Setsubun Festival Kamakura 2026 Schedule and Event Guide
Kamakura offers a unique way to welcome spring during the early days of February. The Setsubun festival Kamakura 2026 schedule helps you plan your spiritual visit perfectly. You will see ancient rituals and enjoy lively bean-throwing ceremonies across the city. This guide covers the best spots to visit during this special cultural time.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Setsubun Festival 2026 Schedule
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the most important Shinto shrine located in the heart of Kamakura. Its Setsubun ceremony is a major highlight for many visitors every February. The main event usually starts in the early afternoon on February 3, 2026. You should arrive at least one hour early to find a good viewing spot.
The ceremony features priests and special guests throwing roasted soybeans from a raised wooden stage. These beans are called "fuku-mame" or lucky beans in the local Japanese language. Participants shout "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" to drive away all evil spirits. This famous phrase means "Demons out! Luck in!" when translated into English.
Checking the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Setsubun event times and dates is very important for travelers. The 2026 schedule aligns with the traditional lunar calendar transition into the spring season. Most rituals take place near the beautiful Maiden stage in the lower shrine area. You can buy lucky charms and protective amulets after the main event ends.
The atmosphere at the shrine is electric as crowds gather to catch the flying beans. Many people believe that catching these beans brings health and safety for the year. The shrine grounds are decorated with traditional banners and festive paper lanterns. It is a fantastic place to witness deep-rooted Japanese spiritual traditions firsthand.
Hasedera Temple Bean-Throwing Event Details
Hasedera Temple provides a stunning and historic backdrop for your Setsubun festival celebrations. This temple is famous for its massive wooden statue of the goddess Kannon. The bean-throwing here often includes local celebrities or famous sports stars from the region. It creates an exciting and high-energy atmosphere for everyone in the audience.
The event typically begins around 11:00 AM on the morning of February 3. Visitors gather in the lower courtyard to catch small packets of lucky beans. Some packets contain special prizes or vouchers from local Kamakura craft shops. This makes the experience very fun for both children and visiting adults.
After the ceremony, you should explore the Hasedera Temple winter night lighting if it is scheduled. The temple grounds offer spectacular views of the blue Sagami Bay water. You might even see early plum blossoms starting to bloom in the gardens. Entry to the temple costs 400 yen for adults in 2026.
For more information on the temple's history, you can visit the official Hasedera Temple website. The site details the various halls and the beautiful pond located near the entrance. Be sure to walk up the stairs to see the panoramic coastal views. It is one of the most scenic spots in all of Kamakura.
Kenchoji Temple Traditional Setsubun Rites
Kenchoji is the oldest Zen Buddhist training monastery located in the mountains of Kamakura. Its Setsubun festival is peaceful and focuses on deeply traditional spiritual practices. The ceremony takes place in the massive Hojo building or the main courtyard. You will see monks in formal robes performing ancient purification rites for the public.
The Kenchoji Temple Setsubun festival 2026 guide lists specific ritual times for visitors. Usually, the main bean-throwing happens twice during the day to manage the crowds. This allows more people to participate without feeling too crowded or rushed. It is a great alternative to the busier Shinto shrines in town.
The temple grounds are vast and perfect for a quiet winter walk after the event. You can admire the ancient juniper trees that are over seven hundred years old. Admission to the Kenchoji grounds is 500 yen per person for the 2026 season. Make sure to wear warm socks because you must remove your shoes.
The Zen atmosphere provides a different perspective on the Setsubun holiday traditions. Monks lead chants that resonate through the wooden halls of the historic buildings. It is a time for reflection as well as celebration for the community. Many locals prefer this temple for its authentic and calm spiritual environment.
Traditional Setsubun Food to Eat in Kamakura
Eating specific lucky foods is a major part of the Setsubun tradition in Japan. The most famous dish to try is Eho-maki, which is a long sushi roll. You must eat the entire roll in silence while facing a lucky direction. For 2026, the lucky direction is officially South-South-East according to the zodiac.
You can find many traditional Setsubun food to eat in Kamakura restaurants and shops. Local vendors near the busy Komachi-dori street sell freshly made sushi rolls. Many people also eat one roasted soybean for each year of their life. This practice is believed to bring great health for the coming year.
Try some warm snacks while you are walking between the different temple sites. The Kamakura winter street food guide offers many great suggestions for hungry travelers. Look for "oshiruko," which is a sweet red bean soup with chewy mochi. It is the perfect way to stay warm during the cold February weather.
Many grocery stores also sell sets of beans with colorful demon masks. These masks are used by parents to play with their children at home. Children throw beans at the "demon" to protect their household from bad luck. It is a charming tradition that you will see reflected in local shop displays.
Travel Tips for Setsubun in Kamakura 2026
February weather in Kamakura is usually quite cold and very crisp. Daytime temperatures often hover around 10°C or 50°F during the festival week. You should dress in several layers to stay comfortable throughout the long day. Check the Kamakura winter weather travel tips before you start packing your bags.
Crowds can be very large at popular shrines like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Use public transport like the JR line to avoid traffic and parking issues. The Enoden train line is a scenic way to travel between different sites. Buy a one-day pass to save money on your multiple train trips.
Bring a small bag to hold any lucky beans you might catch. Some people bring small umbrellas to flip upside down to catch more beans. However, please be very respectful of the people standing directly around you. Always follow the safety instructions given by the temple or shrine staff.
Photography is generally allowed at most outdoor Setsubun events in Kamakura. However, you should avoid using a flash during the solemn religious rituals. Be mindful of others when holding up your phone or large camera. Capturing the flying beans on video is a great way to remember your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact date for Setsubun in Kamakura 2026?
Setsubun is celebrated on February 3, 2026, across all major temples and shrines in Kamakura. Most ceremonies take place between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. It is best to check individual temple schedules for specific bean-throwing times.
Are the Setsubun festivals in Kamakura free to attend?
The bean-throwing ceremonies are usually free to watch once you are inside the grounds. However, many temples like Hasedera and Kenchoji require a small entry fee of 400 to 500 yen. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is free to enter for all visitors.
Can international tourists participate in the bean-throwing?
Yes, international tourists are very welcome to join the crowds and catch lucky beans. The atmosphere is friendly and inclusive for people of all backgrounds. Just follow the local lead and shout the traditional phrases with the crowd.
The Setsubun festival is a wonderful way to experience authentic Japanese culture. Use this Setsubun festival Kamakura 2026 schedule to maximize your winter trip. You will create lasting memories of driving away bad luck for the year. For more ideas, see our Kamakura winter events 2026 list.