WHAT IS SETSU-BUN?
節分とは？
In Japan, February 3rd has an annual celebration for what is called ‘Setsu-bun’ festival. Although there are several theories regarding its origin, ‘Setsu-bun’ literally means ‘seasonal division’ during which people used to celebrate the start of new spring based on the Japanese Lunar calendar around 3rd of February. One of the most commonly conducted rituals during Setsu-bun is ‘Mame-maki’ or Bean-throwing in which people throw beans at devils (people in masks) to drive away the evil spirits by saying the famous phrase: “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" ("Devils out, happiness in!”). Why don’t you experience this traditional culture in the most traditional city of Japan?
「鬼は外！福は内！」毎年2月3日に行われる「節分」。ご家族でお祝いをされる方も多いのではないでしょうか？ 諸説ありますが、「節分」は元々「季節の分け目」を祝う行事で、年に４回ありました（立春、立夏、立秋、立冬）。「立春」の節分（２月３日頃）は、その年の一番最初の「節分」なので、大晦日に相当する大事な日とされ、節分＝2月3日を指すようになったと言われています。年に一度の節分、京都ならではの場所で体験してみてはいかがですか？
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
おすすめスポット！
During the Setsu-bun season, there are events and celebrations across the Japanese archipelago. Not quite surprisingly, Kyoto is said to be the birthplace of such events. Although there are so many events happening during Setsu-bun in Kyoto, let us share some of our recommendations!
全国で行われている「節分祭」、その発祥は京都！京都市内の様々な寺社仏閣で節分を祝うイベントが開催されます。その中でもいくつかおすすめをご紹介します。
1. Yasaka Shrine (click to open the map)
Only 15 mins walk from the MLK. You can enjoy seeing ‘Mame-maki’ of Geishas. Highly recommended for photo-takers!
MLKから徒歩で１５分ほど。舞妓さんや芸妓さんの豆まきイベントがあります！写真を撮る方におすすめです！
Time: 2nd & 3rd February 09:00 ~16:00
2. Heian Jingu Shrine (click to open the map)
25 mins on foot and 15 mins by Bus, Heian Jingu offers a unique experience for you. There will be a ritual appreciative of the Heian Period (AC 794 ~1185) . Recommended for those who would like to see the traditional side of the celebration.
MLKから徒歩２５分、バスで１５分。平安時代の作法、祭具、衣裳を再現した儀式が行われます！伝統的な節分を楽しみたい方におすすめです！
Time: 3 February: 9:30 ~
3. Yoshida Shrine (click to open the map)
25 mins bus ride from MLK will take you to one of the most traditional shrines in Kyoto: Yoshida Shrine. The shrine holds Setsu-bun events over the three days including Mame-maki and other rituals. Furthermore, there will be more than 800 festival stalls in which you can shop, eat, and have fun! Recommended for experience-seekers!
MLKからはバスで２５分ほど。京都大学の近くにある歴史的な神社です。３日間に渡って、伝統的な豆まきや儀式が行われ、2日と3日には８００以上の露店が立ち並びます。京都の節分を肌で感じ、経験したい方におすすめです。
Time:
2 Feb: Setsu-bun Eve Festival 08:00~
3 Feb: Setsu-bun Festival 08:00~
4 Feb: After Setsu-bun Festival 09:30~
2月2日: 前夜祭 8:00 ~
2月3日: 当日祭: 8:00 ~
2月4日: 後日祭: 9:30 ~