Setsubun at Narita-san

Setsubun is a traditional ritual held annually in early February to mark the seasonal transition to spring. While celebrated nationwide, the ceremony at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Narita is among the largest and most widely televised in Japan. A distinctive feature of the event is the participation of elite sumo wrestlers and prominent actors, who throw roasted soybeans from elevated stages to crowds gathered in the temple precinct. These bean-throwing sessions (mamemaki) typically occur three times throughout the day, often scheduled for 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:00 PM.

For visitors, the event offers a unique cultural spectacle, but the area directly in front of the stages is subject to extreme congestion and physical jostling as spectators compete to catch the “fortune beans.” A key cultural tip for this location is the specific chant used: unlike most festivals that shout “Oni wa soto” (Demons out), Naritasan only uses “Fuku wa uchi” (Fortune in), as the resident deity is believed to be powerful enough to deter evil spirits naturally. To ensure a view of the celebrity participants, it is advisable to arrive at least one hour before the first scheduled session. Visitors should also consider exploring the expansive temple grounds after the main rituals to avoid the immediate rush of departing crowds.