What is the Rozanji Temple Demon Dance?

Rozanji Temple is a very famous historic site in Kyoto. It was once the home of the author Murasaki Shikibu. She wrote the world's first novel here many centuries ago. Today, the temple is famous for its unique demon dance.

The performance is known locally as the Oni-odori. Three demons appear in the temple courtyard during the show. Each demon represents a different human vice or negative emotion. The red demon symbolizes greed and selfish desire. The blue demon represents anger and deep-seated hatred.

The green demon symbolizes poor health and physical suffering. These demons dance to the sound of drums and flutes. They carry symbolic weapons to scare away bad luck. Watching them is a powerful way to experience Japanese folklore. Many visitors find the colorful masks and costumes very impressive.

Event Schedule for February 3, 2026

The main Setsubun events happen on February 3, 2026. The demon dance usually begins at 3:00 PM. It lasts for about thirty minutes in the main courtyard. You should check when is Setsubun festival in Kyoto 2026 for official updates. Arriving early is essential because the space is quite small.

We recommend getting to the temple by 2:00 PM. This gives you a better chance to find a view. The courtyard fills up quickly with locals and tourists. You can explore the beautiful moss gardens while you wait. The temple grounds stay open until the rituals conclude.

After the dance, the bean-throwing ceremony starts around 4:00 PM. Priests and local celebrities throw roasted beans to the crowd. Catching these beans is said to bring good luck. The entire event usually finishes by late afternoon. Plan to spend about three hours at the temple.

How to Experience the Demon Healing Ritual

Rozanji offers a unique ritual called the Oni-no-Kaji. This is also known as the demon healing ceremony. After the dance, the demons enter the main hall. They use their swords to bless the visitors. This ritual is meant to cure illnesses and pains.

Participants sit in front of the demons for the blessing. The demons touch the person's shoulders with their ritual weapons. It is a very rare and spiritual experience for travelers. You may need to pay a small fee to participate. Usually, the cost is around 500 to 1,000 yen.

You can also buy special charms at the temple shop. These charms protect your home from evil spirits all year. Many people buy lucky beans to take home with them. Look for the best shrines for Setsubun bean throwing to compare different rituals. Rozanji offers one of the most personal experiences.

Tips for Watching the Demon Dance Safely

Kyoto is very cold during the month of February. Wear warm layers and comfortable shoes for standing outside. The temple courtyard can be quite chilly in the shade. Bring hand warmers to keep your fingers warm while waiting. Most of the event takes place outdoors.

Photography is allowed but you must be very respectful. Do not use flash during the sacred dance performance. Avoid blocking the view of other people with large cameras. Keep your gear light so you can move easily. The crowd can get tight when the demons move.

• Stay behind the designated ropes for safety.
• Do not touch the demons unless invited.
• Keep your belongings secure in the crowded area.
• Follow the instructions of the temple staff.

The demons sometimes interact with children in the crowd. They may pretend to scare them to drive away bad luck. This is a traditional part of the festival fun. Do not be alarmed if the demons come close to you. They are there to help purify the community.

How to Reach Rozanji Temple in Kyoto

Rozanji Temple is located near the Kyoto Imperial Palace. You can reach it easily using the city bus system. Take bus number 4, 17, or 205 from Kyoto Station. Get off at the Furitsu-Idai-byoin-mae bus stop. The temple is just a three-minute walk away.

You can also take the subway to the Imadegawa Station. From there, it is a fifteen-minute walk through the palace grounds. This walk is very scenic and peaceful in winter. Check the Kyoto City Official Travel Guide for the latest transit maps. Public transport is the best way to travel.

Parking is very limited near the temple during festivals. We strongly advise against driving a car in Kyoto. Walking from nearby attractions like Shimogamo Shrine is also possible. Combine your visit with other Kyoto winter events 2026 for a full day. The temple is a hidden gem in the city.