{"id":159444,"date":"2026-01-23T20:00:37","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T11:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/?p=159444&lang=en"},"modified":"2026-01-23T21:17:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T12:17:55","slug":"setsubun-guide","status":"publish","type":"guide","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/guides\/setsubun-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Fukuoka Setsubun Guide 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u201cOni wa soto, fuku wa uchi\u201d (\u201cDemons out, good fortune in\u201d). Afterwards, they eat the number of beans equal to their age (or one more) to pray for good health.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Fukuoka Now highlights Setsubun festivals at 12 temples and shrines across the city. Start the new season with a bit of good fortune!<\/p>\n

Tips!!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In 2026, Setsubun falls on Feb 3. The lucky direction (eho) is south-southeast.<\/strong>
\nSupermarkets 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.<\/p>\n

Bean throwing at temples and shrines<\/strong>
\nAt 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.
\n\u25b7Fukuoka Setsubun Guide 2026 Google Map<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Setsubun<\/p>\n

Temples and shrines conducting Setsubun festivals in Fukuoka Prefecture<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Hakata-ku, Fukuoka<\/a> (Kushida Shrine, Tochoji Temple, Sumiyoshi Shrine)
\n\u2022 Sawara-ku, Fukuoka<\/a> (Momiji Hachimangu Shrine)
\n\u2022 Higashi-ku, Fukuoka<\/a> (Hakozaki Shrine, Kashii Shrine)
\n\u2022 Nishi-ku, Fukuoka<\/a> (Washio Atago Shrine, Iimori Shrine)
\n\u2022 Around Fukuoka City <\/a> (Munakata Taisha Shrine, Miyajidake Shrine, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Daihonzan Naritasan Kurume Temple)<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Hakata-ku, Fukuoka<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Kushida Shrine<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Affectionately known as \u201cOkushida-san,\u201d Kushida Shrine is Hakata\u2019s guardian shrine. During Setsubun, a giant Otafuku mask\u2014said to be the largest in Japan\u2014is displayed at the entrance. Walking through its wide mouth is believed to bring blessings such as business success and household safety.
\nOn 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.<\/p>\n

\"Setsubun<\/p>\n

\u2022 Setsubun events: Feb. 3, 2026 (Tue)
\n\u2022 Mamemaki (bean throwing): 10:00~16:00 (every 30 min.)
\n\u2022 How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free entry
\n\u2022 Otafuku gate: There is one on-site
\n\u2022 Location: 1-41 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 Official website: None
\n\u2022 Related article: Discover Unique Shrine Charms and Stamps in Fukuoka<\/a><\/p>\n

Tochoji Temple<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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 \u201cFuku wa uchi, oni wa soto\u201d (\u201cGood fortune in, demons out\u201d), beans, rice cakes, mikan, and sweets are scattered to the crowd.
\nOn Feb 3, the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) also make an appearance, drawing large numbers of visitors each year to this lively, tradition-filled event.<\/p>\n

\"SetsubunPhotograph provided by Fukuoka City<\/p>\n

\u2022 Setsubun events: Setsubun Festival: Feb. 2, 2026 (Mon) \/ Grand Setsubun Festival: Feb. 3, 2026 (Tue)
\n\u2022 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~)
\n\u2022 How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free participation
\n\u2022 Otafuku gate: None
\n\u2022 Location: 2-4 Gokusho-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 Official website: https:\/\/www.tochoji.net\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Sumiyoshi Shrine Setsubun Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.
\nOn Setsubun, the shrine holds the Tsuina ceremony, a traditional ritual to drive away evil. Using symbolic \u201cpeach bows\u201d and \u201creed arrows,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\"Sumiyoshi<\/p>\n

\u2022 Setsubun events: Feb. 3, 2026 (Tue)
\n\u2022 Mamemaki (bean throwing): 11:00~16:00 (every hour)
\n\u2022 How to participate in the bean-throwing event: Free entry
\n\u2022 Otafuku gate: None
\n\u2022 Location: 3-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 Official website: https:\/\/www.nihondaiichisumiyoshigu.jp\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Related article: Discover Unique Shrine Charms and Stamps<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Sumiyoshi<\/p>\n

Kyushu Live \u2013 Setsubun at Sumiyoshi Shrine 2023 (Feb. 2, 2023)<\/p>\n