Setsubun is celebrated on the day before Risshun, the traditional start of spring, which falls on Feb 3 in 2026. To ward off misfortune and welcome good fortune, people throw roasted soybeans (fukumame) while chanting “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi” (“Demons out, good fortune in”). Afterwards, they eat the number of beans equal to their age (or one more) to pray for good health.
At home, Setsubun is a familiar seasonal tradition. At temples and shrines, it is marked by Setsubun-sai festivals featuring purification rites and bean-throwing ceremonies. Demons symbolize misfortune, while Otafuku represents happiness. Traditions and displays vary by location, and in Fukuoka, some shrines set up large Otafuku masks. Walking through the mouth is said to bring blessings such as household safety and business prosperity.
Fukuoka Now highlights Setsubun festivals at 12 temples and shrines across the city. Start the new season with a bit of good fortune!
Tips!!
In 2026, Setsubun falls on Feb 3. The lucky direction (eho) is south-southeast.
Supermarkets and convenience stores sell Setsubun sets with beans, demon and Otafuku masks, and eho-maki (thick sushi rolls). Eating an eho-maki in silence while facing the lucky direction and making a wish is another Setsubun custom.
Bean throwing at temples and shrines
At many sites, beans are thrown by priests, shrine staff, or people born in the current zodiac year. Most events are free to attend, though some may require numbered tickets.
▷Fukuoka Setsubun Guide 2026 Google Map
Temples and shrines conducting Setsubun festivals in Fukuoka Prefecture
• Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (Kushida Shrine, Tochoji Temple, Sumiyoshi Shrine)
• Sawara-ku, Fukuoka (Momiji Hachimangu Shrine)
• Higashi-ku, Fukuoka (Hakozaki Shrine, Kashii Shrine)
• Nishi-ku, Fukuoka (Washio Atago Shrine, Iimori Shrine)
• Around Fukuoka City (Munakata Taisha Shrine, Miyajidake Shrine, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Daihonzan Naritasan Kurume Temple)
Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
Kushida Shrine
Affectionately known as “Okushida-san,” Kushida Shrine is Hakata’s guardian shrine. During Setsubun, a giant Otafuku mask—said to be the largest in Japan—is displayed at the entrance. Walking through its wide mouth is believed to bring blessings such as business success and household safety.
On Feb 3, a traditional bean-throwing ceremony is held, with people born in the current zodiac year tossing roasted soybeans from a special stage to pray for good fortune and protection from misfortune.
• Setsubun events: Feb. 3, 2026 (Tue)
• Mamemaki (bean throwing): 10:00~16:00 (every 30 min.)
• How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free entry
• Otafuku gate: There is one on-site
• Location: 1-41 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• Official website: None
• Related article: Discover Unique Shrine Charms and Stamps in Fukuoka
Tochoji Temple
Tochoji Temple is said to host the oldest Setsubun festival in Fukuoka. The highlight is the Shofuku Mamemaki, a bean-throwing ceremony to invite good luck and ward off misfortune. Along with the familiar chant “Fuku wa uchi, oni wa soto” (“Good fortune in, demons out”), beans, rice cakes, mikan, and sweets are scattered to the crowd.
On Feb 3, the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) also make an appearance, drawing large numbers of visitors each year to this lively, tradition-filled event.
Photograph provided by Fukuoka City
• Setsubun events: Setsubun Festival: Feb. 2, 2026 (Mon) / Grand Setsubun Festival: Feb. 3, 2026 (Tue)
• Mamemaki (bean throwing): Feb. 2 (13:00~, 15:00~, 16:00~), Feb. 3 (10:00~, 10:40~, 12:00~, 13:40~, 15:00~, 16:00~)
• How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free participation
• Otafuku gate: None
• Location: 2-4 Gokusho-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• Official website: https://www.tochoji.net/
Sumiyoshi Shrine Setsubun Festival
Sumiyoshi Shrine in Hakata is considered the oldest of all Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan. Designated an Important Cultural Property, its main hall reflects the ancient Sumiyoshi-zukuri architectural style. The grounds also include a Noh stage recognized as a tangible cultural asset by Fukuoka City.
On Setsubun, the shrine holds the Tsuina ceremony, a traditional ritual to drive away evil. Using symbolic “peach bows” and “reed arrows,” shrine priests perform the rite to banish misfortune. This is followed by a bean-throwing ceremony in the Kagura-den, all within a setting rich in historic atmosphere.
• Setsubun events: Feb. 3, 2026 (Tue)
• Mamemaki (bean throwing): 11:00~16:00 (every hour)
• How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free entry
• Otafuku gate: None
• Location: 3-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• Official website: https://www.nihondaiichisumiyoshigu.jp/
• Related article: Discover Unique Shrine Charms and Stamps
Kyushu Live – Setsubun at Sumiyoshi Shrine 2023 (Feb. 2, 2023)
Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
Momiji Hachimangu Shrine
Momiji Hachimangu is known for enshrining deities of safe childbirth and protection from misfortune. It once served as the site for yakuyoke prayers for the lords of the Fukuoka domain. On Setsubun, the shrine offers general misfortune-averting prayers. Those who participate can join the bean-throwing ceremony on stage afterward.
Visitors may also encounter demons roaming the grounds—perfect for a photo opportunity if the timing is right.
• Setsubun events: Feb. 3, 2026 (Tue)
• Mamemaki (bean throwing): 11:00~, 12:00~, 15:00~, 16:00~
• How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free entry
• Otafuku gate: None
• Location: 1-26-55 Takatori, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
• Official website: https://momijihachimangu.or.jp/202501082214/
• Related article: Discover Unique Shrine Charms and Stamps
Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
Hakozaki Shrine
Hakozaki Shrine, located along Hakata Bay, features an 850-meter approach stretching from its grand Ichinotorii gate to the main hall. Known for hosting major traditional events such as the Tamatori Festival and Hojoya, it plays a central role in Hakata’s cultural calendar. On Feb 3 at 10:00, local students from Hakozaki Elementary School perform a bean-throwing ceremony. Visitors can also receive fukumame (lucky beans) at the shrine’s amulet distribution area.
• Setsubun events: Feb. 3, 2026 (Tue)
• Mamemaki (bean throwing): 10:00~ (once per day)
• How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free entry
• Otafuku gate: None
• Location: 1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• Official website: https://www.hakozakigu.or.jp/index.html
Kashii Shrine
Kashii Shrine, with a history of over 1,800 years, enshrines Emperor Chuuai and Empress Jingu and is one of 16 imperial shrines in Japan where imperial envoys are dispatched. The grounds feature the unique Kashii-zukuri style main hall, sacred trees linked to Empress Jingu, and the “Water of Eternal Youth” associated with the legend of Takenouchi no Sukune.
On Setsubun, people born in the current zodiac year and local parishioners take part in the bean-throwing ceremony to drive away evil and invite good fortune. The event is a well-loved tradition at this historic shrine.
• Setsubun events: Feb. 3, 2026 (Tue)
• Mamemaki (bean throwing): 13:00~, 16:00~
• How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free entry
• Otafuku gate: There is one on-site
• Location: 4-16-1 Kashii, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• Official website: https://kashiigu.com/shinji-gyoji/
• Related article: Kashii-gu: A Shrine with Close Ties to the Imperial Court
Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
Washio Atago Shrine
Located on a hilltop with panoramic views, Washio Atago Shrine is known for prayers for protection from misfortune and for good fortune. It enshrines Izanagi no Mikoto, a deity associated with purification, and is also known for offering yakuyoke prayers for both men and women of the same age group.
On Setsubun, the shrine holds the Hoshimatsuri ritual to pray for household safety and protection from misfortune. This is followed by a bean-throwing ceremony where fukumame and sweets are scattered to bring blessings to attendees.
• Setsubun events: Feb. 3, 2026 (Tue)
• Mamemaki (bean throwing): 11:30~
• How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free entry
• Otafuku gate: None
• Location: 2-7-1 Atago, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• Official website: https://washioatago-jinja.com
• Related article: Fukuoka Like a Local! A Scenic One-Day Tour
Iimori Shrine
Established in 1786, Iimori Shrine is a historic site with cultural assets including its main hall and stone guardian dogs, designated as prefectural and municipal cultural properties. On Setsubun, bean-throwing ceremonies are held at 11:00 and 19:00.
Those who participate in the yakuyoke prayer (¥5,000 and up) receive a box of fukumame containing a lottery ticket for a chance to win lucky items. During the event, demons appear from the nearby mountain and gently tap visitors with bamboo rods—a ritual said to ensure a year of good health.
• Setsubun events: Feb. 3, 2026 (Tue)
• Mamemaki (bean throwing): 11:00~, 19:00~
• How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free entry
• Otafuku gate: There is one on-site
• Location: 609 Iimori, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• Official website: http://www.iimorijinja.jp/2setubun.files/h040203setu.htm
• Related article: Iimori Shrine: Keeper of Ancient Rituals
Around Fukuoka City
Munakata Taisha Shrine
Munakata Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrines and a registered World Cultural Heritage site, holds a Setsubun festival featuring the traditional Mameuchi-shiki, a bean-throwing ceremony to ward off illness and disaster. Shrine priests scatter beans throughout the grounds, and some contain prize tickets for local products from Munakata’s sea and mountains. The event draws many visitors each year.
• Setsubun events: Feb. 3, 2026 (Tue)
• Mamemaki (bean throwing ceremony): 11:00~
• How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free entry
• Otafuku gate: None
• Location: 2331 Tashima, Munakata City, Fukuoka
• Official website: https://munakata-taisha.or.jp/hetsu_saiji.html
Miyajidake Shrine
Miyajidake Shrine is known as a place to pray for good fortune and business success, and for the famous “Path of Light,” a straight line of sunlight that aligns with the stone steps and ocean beyond. Around 3,000 cherry trees grow on the grounds, with some varieties blooming as early as late January, offering an early sign of spring.
During Setsubun, about one ton of roasted soybeans are prepared for the annual bean-throwing ceremonies held from Jan 31 to Feb 3. On Feb 1, the Oku-no-miya Inari Shrine hosts the Hatsuumataisai, a festival held on the first Day of the Horse in the lunar calendar. Rice dumplings offered during the ritual are shared with visitors after the ceremony as a gesture of gratitude for working animals.
• Setsubun events: Jan. 31, 2026 (Sat) ~ Feb. 3, 2026 (Tue)
• Mamemaki (bean throwing): Jan. 31, Feb. 1: 12:00~, 14:00~, 16:00~ ; Feb. 2, 3: 10:00~, 12:00~, 14:00~, 16:00~
• How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free entry
• Otafuku gate: There is one on-site
• Location: 7-1 Miyajimoto-machi, Fukutsu City, Fukuoka
• Official website: https://www.miyajidake.or.jp/event/yakuyoke, https://www.instagram.com/miyajidake/
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, attracts worshippers from across Japan. While the main hall is under renovation, the specially constructed temporary hall is also worth visiting. During the Setsubun period, the shrine holds the Setsubun Yakuyoke Kigan Taisai, a major ritual for protection from misfortune. Visitors can receive fuku uchiwa fans and Setsubun fukumame (lucky beans).
On Feb 3, shrine priests conduct a bean-throwing ceremony to pray for good fortune and ward off evil.
• Setsubun Yaku-Yoke Grand Festival: Jan. 26, 2026 (Mon) ~ Feb. 28, 2026 (Sat)
• Setsubun events: Feb. 3, 2026 (Tue)
• Mamemaki (bean throwing): After the 10:30 ceremony, 14:00~
• How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free participation
• Otafuku gate: There is one on-site
• Location: 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
• Official website: https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/omatsuri/setsubun-yakuyoke
• Related article: A Floating Forest: The Temporary Shrine Amidst Renovation at Dazaifu Tenmangu
Daihonzan Naritasan Kurume Temple
Known locally as “Narita-san,” Naritasan Kurume Temple is famous for its towering Bodhisattva statue. On Setsubun, the temple holds a traditional bean-throwing ceremony (mamemaki) to pray for good fortune and protection from misfortune. After a ritual fire ceremony (Oogomagu) for purification and luck, men and women born in the current zodiac year toss around 20,000 bags of roasted soybeans to the crowd. Some bags contain lottery tickets for prizes.
At Naritasan, only the phrase “Fuku wa uchi” (“Good fortune in”) is shouted—based on the belief that Fudo Myoo, the temple’s principal deity, has the power to reform demons rather than drive them away.
• Setsubun events: Feb. 1, 2026 (Sun)
• Mamemaki (bean throwing): 11:00~ (after o-goma-ku)
• How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free entry
• Otafuku gate: There is one on-site
• Location: 1386-22 Kamitsu-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Official website: https://www.kurume-naritasan.or.jp/event/
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NOTE: Information is accurate as of Jan 18, 2026. Details such as dates, times, and fees may change. If you notice any updates or corrections, please contact Fukuoka Now.