Guide to Setsubun Bean Throwing Festivals at Kamakura Temples 2026

Setsubun marks the vibrant transition from winter to spring in Japan. This cultural event happens every year on February 3rd. Many visitors flock to the historical coastal city of Kamakura for this celebration. Experience the Setsubun bean throwing festivals at Kamakura temples 2026 for a unique cultural immersion.

Local residents and tourists gather to drive away evil spirits. They perform ancient rituals to welcome good fortune into their lives. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and traditional chanting. Plan your visit using our Kamakura winter travel guide 2026 to find the best spots.

Tempels in Kamakura offer diverse ways to celebrate this seasonal event. You can see monks, priests, and even local celebrities tossing beans. These activities provide a deep look into Japanese spiritual life. Join the crowds as they shout powerful phrases to bring luck home.

What is the Setsubun Bean Throwing Festival?

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Setsubun translates to the division of seasons in the Japanese lunar calendar. It specifically refers to the day before the first day of spring. Japanese people believe that evil spirits appear during these seasonal changes. Shrines and temples hold ceremonies to cleanse these negative energies away.

The core ritual is called Mamemaki, or the act of throwing roasted soybeans. Participants throw these beans at people dressed as red or blue demons. This symbolic act represents casting out bad luck from the previous year. It is a joyful way to prepare for a fresh start.

Participants also eat a special type of sushi roll called Eho-maki. You must eat the entire roll in silence while facing a lucky direction. This direction changes every year based on the zodiac cycle. This tradition ensures your wishes come true throughout the new year.

Roasting the beans is an essential part of the preparation process. These are known as fukumame, which means beans of good fortune. People often eat as many beans as their current age. This practice is said to bring health and longevity to the individual.

Witnessing the bean throwing festivals at Kamakura temples 2026 offers great photography opportunities. You will see colorful costumes and happy crowds in historic settings. The ancient architecture provides a perfect backdrop for these timeless rituals. Make sure to arrive early to find a good viewing position.

Top Temple Festivals in Kamakura for 2026

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the most famous location for Setsubun in the city. The ceremony here is grand and attracts thousands of local visitors. It usually begins with a traditional dance performed on a raised stage. You can check the schedule of winter religious ceremonies in Kamakura shrines for exact times.

Hasedera Temple offers a stunning view of the ocean during its festival. This temple is famous for its massive wooden statue of Kannon. The bean throwing here often features famous actors or sumo wrestlers. It creates a very lively and festive environment for all guests.

Kenchoji Temple provides a more Zen-like experience for the Setsubun activities. It is the oldest Zen training monastery in the city of Kamakura. The monks lead the chanting in a deeply spiritual and rhythmic way. It is an excellent choice for a more traditional atmosphere.

Hokokuji Temple is another great spot, known for its beautiful bamboo grove. Small-scale bean throwing allows for a closer look at the local customs. You can enjoy a bowl of matcha green tea after the ceremony. This location feels very peaceful despite the festive nature of the day.

Each temple has a slightly different schedule for their primary events. Most ceremonies take place between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM local time. Entry to the temple grounds is usually free or very inexpensive. Be prepared for crowds at the most popular locations like Hasedera.

What to Expect at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

The ritual at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu begins with an ancient archery ceremony. Priests shoot arrows to purify the air before the bean throwing starts. This ritual is meant to scare away any lurking invisible demons. It is a quiet and focused part of the day's events.

The main stage becomes the center of attention as the ceremony continues. Men and women born in the current zodiac year are guests of honor. They stand on the stage and toss packets of lucky beans. The crowd surges forward to catch these blessed items for their families.

Security is high during this event to ensure everyone stays safe. Staff members guide the crowds through the narrow paths of the shrine. Expect to stand for a long time while waiting for the start. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet all day.

After the bean throwing, you can explore the various food stalls nearby. These vendors sell traditional snacks like roasted chestnuts and sweet sake. The festive food is a highlight for many families visiting the shrine. It creates a wonderful community feeling in the heart of Kamakura.

This shrine is easily reachable from the main Kamakura train station. Follow the Wakamiya Oji street to reach the main entrance gates. The walk takes about ten minutes through a scenic shopping district. You will see many shops selling Setsubun-themed souvenirs and masks.

Insider Tips for Setsubun bean throwing festivals

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Arriving early is the best advice for enjoying the Setsubun bean throwing festivals. Popular temples fill up quickly, often hours before the main event. Bring small bags to store any bean packets you might catch. Some packets even contain small prizes or lucky charms inside.

Check the wind direction before choosing where to stand in the crowd. Beans can fly quite far if the breeze is behind the throwers. Avoid standing behind tall people if you want to catch anything. Keep your eyes open and stay alert as beans fly quickly.

Consult our Kamakura winter activities guide for more ideas during your stay. Combine your festival visit with a trip to the Great Buddha. Most major sites are within walking distance or a short bus ride. Plan your route in advance to maximize your time in 2026.

Dress in warm layers because February weather in Kamakura is often cold. Temperatures can drop significantly when the sun goes behind the clouds. Bring a small thermos with a hot beverage to stay comfortable. You will appreciate the extra warmth during the long outdoor ceremonies.

Respect the religious nature of the event while you take your photos. Do not block the paths of the priests or participants. Use a zoom lens to capture the action from a distance. Always follow the instructions of the temple staff and security personnel.

Cultural Etiquette and Proper Phrases

Learning a few Japanese phrases will enhance your experience at the festivals. The most important phrase is Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi. This means demons out, and good luck in. Shouting this loudly with the crowd is part of the fun.

Be careful not to push others when trying to catch the beans. The atmosphere should remain friendly and celebratory for everyone involved. If you catch multiple packets, consider sharing with children nearby. This act of kindness is in the spirit of the holiday.

Do not throw beans at people yourself unless you are invited. Only designated participants on the stages should perform the bean throwing. You can purchase your own beans at the temple shops later. Take them home to perform your own private ceremony for 2026.

Many temples require you to remove your shoes before entering certain halls. Wear clean socks without holes to avoid any personal embarrassment. Follow the lead of the local people for when to bow. Silence your mobile phone during the more solemn parts of the ritual.

The goal is to leave the temple feeling refreshed and positive. Show gratitude by placing a small coin in the offering box. This small gesture supports the temple and shows respect for the tradition. Enjoy the spiritual connection to the changing of the Japanese seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

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When are the Setsubun bean throwing festivals at Kamakura temples 2026?

The festivals take place on February 3rd, 2026. Most temples hold their main ceremonies between late morning and mid-afternoon. Check individual temple websites for exact start times as they vary. Arrive at least one hour early to secure a viewing spot.

Is there a fee to enter the bean throwing ceremonies?

Most temple grounds offer free admission to the outdoor bean throwing areas. Some specific temples like Hasedera have a small standard entrance fee. This usually costs around 400 yen for an adult visitor. Special indoor ceremonies may require separate paid tickets or reservations.

Can tourists participate in the bean throwing at Kamakura temples?

Tourists are welcome to watch and catch beans during the public events. Throwing beans from the stage is usually reserved for invited guests. However, some temples allow visitors to join smaller rituals for a fee. Check at the temple office upon your arrival for options.

What should I wear to a winter festival in Kamakura?

Wear thick coats, gloves, and scarves for the chilly February weather. Comfortable walking shoes are essential because most temples have gravel paths. Consider wearing thermal undergarments to stay warm while standing outside for hours. Check the local weather forecast before you leave your hotel.

The Setsubun bean throwing festivals at Kamakura temples 2026 offer an unforgettable experience. Use these rituals to clear away bad luck and welcome a bright spring. Each temple provides its own unique atmosphere and historical charm. Start planning your winter trip to Japan today to join this celebration.

Key Takeaways

Arrive at least 60 minutes before the ceremony begins to get a good spot.
Shout 'Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi' to participate in the local tradition.
Wear warm, layered clothing as February in Kamakura is quite cold.
Focus on major sites like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu for the biggest celebrations.

Setsubun Bean Throwing Festivals Kamakura Temples 2026

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