Mt Takao Setsubun Festival

Mt. Takao’s Setsubun Festival is one of the Tokyo region’s most dynamic bean‑throwing ceremonies, held annually at Takaosan Yakuōin Temple on the side of Mt Takao. It features monks, dignitaries, and celebrity guests who participate in the traditional purification rituals and multiple bean-throwing sessions throughout the day.

Held every year on February 3, the Setsubun ceremony at Takaosan Yakuōin is famous for its powerful, mountain‑temple atmosphere. Participants chant 「福は内！」(Fuku wa uchi!) to invite good fortune while throwing roasted soybeans to ward off misfortune. Unlike many temples that shout both “Fuku wa uchi” and “Oni wa soto,” Yakuōin traditionally does not use “Oni wa soto,” because the temple teaches that demons can be transformed through Buddhist practice.

In order to participate in this vivacious traditional setsubun festival you will need to either hike or take the cable car, after getting a train to Takaosanguchi Station. If you come by car, there is a parking lot near the cable car station. Mt Takao is a great place to visit it at any time of the year, but it will be particularly atmospheric for the setsubun festival.