Tokyo in February is a blend of winter charm and cultural festivities. One of Japan’s most unique traditions, Setsubun (節分), is celebrated to drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune for the coming year. Across Tokyo, temples and shrines host lively ceremonies featuring bean-throwing rituals, traditional performances, and even celebrity appearances.
Last year, I attended the Setsubun Festival at Sensoji Temple and was fascinated by the energy of the event. This year, I plan to explore other historic sites where Setsubun celebrations bring the city to life.
Top Setsubun Festivals in Tokyo (2025 Schedule)
1. Sensoji Temple Setsubun-e (淺草寺 節分会)
- Date: February 2, 2025
- Location: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
- Highlights: Witness the Seven Lucky Gods Dance (Shichifukujin-mai), followed by the bean-throwing ceremony (mame-maki), where local celebrities and sumo wrestlers participate. The historic backdrop of Sensoji makes this one of Tokyo’s most visually stunning festivals.
2. Suitengu Shrine Setsubun Festival (水天宮 節分祭)
- Date: February 2, 2025
- Location: Chuo City, Tokyo
- Highlights: This festival features two sessions of bean-throwing rituals, with special guest appearances. Additionally, a traditional Japanese cooking demonstration using fukubukuro beans will be hosted by a famous YouTube chef.
3. Kanda Myojin Shrine Setsubun Festival (神田明神 節分祭)
- Date: February 3, 2025
- Location: Chiyoda City, Tokyo
- Highlights: The event begins with a parade featuring Red Oni (demon), Blue Oni, Daikoku, and Ebisu gods, along with individuals born in the zodiac year. The ritual ends with a massive bean-throwing ceremony to ward off misfortune.
4. Okunitama Shrine Setsubun Festival (大國魚神社 節分祭)
- Date: February 3, 2025
- Location: 3-1 Miyamachi, Fuchu City, Tokyo
- Highlights: Expect a grand event with sumo wrestlers, TV personalities, and cultural icons joining the bean-throwing ceremony. The shrine grounds become a lively hub of traditional performances and local food stalls.
My Experience at the 2024 Sensoji Setsubun Festival
Attending Sensoji’s Setsubun Festival last year was an unforgettable experience. The event started with the Shichifukujin Dance, a mesmerizing performance symbolizing prosperity. Shortly after, the crowd gathered for the mame-maki, where participants enthusiastically tossed roasted soybeans, shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons out! Fortune in!”). Seeing children and elders alike scrambling for lucky beans was a heartwarming moment.
The energy at Nakamise Street was equally vibrant, with local vendors selling seasonal sweets and lucky charms. If you visit, be sure to grab a bag of Ehomaki sushi rolls, traditionally eaten while facing the lucky direction of the year!
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the 2025 Setsubun Festival
This year, I’m planning to explore Kanda Myojin and Suitengu Shrine, hoping to experience new perspectives of Setsubun. If you’re in Tokyo this February, attending a Setsubun festival is a fantastic way to connect with Japanese traditions while having fun. Whether it’s catching lucky beans at Sensoji or enjoying the parade at Kanda Myojin, each location offers a unique cultural experience.
So, are you ready to welcome good fortune and immerse yourself in Tokyo’s vibrant traditions? Mark your calendar and join the Setsubun festivities!
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