The Setsubun Yakuyoke Kigan Taisai at Dazaifu Tenmangu is a traditional festival held to pray for safety and protection from misfortune in the year ahead. On Setsubun day, Feb 3, the main ritual begins at 10:30 inside the temporary shrine, followed by bean-throwing ceremonies (mamemaki) from a raised platform in Tenjin Hiroba at 11:00 and 14:00. Shouts of “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” accompany the scattering of bean packets, some of which contain lucky tickets redeemable for charms such as gourds.
Prayers for protection are accepted from Jan 26 through the end of February. Those who receive blessings during this period are offered hyotan-zake (gourd sake), in reference to a local belief that misfortune can be avoided beneath the sacred plum tree, Tobiume. The event offers a festive Setsubun atmosphere and a chance to experience the unique spiritual traditions of Dazaifu.
• 1/26 (Mon.) ~ 2/28 (Sat.)
• Setsubun (bean-scattering) ritual: Feb 3 (Tue), twice—after the 10:30 festival and from 14:00
• Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
• 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
• https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/omatsuri/setsubun-yakuyoke
