On Sunday, February 2nd, the annual Setsubun bean-throwing festival will take place at Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple in Tokyo's Kagurazaka. This is a rare opportunity to watch a traditional lion dance and a performance by Kagurazaka’s geisha (Hangyoku) for free. Come and experience this unique Japanese cultural event while welcoming the arrival of spring.
Watch the Lion Dance and Geisha Performance Up Close
At the Setsubun Festival at Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple, you can enjoy the following traditional performances:
Lion Dance (Shishimai) Performance: The lion dance has long been believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. This powerful performance is a must-see during Setsubun.
Geisha Dance Performance: Two geisha (Hangyoku) from Kagurazaka will perform an elegant dance. Usually, geisha performances can only be seen in exclusive restaurants, but on this special day, you can watch them for free.
Join the Bean-Throwing Ceremony and Bring in Good Fortune
At Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple, anyone can participate in the bean-throwing ceremony by offering ¥5,000.
Every year, around 200 participants take part in throwing beans from the temple grounds to drive away evil spirits and bring in good luck. Two geisha (Hangyoku) will also join the bean-throwing this year. While chanting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” ("Demons out! Fortune in!"), people throw beans to pray for a healthy and prosperous year.
Why Do Japanese People Throw Beans on Setsubun?
The tradition of bean-throwing (Mamemaki) originally comes from China, where people performed a ritual on New Year's Eve to ward off evil spirits. This custom was introduced to Japan along with Buddhism and became an event at the imperial court. Over time, it spread to shrines and temples across Japan.
Setsubun literally means "seasonal division" and originally referred to the day before each new season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. However, since the Edo period (1603–1868), the term "Setsubun" has been used to refer mainly to the day before the start of spring. This year, February 3rd marks the beginning of spring, so Setsubun will be held on February 2nd.
Experience an Authentic Japanese Festival in the Heart of Tokyo
At Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple in Kagurazaka, you can witness Setsubun bean-throwing, a lion dance, and a geisha performance—all in one event.
This is a fantastic opportunity for foreign visitors to experience an authentic Japanese tradition and create unforgettable memories.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, February 2nd
Location: Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple, Kagurazaka, Tokyo
Time: To be announced on the day of the event
Admission: Free (¥5,000 required to participate in the bean-throwing)
Experience the Setsubun Festival in Tokyo's Historic Kagurazaka
Come and join this historic festival to welcome spring and wish for a year filled with happiness and good fortune!
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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