Hakata has prospered as a merchant town since ancient times. At Kushida Shrine, the guardian shrine of Hakata, and Tochoji Temple, the head temple of the Shingon sect Kyushu Diocese, a grand Setsubun Festival is held every year on February 3rd. This time, we will introduce the charm of the traditional Setsubun Festival that you can experience at these two temples.
Setsubun Festival at Kushida Shrine: Get Good Fortune with a Giant Otafuku Mask and Bean Throwing!
At the Setsubun Festival at Kushida Shrine, you can receive good fortune by passing through the mouth of the giant Otafuku mask installed in the shrine grounds.
At the bean-throwing event that follows, many people, from children to adults, reach out their hands seeking good fortune. The lively bean-throwing event is truly the essence of the Setsubun Festival.
Setsubun Festival at Tochoji Temple: A Lively Bean Throwing Event with the Seven Lucky Gods!
At Tochoji Temple, which is said to have been founded by Kukai, a bean-throwing event featuring the Seven Lucky Gods is held.
The temple grounds are filled with energy, along with the calls of “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (Demons out! Fortune in!). If you donate 5,000 yen, you can even throw the beans yourself.
Pray for a Year of Good Fortune at Hakata’s Setsubun Festival!
Both the Setsubun Festival at Kushida Shrine and Tochoji Temple are free to attend. Why not visit both temples and experience the atmosphere of each Setsubun Festival?
Basic Information
| Item | Kushida Shrine | Tochoji Temple |
| Address | 1-41 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture | 2-4 Gokushomachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Phone Number | 092-281-0003 | 092-291-4459 |
| Access | 5-minute walk from Gion Subway Station | Immediately from Gion Subway Station |
| Hours | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM | 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Setsubun Festival | February 2 (Eve Festival) 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM<br>February 3 (Main Festival) 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM | February 3, 9:00 AM to bean throwing 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Eve Festival)<br>10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Main Festival) |
| Time | Time not specified | |
| Other | Giant Otafuku mask, lucky draw | Seven Lucky Gods appear, bean-throwing experience available for 5,000 yen |
Frequently Asked Questions (Common)
Q: Is there a participation fee?
A: Worship itself is free. Participation in bean-throwing is also basically free, but there may be paid events such as lucky draws.
Q: Is there parking available?
A: Both Kushida Shrine and Tochoji Temple have dedicated parking, but it is very crowded on the day of Setsubun, so we recommend using public transportation. Parking in nearby coin parking lots is also expected to be crowded.
Q: Is it okay to take Fukumame (fortune beans) home?
A: Yes, there is a custom of taking them home to share good fortune or eat them.
Frequently Asked Questions (Kushida Shrine)
Q: Why don’t you say “Oni wa soto” (Demons out)?
A: There is a legend that the enshrined deity of Kushida Shrine, Ohata-Nushi no Okami, converted the demons, and because demons are also considered to be entities that bring good fortune, they do not say “Oni wa soto”.
Frequently Asked Questions (Tochoji Temple)
Q: What is the Oni-oi (demon chasing) ceremony?
A: Red, blue, and black demons appear and rampage through the temple grounds. Worshippers throw beans to chase away the demons and pray for protection from evil. It is a powerful event.