Background
節分祭 Setsubun-sai
DateTue, Feb 2 – Thu, Feb 4in 109 days · Exact dates are announced by the organizers.
CrowdsVery busy
CostFree to watch
If it rainsHeld in the rain
The bean-throwing festival marking the day before spring. Shrines hold ceremonies to drive away bad luck; Yoshida Shrine draws the biggest crowds.
- Where
- 吉田神社・八坂神社ほか
- How to enjoy it
- Geiko and maiko perform at Yasaka Shrine on the main day. Yoshida Shrine runs a three-day fair with food stalls.
Background
Setsubun, the day before the traditional start of spring, is for driving out evil and welcoming fortune. Yoshida Shrine's festival dates back to the Muromachi period and keeps the ancient tsuina exorcism rite. Yasaka Shrine is known for maiko throwing beans.
What to see
- Yoshida's tsuina rite: a masked hososhi drives out red, blue and yellow demons
- Maiko bean-throwing at Yasaka Shrine, seen up close
- Around 800 food stalls fill Yoshida Shrine's grounds
- The normally closed Daijingu shrine hall opens specially during the festival
Timeline
- Feb 2
- Eve festival
- Feb 3
- Tsuina rite and bean-throwing, main rites in the evening
- Feb 4
- Closing day
How to watch
- Free to attend
- Yoshida draws about 500,000 visitors over three days; Kyoto City publishes live congestion updates, so avoid peak hours
- Yasaka is easier to approach, though crowds gather for the maiko bean-throwing
Getting there
Yoshida Shrine: about 20 min on foot from Keihan Demachiyanagi Station, or city bus to Kyodai-seimon-mae. Yasaka Shrine: about 5 min on foot from Keihan Gion-shijo Station.
Good to know
Is it held in the rain?
Yes, rain or shine.
Do I need a reservation?
No, just walk in.
Can I take photos?
Around the grounds is fine; avoid flash during rites.
How crowded is it?
Yoshida is extremely crowded at peak times; mornings are better.