Bring in good fortune and expel evil with the famous tradition of mamemaki, or bean-throwing, at Tochoji Temple! 

During the festive period of Setsubun, the hexagonal Rokkakudo hall and national treasure Thousand-Armed Kannon statue are unveiled to the public in a ceremony that regularly attracts many to Tochoji Temple. 

For those who don’t know, Setsubun is a festival that commemorates the last day of winter in the traditional Japanese calendar, usually falling on February 3 or 4. For this reason it is seen as a time for renewal, and an opportunity to get one’s upcoming year off to a good start. The ritual of throwing beans is meant to represent the act of throwing out the old year in order to welcome in the new. 

At the mamemaki ceremony at Tochoji, not only beans but mochi and other sweets will be scattered about in little pouches as those throwing shout “Fuku-ha-uchi, Oni-ha-soto!” meaning “Luck within, evil without!” from a stage set up for the occasion. 

We hope you will come to witness this traditional ceremony at one of Fukuoka’s most venerated temples. 
*The seven lucky gods will appear solely on the 3rd.

Setsubun Festival

February 2nd, 2026 (Monday) 10:00 ~ 17:00 
・Mamemaki (bean throwing): 13:00 to 16:00 (three sessions at 13:00, 15:00, and 16:00)
・Fukubiki (fortune drawing): 13:00 ~ 17:00

Great Setsubun Ceremony

February 3rd, 2026 (Tuesday) 
・Mamemaki (bean throwing): 10:00 to 16:00 (six sessions at 10:00, 10:40, 12:00, 13:40, 15:00 and 16:00)
・Fukubiki (fortune drawing): 10:00 ~ 17:00

What is fortune drawing?

Fortune telling on Setsubun helps bring in good fortune for the remainder of your year, with all of the fortunes bringing good luck. A wide variety of prizes connected to the Japanese gods of luck will also be made available at the event. The special prize, Ebisu Prize, and Daikokuten Prize are on a fan-shaped board with an auspicious spread, while the Otafuku Prize is a wall decoration with a Hakata doll mask attached to a rake that beckons good fortune. Let the good luck of the gods bring you success in business, personal wealth, and fortune to your family!

On either day, the fortune drawing will be held from 10:00 ~17:00.

Fukubiki tickets: 2,000 yen *Advance tickets (1,500 yen) are available at the temple office until Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Fee

Entry: Free to view
Fukubiki (fortune drawing): Fukubiki tickets: 2,000 yen *Advance tickets (1,500 yen) are available at the temple office until Saturday, January 31, 2026.

▼Great Setsubun Ceremony 2024