ritual with loud and powerful shouts to scare away demons. They chant the phrase Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi throughout the entire event. This famous phrase translates to demons out and good luck in for the year. Families can participate by watching the monks throw beans from the main temple hall.
After the ceremony ends, you should explore the beautiful and calm temple gardens nearby. The walking paths are flat and easy for young children to navigate without getting tired. You might even see early plum blossoms beginning to bloom during the month of February. This adds a lovely touch of nature to your cultural day in Kamakura.
Enjoy Traditional Lucky Foods with Your Children
Eating specific seasonal foods is a major part of the Setsubun tradition in Japan. Families should try eating Eho-maki, which are known as lucky direction sushi rolls. These long rolls must be eaten in total silence to ensure your good luck. You must face the lucky direction of the year while you eat the roll.
You can find these delicious rolls at many local markets and shops in Kamakura. Check out our detailed list of traditional Setsubun food to eat in Kamakura for more ideas. Many local vendors offer smaller, kid-friendly versions with simple and tasty fillings. It is a fun and very tasty tradition for everyone in the family.
Another important tradition involves eating roasted soybeans once you return to your hotel. People eat the exact number of beans that matches their current age in years. This ancient practice is said to bring great health and long life to everyone. Kids enjoy counting out their beans carefully before they eat them as a snack.
Visit Hasedera Temple for Scenic Family Festivities
Hasedera Temple is famous for its stunning views of the beautiful Yuigahama coastline. During the Setsubun festival, the temple hosts a very lively and popular bean-throwing event. Many local celebrities and athletes often join the festivities to help throw the beans. This makes it a very popular choice for both local families and foreign tourists.
The ceremony usually takes place on a large wooden stage built for the occasion. You can check the Hasedera Temple official website for the exact daily schedule. The temple also features a mysterious cave and many small statues for children. These areas are very interesting for curious children to explore during their visit.
The entry fee for Hasedera is 400 yen for adults and 200 yen for kids. The temple remains open from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM for all visitors. Plan to spend at least two hours here to see all the different sights. The combination of history and views makes it a perfect family destination.
Explore Winter Illuminations After the Festival
After the daytime festivals conclude, you should head toward the nearby island of Enoshima. The island hosts the spectacular Jewel of Shonan illumination event during the winter months. This is recognized as one of the top three winter light displays in Japan. It provides a magical and glowing end to your busy family festival day.
The colorful lights usually turn on around 5:00 PM as the sun begins to set. You can walk through long tunnels made of thousands of sparkling blue lights. Children will absolutely love the glowing displays and the festive holiday-like atmosphere. It is only a short and scenic train ride from central Kamakura station.
Entry to the Samuel Cocking Garden costs 500 yen for each visiting adult. The Enoshima Sea Candle tower requires an extra fee for those who want views. Make sure to wear warm clothes because the sea breeze can feel very cold. This event is a great addition to your Kamakura winter events 2026 itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time for bean throwing in Kamakura?
Most bean-throwing ceremonies in Kamakura happen between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM on February 3rd. You should check the specific schedule for each temple as times vary. Arriving early is recommended to find a good spot for your family to watch.
Is the Setsubun festival free for families to attend?
Most temple grounds in Kamakura require a small entry fee of 200 to 500 yen. The actual bean-throwing events are usually included in the price of admission. It is an affordable way to enjoy traditional Japanese culture with your children.
Where can I buy lucky beans for my children?
You can buy lucky beans at local shrines, grocery stores, or convenience stores in Kamakura. Many temples sell special packets of roasted beans during the week of the festival. These packets often come with a fun demon mask for kids to wear.
Celebrating Setsubun in Kamakura is a truly memorable experience for families of all ages. You can enjoy ancient rituals, beautiful temple views, and delicious seasonal lucky snacks. Start your spring season with good luck and plenty of fun in this historic city. We hope you enjoy these Setsubun festival activities for families in Kamakura in 2026!