Written by JC Team
One of the best-known Setsubun festivals in Kyoto, this is a great place to drive away those evil spirits and welcome in the new spring season.
What happens?
Priests begin the day with a cleansing ritual at around 1 p.m., followed by an exorcism performance featuring people dressed as oni (a demon in Japanese folklore), terrifying the crowds before they are banished with beans and chased out of the gates.
You can then try your luck at catching some of the lucky bean packets thrown to the crowd by priests as well as geiko (the geisha of Kyoto) and maiko (apprentice geisha).
Suggested Activity
Go Bar Hopping in Osaka [With Full Dinner]
Spend an evening exploring the bars in Osaka's popular nightlife district of Namba. Sample tasty Japanese pub-style food, and wash it down with your choice of drinks, from sake to umeshu and beer — all in the company of a knowledgeable guide!
The day ends with a fire ritual at 4 p.m. that is one of the most impressive in the city.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
Feb 3, 2026
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1:00pm – 4:00pm
Free
Official site
⚠️ Link in Japanese
- 0.8 km from Higashiyama Station Tōzai Line (T10)
- 1.0 km from Jingū-Marutamachi Station Keihan Main Line (KH41)
- 1.1 km from Sanjō Keihan Station Tōzai Line (T11)
Typical weather at this time:
High: 11 ºC
Low: 1 ºC
