The Setsubun Festival was held on February 2nd and February 3rd, 2024 at Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. There was bean-throwing by maiko, young men, and young women, and worshipers were reaching out with their hands desperately trying to grab good fortune.
On February 3rd, at 1:00 p.m., three maiko from Gion Kobu appeared at the dance hall in the temple grounds. After the dance was performed, beans were thrown all at once to the worshipers gathered around the stage to the sound of drums. Some worshipers waved their hands toward the dance hall, saying, "Here, here."
A 56-year-old part-time woman from Nara City said, ''I was surprised at how many people there were. I wasn't able to pick beans, but I'm glad I was able to enjoy the Setsubun atmosphere.'' The precincts were crowded with people looking for lucky beans that came with a lottery ticket.
