The Sumiyoshi Shrine in Hakata stands as the most ancient among Japan’s 2,129 Sumiyoshi Shrines. Designated as a national important cultural property, it showcases the ‘Sumiyoshi-zukuri,’ the oldest architectural style in Japanese shrine history. The shrine also includes a Noh theater, recognized as a tangible cultural asset by Fukuoka City, adding to its historic charm. On the eve of the traditional beginning of spring, Setsubun, the shrine hosts the ‘Tsui-na Ceremony’ for expelling misfortune and inviting good luck. This unique ritual, believed to ward off epidemics, features ceremonial ‘peach bows’ and ‘reed arrows.’ The event culminates with a lively bean-throwing ceremony in the Kagura-den, marking a time-honored celebration of renewal and protection.
• 2/3 (Sat.)
• Mamemaki (bean throwing ceremony) 11:00~16:00 (every hour)
• Free entry
• Sumiyoshi Shrine
• 3-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.nihondaiichisumiyoshigu.jp/
Kyushu Live – Setsubun at Sumiyoshi Shrine 2023 (Feb. 2, 2023)