Setsubun – the day before the beginning of spring in Japan

Today, the 3rd of February is Setsubun, the traditional last day of winter.

From the end of the Edo period, people come to expel their bad luck and many Shrines & Temples host the Setsubun Festival all over Japan.
At Fukuoka, you can join the Event at Kushida Shrine and Tocho Temple.

At Kushida Shrine, going through Japan’s largest Otafuku face (smiling face of a woman) installed on the shrine gate, you will see not only people throwing beans but also dancing devils and monsters paying visit to the shrine!
Adults as well as kids can enjoy the festive mood of the shrine, trying a lottery and nibbling on stall foods.

Just a 3 to 5 minute walk from Kushida Shrine, at Tocho Temple, special stages for the Setsubun Festival are built in front of the main hall and the Seven Deities of Good Luck and Otafuku will dance around throwing dried　or roasted soybeans and shouting “Fuku-wa-uchi, Oni-wa-Soto (Good Luck In, Evil Spirits Out).
Some throw not only soybeans but also peanuts, chocolates, candies, rice cakes, and even fruit!

Today, Kabuki Stars who are performing Kabuki at Hakata-za from 4-26 February, join the event by throwing soybeans to the visitors !