Setsubun
Shrines and temples hold rites to exorcise demons at an event marking the start of spring according to the lunar calendar.
On this day, every family takes dried beans called "mamemaki" and throws them at costumed demons while yelling, "Out with the demon, in with good fortune" to drive away the ogre. People also eat "futomaki" sushi while facing a direction that has been decided as auspicious for that particular year. It is also customary to eat one more bean than your age.
The Setsubun Festival at Yoshida-jinja Shrine is especially lively, lined with stalls and crowded with people.
The biggest attraction is the Fire Festival. The ceremony begins at 11 PM when a seven meter tall fire is used to burn the offerings of worshipers. A broad, blazing column of fire scorches the chilled night air.
Yoshida-jinja Shrine Setsubun Festival
Events:
Feb. 2 (8:00) - The previous Setsubun Festival
Feb. 2 (18:00)Tsuina-shiki
Feb. 3 (8:00) Setsubun Festival
Feb. 3 (23:00) Karo-sai Festival (Fire Festival)
Feb. 4 (9:30) The After Setsubun Festival
Address: 30 Yoshida-kaguraoka-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 5-minute walk from City Bus Kyodai-Seimonmae Stop.
Obake: On the night of February 3rd, the day before the beginning of spring, an annual event called "Obake" (spirits or ghosts in Japanese folklore) is held to frighten off goblins or spirits and ward off evil. The world is turned upside down as people dress in costume. Men disguise themselves as women, women dress up as men, elderly women wear "furisode" (exquisite kimono dresses of young women), and others dress up as famous figures from the past.
At one time the event was limited to entertainment districts like Gion and the evening of February 3rd, but recently it has been revived by devotees in general, some in costume or disguises who visit temples and shrines even during the day.
Other Events
