Setsubun

Setsubun normally falls on February 3 in Japan, and traditional bean throwing ceremonies are widely held around the country on the day. I think this traditional event is one of things foreign visitors might find it interesting. Japanese people often go to well-known bean throwing ceremonies to see celebrities who participate in the bean throwing. If you want to avoid crowds, try to go to a neighborhood shrine/temple. I think it's fun to join other people who rush to catch the beans. Traditionally, people in Japan not only visit temples/shrines on setsubun, but also perform bean throwing at home. You hear people say, "oniwa-soto" and "fukuwa-uchi" on setsubun. That means driving away bad lucks and inviting happiness into the house. According to the Japanese lunar calendar, spring begins the next day although it's still chilly in most parts of Japan.