Setsubun means to “separate seasons” and comes on the day before the first day of each season. Setsubun is usually celebrated on the day before the beginning of spring especially observed after the 19th century.

Mamemaki - Bean Throwing
People throw roasted soybeans at invisible demons in and outside their house in order to cleanse their house and their family of evil influences, wishing their well-being throughout the year. After Mamemaki, they pick up the beans on the floor and eat the same number of them as their age. Some people eat one more beans than their age since they believe it will make their bodies more robust and prevent them from catching a cold. People call out “Out with the demon and in with good fortune!” as they throw the beans, with some variation depending on areas and shrines. Some families who have the letter of 鬼 (demon) in their family name, such as 鬼塚(Onizuka) and　鬼頭(Kito), often call out “In with the demon and in with good fortune.”

Local Setsubun Festivals
People visit shrines and temples to enjoy mamemaki, bean throwing praying for their well-being throughout the year.

Setsubunsai Festival

When:	Feb. 3 (Tues)
Where:	Hoshoji Temple
Access:	A 10 min drive from Fujioka IC, Kan-etsu Expswy, or a 5 min walk from Shinmachi Stn, JR Takasaki Line
Inquiry:	Shin-machi Branch, Chiiki Shinko-ka Tel. 0274-42-1234

*A big bargain sale will take place and Mamemaki giveaways will be given to participants.

Setsubunsai Festival

When:	Feb. 3 (Tues)
Where:	At the house of guru of the Ontake-ko Sect at Yahara, Misato-machi, Takasaki
Access:	A 30 min drive from Maebashi IC, Kan-etsu Expswy, or a 20 min drive from Shibukawa IC, Kan-etsu Expswy
Inquiry:	Takasaki City Misato Branch, Sangyo-ka Tel. 027-371-5111

*People throw beans giving a shout which is very unique to their sect. Small pieces of wood on the altar will be burned to invoke divine help. The guru splashes boiled water on himself while praying. Many visitors scramble to touch the water to receive divine grace.

Mikagari Shinji at Kamo Shrine

When:	Feb. 3 (Tues) *The event is subject to weather conditions.
Where:	Kamo Shrine
Access:	A 10 min drive from Ota Kiryu IC, Kita Kanto Expswy
Inquiry:	Kamo Shrine Tel.0277-54-5492

*Ujiko, people under the protection of the local deity, in white cloths throw beans and then throw burning wood pieces at each other while being divided into two groups. The showers of sparks from the burning wood pieces make a pretty fantastic scene.

Setsubun Etsuina Shiki Celemony

When:	Feb. 3 (Tues)
Where:	Mizusawa Kannon
Access:	A 20 min drive from Shibukawa Ikaho IC, Kan-etsu Expswy
Inquiry:	Mizusawaji Temple Tel. 0279-72-2351

*Beans and snacks will be given away to visitors. A lottery with gorgeous gifts will take place.

Setsubunsai at Oigami Onsen Akagi Shrine

When:	Feb. 3 (Tues)
Where:	Oigami Onsen Akagi Shrine
Access:	A 50 min bus drive from JR Numata Stn
Inquiry:	Oigami Onsen Kanko Kyokai Tel. 0278-56-3013

*Mamemaki will begin at around 3:30pm in the precincts. Tonjiru soup will be served for visitors.

Fireworks in Winter

When:	Feb. 3 (Tues)
Where:	Oigami Onsen
Access:	A 50 min drive from JR Numata Stn
Inquiry:	Oigami Onsen Kanko Kyokai Tel. 0278-56-3013

*Enjoy brilliant fireworks in the clear sky.