Tokyo Setsubun is just around the corner. While the celebration officially marks the beginning of spring, it is best known for mamemaki (bean throwing), the ritual of casting roasted soybeans to drive away evil spirits.

Every Feb. 3, the chant “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons out! Fortune in!”) echoes through homes as soybeans scatter across genkans (entryways). The beans are later eaten for good luck—traditionally the number equal to your age. With winter usually holding on well into February, the crunchy, slightly sweet beans offer consolation despite Setsubun’s optimistic seasonal timing.

While many households keep things simple—dad in an oni mask, kids gleefully pelting him with beans—Tokyo’s temples and shrines host large public Setsubun events. Many feature celebrity guests, including television personalities and sumo wrestlers, who toss soybeans, sweets and small gifts into packed crowds.

Here is a breakdown of some of the best places in Tokyo to experience Setsubun.

Setsubun at Sensoji Temple

February 3

If celebrating Setsubun alongside 100,000 people sounds appealing, Sensoji delivers. The Asakusa landmark draws crowds year-round, but Feb. 3 is in a category of its own, with Nakamise-dori packed from morning onward.

Arrive around 10 am to catch local kindergarten children performing Setsubun songs and their own mamemaki. Festivities also include the Seven Deities of Good Fortune Dance, a ritual closely associated with the temple grounds. Once bean throwing begins, expect dense crowds and some jostling as attendees reach for flying fortune.

The main parade typically runs from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, with additional mamemaki sessions often held at 2 pm and 4 pm.

When: 11:30am – 1:30pm
Where: Sensoji Temple
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku (Sensoji on Google Maps)
Price: Free
Visit the website for more information: metropolisjapan.com/events/setsubun-at-senso-ji

Zojoji Temple

January 3

Set at the base of Tokyo Tower in Shiba Park, Zojoji offers one of Minato-ku’s largest Setsubun gatherings. The temple is historically linked to the Tokugawa shogunate and Tokugawa Ieyasu, but on Feb. 3 its solemn grounds give way to festive chaos.

Roughly 3,000 people attend each year, with Japanese celebrities often joining the bean throwing. The event typically runs from noon to 1 pm, making it an easy stop for those celebrating Setsubun during a lunch break.

When: From 12:20pm
Where: Zojoji Temple
Address: 4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato-ku (Zojoji on Google Maps)
Price: Free
Visit the website for more information: gotokyo.org

Ikegami Honmonji Temple

February 3

Ikegami Honmonji hosts one of Tokyo’s most established Setsubun celebrations, drawing over 10,000 people annually. Located in Ota-ku, it serves as a massive and popular alternative for those looking for a grand experience outside of central Tokyo.

The temple is also famous for its traditional kuzumochi (arrowroot mochi), which is a local staple worth seeking out. While the festivities begin with a procession at 1:00 pm, the main mamemaki (bean throwing) takes place on a giant 50-meter stage starting around 3:00 pm, featuring a large lineup of wrestlers, athletes, and celebrities.

When: 11am – 2pm
Where: Ikegami Honmonji Temple
Address: 1-1-1 Ikegami, Ota-ku (Ikegami Honmonji on Google Maps)
Price: Free
Visit the website for more information: trip.iko-yo.net

Takahata Fudoson Temple

February 3

Takabatake Fudo-son Kongoji in Hino City is one of Kanto’s Three Great Fudo temples. Because the resident deity protects the grounds, the ceremony uniquely features only the chant “Fuku wa uchi!” (Good fortune in!). Alongside the ritual, visitors can enjoy a lively Daruma Market and explore the historic Nio Gate.

The 2026 guest list features Rei Kikukawa, Tsunoda☆Hiro, and Shinya Owada, plus appearances by Hello Kitty, Miss Japan, and Maiko dancers. Arriving early offers a chance to see the celebrities as they parade through the grounds before each session.

When: 10am – 4pm
Where: Takahata Fudoson Temple
Address: 733 Takahata, Hino (Takahata Fudoson on Google Maps)
Price: Free
Visit the website for more information: shinsenhino.com

Shimokitazawa Azuma Street Setsubun Festival

January 31

The Shimokitazawa Azuma Street Setsubun Festival offers a unique “Japanese Halloween” experience with its Setsubun Obake de Oiran Dochu. On January 31, the streets transform as participants dress in traditional costumes to ward off evil spirits. The highlight is the elegant Oiran Procession, which brings a touch of historical glamour to the modern, trendy neighborhood of Shimokitazawa.

The festivities are spread throughout the day, starting with children’s parades in the morning and the famous Tengu parade at midday. The Setsubun Obake event begins at 4:00 pm, followed by the main Oiran parade at 4:30 pm. Visitors are encouraged to join the fun by renting a kimono to participate in the walk, followed by enjoying specialty “Eho-sake” at local restaurants to pray for good health and prosperity.

When: From 4pm
Where: Azuma-dori Shopping Street
Address: 2−8−4 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku (Azuma-dori Shopping Street on Google Maps)
Price: Free
Visit the website for more information: shimokitazawa-east.com