Setsubun
What happens at Yasaka Shrine on Setsubun?
On 2 and 3 February, geiko and maiko from Kyoto's geisha districts dance on the Dance Hall, and beans are thrown after the dances.
Setsubun marks the day before spring begins in the old calendar; beans are thrown to drive out bad luck and bring in good.
The programme
2 February
| 13:00 | Dance: Pontocho, then bean throwing |
|---|---|
| 14:00 | Court music and dance: Iyasaka Gagaku-kai, then bean throwing |
| 15:00 | Dance: Miyagawa-cho, then bean throwing |
| 16:00 | Bean throwing by the Gion and Shijo shopping streets |
3 February
| 11:00 | Dance: Nihon Imayo Kabugaku-kai, then bean throwing |
|---|---|
| 13:00 | Dance: Gion Kobu, then bean throwing |
| 15:00 | Dance: Gion Higashi, then bean throwing |
| 16:00 | Bean throwing by the Gion and Shijo shopping streets |
As published by the shrine; it can change from year to year, so check before you go. Source: Setsubun (shrine's official site, Japanese). Checked 20 October 2026.
Lucky beans and the prize draw
- 1Get a bag of lucky beans at the amulet office: ¥300, with one lottery ticket per bag.
- 2Draw at the lottery desk. There are no blanks.
- 3Exchange your ticket for the prize, 10:00–17:00 on both days.
Questions
- When is Setsubun at Yasaka Shrine?
- 2 and 3 February every year. Geiko and maiko of Kyoto’s geisha districts dance on the Dance Hall, and beans are thrown after the dances.
- Can anyone watch the Setsubun dances?
- Yes. They take place on the Dance Hall in the open grounds, which are free to enter.
- What are the Setsubun lucky beans?
- Bags of lucky beans (¥300) from the amulet office. Each comes with a lottery ticket, and every ticket wins a prize; prizes are exchanged 10:00–17:00 on both days.
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