What is the Setsubun Festival in Kyoto?

Setsubun is a traditional festival held on February 3rd. It marks the day before the beginning of spring. The word Setsubun means the division of seasons. This is a time to drive away evil spirits. You will see many locals celebrating at famous temples.

The main ritual of the day is called Mamemaki. People throw roasted soybeans to scare away demons. They shout "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" during the ritual. This translates to "Demons out! Luck in!" in English. It is a very lively and loud tradition.

In 2026, Kyoto will host many Kyoto winter events 2026 during this time. The city feels energetic despite the cold weather. You can watch priests perform sacred purification rites. These rituals ensure a healthy and happy year for everyone.

Demons, or Oni, are central to the festival. They represent bad luck, greed, and anger. Actors dress in scary masks and colorful costumes. They dance through the streets and shrines. Children often enjoy and fear these exciting performances.

Best Shrines for Bean-Throwing in Kyoto 2026

Yoshida Shrine hosts the largest Setsubun festival in the city. The event lasts for three full days. You will find over 800 food stalls near the shrine. It is a great place to try local snacks. Check our Yoshida Shrine festival guide for more details.

Heian Jingu is another spectacular spot for visitors. The shrine features a large-scale demon exorcism play. This event takes place in the afternoon on February 3rd. The bright red architecture provides a stunning background. It is perfect for taking memorable travel photos.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine offers a unique atmosphere as well. This shrine is famous for its early plum blossoms. You can enjoy the flowers while watching the rituals. The bean-throwing here starts around 1:00 PM. It is usually less crowded than Yoshida Shrine.

• Yoshida Shrine: February 2nd to 4th
• Heian Jingu: February 3rd at 2:00 PM
• Kitano Tenmangu: February 3rd at 1:00 PM
• Mibu-dera Temple: Ancient pantomime plays

Visit the Japan National Tourism Organization for official schedules. Most bean-throwing events are free to attend. You should arrive at least one hour early. This ensures you get a good viewing spot near the stage.

Seeing Geisha at the Yasaka Shrine Setsubun

Yasaka Shrine is located in the heart of Gion. It is the best place to see geisha. Maiko and Geiko from four local districts perform here. They perform traditional dances on the main stage. This is a highlight of the Yasaka Shrine geisha schedule.

The dance performances usually begin around 1:00 PM. After the dance, the geisha throw lucky beans. They toss small packets into the waiting crowd. Catching a packet is considered very good luck. Be prepared for a very large crowd during this time.

Photography is allowed but can be difficult. You will need a zoom lens for the best shots. Please be respectful of other visitors while filming. Do not use selfie sticks in the crowded areas. This helps keep everyone safe during the event.

The shrine also offers special lucky charms for sale. You can buy a "fuku-mame" packet for a small fee. Each packet usually contains a lottery ticket. You might win a prize from a local shop. It is a fun way to support the shrine.

The Demon Dance at Rozanji Temple

Rozanji Temple is famous for its unique demon dance. This ritual is called the Oni-odori. It features three demons in red, green, and blue. Each color represents a different human vice. The demons dance with swords and axes to loud music.

The performance starts around 3:00 PM on February 3rd. It is a very dramatic and powerful show. Priests eventually drive the demons away with arrows. This symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. You can find more in our Rozanji Temple guide.

After the dance, a special healing ritual occurs. Priests use a sacred sword to bless the visitors. This is said to cure many different illnesses. Many locals wait in long lines for this blessing. It is a deeply spiritual part of the day.

The temple is located near the Kyoto Imperial Palace. You can easily walk there from the palace grounds. Admission to the temple grounds is usually free. However, the indoor museum may require a small fee. It is a peaceful spot despite the festive noise.

Traditional Setsubun Foods and Rituals

Eating Ehomaki is a must-do Setsubun tradition. This is a long, uncut sushi roll. You must eat it while facing the lucky direction. The lucky direction changes every year. For 2026, the direction is South-South-East.

You must eat the entire roll in silence. This ensures your wishes will come true. Many convenience stores sell these rolls in early February. You can also find high-quality versions at department stores. Learn how to buy ehomaki in our guide.

Another tradition involves eating roasted soybeans. You should eat the number of beans for your age. Some people eat one extra bean for good luck. This is said to keep you healthy all year. The beans are often sold in colorful paper boxes.

You may also see dried sardine heads on doorways. These are attached to holly branches. The strong smell and sharp leaves repel demons. This is an older tradition seen in traditional neighborhoods. It adds a unique look to the city streets.

Kyoto is also famous for its best winter food in Kyoto. You can try hot sake at many shrines. Many stalls sell grilled mochi and warm soups. These snacks will keep you warm while you explore. Enjoy the local flavors of the season.

Practical Tips for Attending Setsubun 2026

February is one of the coldest months in Kyoto. Temperatures often drop to 2°C (35°F) at night. You should wear several layers of warm clothing. Heat packs, or "kairo," are very helpful for your hands. Wear comfortable shoes for walking between shrines.

Public transport will be very busy during the festival. Buses often get stuck in heavy traffic near shrines. We recommend using the subway whenever possible. Walking between nearby sites is often faster than taking a bus. Plan your route carefully to save time.

Carry plenty of cash in small denominations. Most food stalls do not accept credit cards. You will also need coins for shrine offerings. Small bills are better for buying lucky charms and beans. ATMs can be found at local 7-Eleven stores.

Always follow the instructions of the shrine staff. They use megaphones to direct the large crowds. Stay behind the safety barriers during the bean-throwing. If you feel overwhelmed, step into a quieter side street. Review our Kyoto winter travel tips for more advice.

For more official information, visit the Kyoto City Official Travel Guide. They provide maps and updated event times. Most shrines have English signs for international visitors. This makes it easy to follow the rituals. Enjoy your time at this unique cultural event.