Setsubun Mamemaki at Sensoji Temple
in Asakusa
Feb. 3 (Sun)
10 a.m. Bean throwing by Sensoji kindergarteners
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Processions and bean throwing by local magnates
2:30 p.m. Bean throwing by Seven Lucky Gods
4 p.m. Bean throwing by showbusiness personalities
5 p.m. Bean throwing by Asakusa geisha girls

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MEETUP POINT: Asakusa Station, Temple Exit, in front of the KOBAN [Mini- Police Station next to Temple Gate Entrance]

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CONTACT:

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Setsubun (change of season) on February 3 is the last day of winter according to the lunar calendar. The traditional mamemaki (bean-throwing) ceremony is held on this day with the ogre being showered with roasted soybeans amid cries of "oni-wa soto, fuku-wa uchi" (Out with the ogre, in with good fortune!)

At major shrines and temples, popular personalities such as sumo wrestlers, actors, etc. are invited and scatter the beans. Bean-throwers are usually those born under the particular sign of the Zodiac of the Year and they are called "Toshi-Otoko" - "Year men." Huge crowds gather to watch them perform the ritual and try to catch the beans which are considered to be lucky charm for the year.

Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Access: Asakusa Station on Subway Ginza Line, Metropolitan Subway Asakusa Line, Tsukuba Express and Tobu Isezaki Line.
Telephone: 03-3842-0181 (Sensoji Temple)