All over Japan on February 3 you can see Japanese throwing roasted soybeans outside their doors and yelling, "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi" (Out with demons, in with good fortune).
 
The practice began hundreds of years ago when demons were thought to emerge with changing seasons. According to one theory, people considered demons the cause of all evils and started throwing beans in an effort to disperse them.
 

Now people throw beans as a prayer for good health on the day before spring officially begins. Other old customs practiced on this day include placing a sprig of holly and roasted sardine head on the front gate, and eating a large roll of sushi while looking in the lucky direction. In recent years, fathers also dress up as demons at home for children to throw beans at while shouting loudly. Similar events are held at schools and shrine festivals on the same day.


To experience bean throwing at a famous shrine festival on February 3, why not visit Kanda Myoujin Shrine near Akihabara Washington Hotel, Ikuta Jinja Shrine near Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba or Yasaka Jinja Shrine near Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo. We look forward to seeing you there.
 

■ Akihabara Washington Hotel
For details, visit: https://akihabara.washington-hotels.jp/
 
■ Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba
For details, visit: https://namba.gracery.com/
 
■ Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
For details, visit: https://kyoto.gracery.com/