Guide
Setsubun-sai Festival
5 min readEvent Overview
The Setsubun-sai is a traditional festival held every year on February 3rd at Kibi-tsu Jinja, a prominent shrine in the Bingo region of Hiroshima. Setsubun marks the seasonal transition (the day before the beginning of spring), a vital time to drive away bad luck and welcome good fortune. Following the sacred rituals, a traditional bean-throwing ceremony is performed by designated participants to pray for health and prosperity for the coming year.
Highlights & What to Expect
The most unique feature of this festival is the "Horafuki Shinji," known as one of Japan's most eccentric and fascinating rituals. After the formal shrine ceremony at 7:00 PM, the atmosphere shifts to a lively celebration at the plaza beside the sacred pond. Here, local members perform "Horafuki" (humorous storytelling/tall tales) to entertain the crowd with witty and spirited performances. You can also experience the high-energy bean-throwing ceremony, where flying beans symbolize the driving away of misfortune.
Schedule
The festival takes place on February 3rd.
- 19:00~: Setsubun-sai (Sacred Ritual)
- After the ritual: Traditional Bean-throwing (Mamemaki)
- Following the ritual: Horafuki Shinji (Held at the plaza beside the sacred pond)
Venue & Access
The event is held at the historic Kibi-tsu Jinja Shrine.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Kibi-tsu Jinja |
Tips for Visitors
The evening begins with a solemn, sacred atmosphere and transitions into a vibrant, humorous celebration. The bean-throwing ceremony is a fantastic way to witness a lively piece of Japanese culture up close. The "Horafuki" performance offers a rare and entertaining glimpse into local traditions that you won't find elsewhere.
Clothing & Practical Advice
As this event takes place in early February, it will be extremely cold. Please dress in heavy winter clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly during the outdoor rituals. Comfortable clothing is also recommended for the lively atmosphere. Please check the official website for the latest information regarding any necessary preparations.