1. Ikegami Honmonji
Ikegami Honmonji puts on a parade and more for Setsubun. Battle off evil spirits with added strength thanks to the assistance of amateur, professional and retired wrestlers. Being the final resting place of Rikidozan, who many believe is the father of pro wrestling, the normally serene Honmonji in Ota-ku is sure to be full of energy, perfect for fending off the strongest of demons.
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2. Zojoji
Located near Tokyo Tower, Zozoji is one of the most popular temples to celebrate Setsubun, with a special ceremony to wish good luck to those born in the current Chinese zodiac year, 2024 being the year of the dragon. The unlucky ones can sign up to dress in traditional garb and throw soybeans out to the crowds. You can also purchase the beans to take home for your own mamemaki ritual, which makes for an original omiyage.
3. Sensoji
Sensoji in Asakusa is unmissable when it comes to festivals in Tokyo. No matter the time of the year, you are sure to find enormous crowds, with as many as 100,000 expected on the day, to throw beans while chanting: “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” – which translates to “Demons be gone! Fortune come in!” The mesmerizing dance of the Seven Lucky Gods is a must-see.
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4. Soganji
Soganji, a 400-year-old temple located in Saitama, is home to the most action-packed Setsubun festivities. Starring three demons that come rushing through the crowd, representing anger, avarice and sloth, visitors can literally throw their mamemaki at the evil spirits. This literal rendition and physical representation of the three spirits are said to banish demons more efficiently.
5. Ookunitama Shrine
Said to have been founded in 111, Ookunitama shrine is one of the five big shrines of Tokyo. Home so a few sacred buildings, you’ll also find a sumo ring and a memorial for those who suffered from the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). For a traditional setsubun experience without the massive crowds of Sensoji and Zojoji, consider this Fuchu location.
