The Setsubun Festival (節分祭) at Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most vibrant spring purification rituals, celebrated annually on February 2nd and 3rd. This event marks the transition from winter to spring in the Japanese lunar calendar and is meant to ward off evil spirits while bringing good fortune for the coming year.
Highlights of Setsubun at Yasaka Shrine
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Maiko and Geiko Performances
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Mame-maki (豆まき) – Bean-Throwing Ritual
(Photos of the ceremony in 2019)
Maiko and Geiko Performances
One of the unique aspects of the Yasaka Shrine Setsubun is the participation of maiko and geiko from Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi, and Miyagawa-cho, three “Hanamachi” or geisha districts. They perform elegant traditional dances before taking part in the bean-throwing ceremony. This is a rare chance for the public to see Kyoto’s geisha in a festive setting outside of private tea houses.
Mame-maki (豆まき) – Bean-Throwing Ritual
The main attraction is the mame-maki, where roasted soybeans are thrown to drive away demons (oni) and invite good luck. Beans are scattered from a raised stage near the shrine’s dance stage by maiko (apprentice geisha) and geiko (geisha) along with shrine priests and local dignitaries. As they toss the beans, they chant the traditional phrase:
“Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (鬼は外! 福は内!) meaning: “Demons out! Good fortune in!”
Visitors eagerly try to catch the beans, as it is believed that eating them brings good health and luck for the year ahead.
