Guida
Setsubun Yoroi Toshikoshi is a traditional event held on the night of Setsubun (the eve of spring) in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture. Approximately 200 local citizens dress as Bando warriors, donning full armor and helmets to perform a grand procession. The sight of them marching through the streets to the resonant sounds of conch shells (horagai) and traditional war drums (jin-daiko) is incredibly heroic, and the event is widely known as a ritual to welcome the arrival of spring in Ashikaga.
This event is rooted in the historical legends of the Ashikaga region. It is a cultural celebration that honors the history of warriors who once demonstrated their strength in this land. Although the tradition once faced a period of decline, it was revived in 1915 (the 4th year of the Taisho era) and has since become a staple traditional event representing the spirit of Ashikaga. The event also carries the significance of praying for the prosperity of the local community during the seasonal transition of Setsubun.
The greatest spectacle is the 1.3-kilometer procession that begins at the Orihime Community Center and leads to the historic Banna-ji Temple. Participants are fully armed in armor and helmets, advancing with the powerful sounds of conch shells and drums. Upon arriving at Banna-ji, a sacred ritual to pray for regional prosperity is performed. The atmosphere reaches a climax during the ritual at the main temple hall, where the participants let out powerful, rhythmic shouts of "Ei, Ei, Oh!" to drive away evil spirits.
The event is held annually during the Setsubun season, typically from late January to early February, specifically during the evening hours. The procession begins at 18:30 from the Orihime Community Center and lasts for approximately one hour. Since it is an outdoor nighttime event, it is important to time your arrival to see the procession up close during the dark of night.
Visitors can enjoy the heroic march of the warriors and the traditional rituals held at Banna-ji Temple. Through the sounds of the traditional instruments, the clashing of armor, and the powerful shouts of the participants, you can deeply feel the essence of traditional Japanese warrior culture.
The area around Banna-ji Temple (the procession's destination) and the Orihime Community Center (the starting point) are locations where you can feel the historical atmosphere of Ashikaga City. There are various sightseeing spots and cultural facilities nearby that showcase different seasonal beauty.
As this event takes place in the winter during the night, dressing warmly is essential. The viewing areas are along the procession route. Please check the Tips section below for more details regarding preparation and manners.