On February 3, 2026, Setsubun, a variety of Setsubun events were held at shrines and temples across Kyoto City. Thousands of worshippers braved the cold wind to ward off misfortune and seize good fortune.
At Yasaka Shrine (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City), the Gion Kobu Kabu Kabu Kai (Gion Dance Association) began its dance offering at 1:00 PM, with three maiko performing beautiful dances of "Gion Kouta" and "Matsuzukushi." As the eldest man and woman in their respective years joined in, they threw beans, and the packed worshippers rushed to grab the bags full of beans.
A female office worker from Osaka City, who caught the bag that had flown by, beamed, "I didn't think it would be possible, so I'm lucky! I'll split it in half with my friend who came with me." Kabu societies in Pontocho and Miyagawacho also performed offering dances and bean-throwing ceremonies on February 2 and Gion Higashi on February 3.
