Setsubun at Sumiyoshi Shrine 2023 – 福岡博多の節分祭 – Kyushu, Japan

If you have some beans handy, get ready and join us as we shout “Out with the devil! In with luck!” at this year’s setsubun festival at Sumiyoshi Shrine.

Sumiyoshi Shrine Setsubun Festival
Celebrate the Setsubun Festival at Sumiyoshi Shrine, a shrine with over 1800 years of history and considered one of the first among the 2129 Sumiyoshi shrine in Japan. Conveniently located just 10 minutes on foot from Hakata Station. This year, the bean-throwing ceremony and fortune-telling event will take place for the first time in three years. After a purification ritual, participants will gather in the shrine’s sacred hall starting at 11:00 AM to throw beans.

Date: Friday, February 3, 2023
Bean-Throwing Ceremony: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Every hour)
Admission: Free
Location: Sumiyoshi Shrine, 3-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City

Setsubun Festival: A Celebration of Spring in Japan
The Setsubun Festival, also known as the Bean-Throwing Festival, is a traditional Japanese event that marks the start of spring. It is celebrated annually on February 3rd and is one of the most important events in the Japanese cultural calendar. The festival has a rich history dating back to the 7th century and is still celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor today.

The word “setsubun” literally means “seasonal division” and is considered the last day of winter according to the traditional Japanese calendar. The festival symbolizes the end of winter and the arrival of spring and is celebrated with various customs and traditions.

One of the most popular traditions of the Setsubun Festival is the mamemaki or bean-throwing ceremony. During this ceremony, participants throw roasted soybeans out of their homes or temples while shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” which means “Demons out! Fortune in!” The beans are believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck and fortune to the household.

Another popular tradition is the eating of ehomaki, a special type of sushi roll, which is said to bring good luck if eaten while facing the direction of the year’s lucky zodiac sign. In addition to these traditions, there are also local events and festivals held throughout Japan, including traditional performances such as mikoshi (portable shrines), lion dances, and dragon parades.

Bean-Throwing Ceremony: The mamemaki or bean-throwing ceremony is one of the most important traditions of the Setsubun Festival. Priests and shrine maidens throw roasted soybeans out of the shrine to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck to the community. Visitors can also participate in the bean-throwing ceremony.

Eho-maki Eating: Eho-maki is a special type of sushi roll that is said to bring good luck if eaten while facing the direction of the year’s lucky zodiac sign. Many shrines offer eho-maki during the Setsubun Festival for visitors to enjoy.

Shinto Rituals and Prayers: During the Setsubun Festival, shrines hold special Shinto rituals and prayers to purify the shrine and ensure good luck and prosperity for the coming year. These rituals are performed by shrine priests and are open to the public.

Mikoshi Processions: Mikoshi are portable shrines that are carried through the streets during festivals and other special events. During the Setsubun Festival, mikoshi processions are held at many shrines to mark the occasion.

Lion and Dragon Dances: Lion and dragon dances are traditional performances that are performed at shrines during the Setsubun Festival. These performances are said to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

Festival Food and Treats: Many shrines offer festival food and treats during the Setsubun Festival, including traditional Japanese sweets and snacks.

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About me
Nick Szasz, a Canadian who has lived in Japan for over thirty years. Mostly in Fukuoka and a few years in Tokyo and Osaka. I’m the founder and publisher of Fukuoka Now, a monthly printed bilingual magazine about Fukuoka and Kyushu for international residents and visitors from overseas https://www.fukuoka-now.com/ I live in Itoshima and post about that here: http://www.itoshima-now.com/

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