Setsubun
節分
The traditional “seasonal division” before spring, famous for casting out demons with roasted soybeans.
- This year
- Feb 3 (Tue)
- February 3 (typical)
History
節分 originally marked the eve of each season; the February observance became the best known as the day before risshun (start of spring in the old calendar). Rituals of driving away evil (追儺) came from Chinese and court traditions. Throwing roasted soybeans (豆まき) while shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (Demons out! Fortune in!) became a household custom. Eating ehomaki sushi rolls facing the year’s lucky direction is a later, popular practice.
How it is observed
Families scatter beans at home; temples and shrines hold public mamemaki events, sometimes with celebrities tossing beans and gifts.
Travel tips
Not a national day off — shops stay open. Major temples (e.g. Senso-ji, Zojo-ji) get crowded for bean-throwing. Bring a small bag if you hope to catch beans, and expect temporary street closures at big venues.
Related shrines & temples
Places often visited around this day — open a shrine page or search the directory.