Held the day before the official start of spring, the Close-of-Winter Festival, or Setsubun festival, is a traditional event in which prayers are made for happiness in the coming year. At Naritasan Shinshoji Temple prayers are also made for peace and a plentiful harvest. Although it is traditional on Setsubun to shout, “Out with demons, in with good luck!” while throwing beans to drive away evil spirits, at this festival only, “In with good luck!” is said. This is because the compassion and benevolence of Ofudo-sama, the temple’s main deity, is so great that even wicked demons yield to him and become reformed. Soybeans and peanuts are thrown three times during the festival, at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 4:00 pm.

Experience this on the Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program by booking a free Volunteer Guided Tour.