Event information

Every February 3rd, the traditional Setsubun festival is held at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gangoji Temple in Nara. Setsubun means "Seasonal division" and marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring in Japan. People perform rituals to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune in the new year.At the Setsubun event, visitors can participate in a purification ceremony and the symbolic event of "Mamemaki. " During this ritual, temple monks and worshippers throw roasted beans while chanting, "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" (Demons out! Good fortune in!). This ritual is believed to ward off evil and attract good fortune. However, in recent years, Gangoji Temple has opted to throw the beans while reciting, "Fuku wa uchi, oni wa uchi" (Good fortune in, demons in), with the belief that "Demons should come out from within us" and "Good fortune should come into the house."Gangoji Temple's Setsubun festival is a popular event. Many locals and tourists pray for health, happiness, and protection from evil spirits throughout the year.