“Bean Throwing and Dance of the 7 Lucky Gods” 2026

Bean Throwing and Dance of the 7 Lucky Gods

“Bean Throwing and Dance of the 7 Lucky Gods” is one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric Setsubun celebrations, and in 2026 it’s listed for Monday, 2 February at Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, running from 10:00 to 14:00 with a midday bean-throwing ceremony and the Seven Lucky Gods dance. If you want a winter trip to Tokyo that feels deeply local, this is a perfect half-day cultural experience: traditional ritual, festive crowds, and a historic setting that puts you right in the heart of old Tokyo.

What is Setsubun and why Tokyo celebrates it

Setsubun is traditionally linked to the seasonal turning point before the start of spring, and in Japan it became a day associated with purification and welcoming good fortune for the coming year. One of the best-known customs is mamemaki, the act of throwing beans to ward off misfortune and invite good luck, and it remains popular because it’s simple, physical, and fun for both locals and visitors.

Metropolis Japan explains the tradition in accessible terms, describing how bean throwing is used to ward off evil spirits and how people often eat one more bean than their age for good health. In Tokyo, Setsubun is celebrated at multiple temples and shrines, but Sensō-ji’s version is particularly famous because it combines ritual with a performance element and draws large crowds in Asakusa.

Confirmed 2026 date, time, and location in Tokyo

For 2026, Tokyo Cheapo lists the event on Feb 2, 2026, running 10:00am to 2:00pm, and confirms the venue as Asakusa’s Sensō-ji Temple, describing it as Tokyo’s oldest temple. Metropolis Japan also lists the same window, stating the event runs Feb 2, 2026 at 10:00am to Feb 2, 2026 at 2:00pm at Asakusa’s Sensō-ji Temple, with free admission.

Tokyo Cheapo adds a helpful detail for planning: beans are thrown from a stage in front of the temple at noon, and the “Dance of the Seven Lucky Gods” takes place as part of the event. If you want to see the most iconic moment, plan to arrive well before noon to get a good viewing spot and to enjoy the build-up atmosphere.

What happens at the Bean Throwing and Seven Lucky Gods Dance

This event blends two crowd favorites. First is the bean throwing, often done from a raised stage, and Tokyo Cheapo notes it is “usually” done by local celebrities, which adds a festival-like excitement to the ritual. Second is the Seven Lucky Gods dance, a performance element that turns Setsubun into something you can watch and photograph, not only participate in.

Metropolis Japan explains the deeper meaning behind Setsubun, describing it as a new-year-adjacent tradition for warding off evil and welcoming luck, which gives the experience a cultural weight beyond the fun of catching flying beans. For travelers, this is one of those Tokyo moments where tradition is not behind glass. It’s alive, loud, and right in front of you.

Why Asakusa and Sensō-ji are perfect for a winter culture day

Asakusa is one of the best neighborhoods in Tokyo for first-time visitors because it offers a concentrated dose of historic Tokyo atmosphere, street food culture, and walkable sights. Sensō-ji anchors the area, and attending a festival-like ritual there makes the temple feel even more dynamic than on a normal sightseeing day.

The event timing also suits winter travel. You can spend the morning exploring Asakusa, attend the core ceremonies, then warm up afterward with a café stop or a long lunch. Because the event is listed as free, it’s also a budget-friendly highlight for travelers who want high cultural value without adding another paid ticket to their Tokyo itinerary.

How to plan your visit: arrival, access, and crowd strategy

Tokyo Cheapo provides practical access notes, listing nearby stations and approximate walking distances, including Asakusa Station (served by multiple lines) as the closest major access point. It also notes that organizers may cancel events or change schedules, and recommends checking official sites before heading out. That’s important in Tokyo where weather, security, or operational choices can adjust the timing, especially for popular temple events.

A smart crowd strategy:

• Arrive early if you want a good view near the stage.
• Keep your valuables secure, since crowded festival conditions can be distracting.
• Stay flexible and patient. The crowd energy is part of the experience.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is an excellent family-friendly cultural stop because it’s daytime, festive, and visually engaging.

What to do after the event: keep the Asakusa vibe going

Once the ceremonies end, you’re perfectly placed to continue exploring Asakusa at a slower pace. Consider:

• A post-event stroll to decompress after the crowds.
• A warm meal nearby to recover from standing outside in winter.
• A short shopping stop for traditional souvenirs.

If you’re building a full Tokyo trip around seasonal culture, Setsubun can also be a theme: different temples celebrate it differently, so you can compare styles across neighborhoods on different days if your schedule allows.

Ticketing and pricing (verified)

Both Tokyo Cheapo and Metropolis Japan list the event as free. There may be costs if you choose to buy souvenirs, snacks, or paid experiences nearby, but entry to the listed event itself is not priced.

Verified Information at a glance

• Event name: Bean Throwing and Dance of the 7 Lucky Gods
• Event category: Traditional Japanese festival / Setsubun celebration (mamemaki and Seven Lucky Gods dance)
• Confirmed city: Tokyo (Asakusa)
• Confirmed venue: Sensō-ji Temple, Asakusa
• Confirmed date: Monday, 2 February 2026
• Confirmed time: 10:00–14:00
• Key moment (listed): Bean throwing from a stage at noon
• Admission price: Free
• Note from listing: Schedules and admission requirements may change; check official sources before going

If you want Tokyo in winter with a true local heartbeat, plan your morning in Asakusa for February 2, 2026, join the crowd at Sensō-ji, and let the flying beans, Seven Lucky Gods dance, and old-Tokyo atmosphere set the tone for a trip filled with luck, culture, and discovery.