At the start of spring according to the traditional calendar, Myo-oji Temple in Kaga City hosts a Setsubun ceremony focused on warding off misfortune and inviting good fortune for the year ahead. Rooted in mountain ascetic traditions, the event blends solemn Buddhist rituals with a warm, community feel, making it an approachable way to experience this seasonal custom.
The morning begins with prayers centered on the Fudo Goma fire ritual, a Buddhist ceremony in which wooden prayer sticks are burned in a sacred flame. Visitors can write wishes or intentions on these sticks, which are then offered into the fire as a symbolic act of purification and renewal. This is followed by a memorial service led by the temple's head priest and mountain ascetics, whose chanting and formal movements create a calm, reverent mood.
Once the prayers conclude, the focus shifts to a much-loved highlight: the bean-throwing ceremony. Roasted soybeans are tossed out to the crowd to symbolically chase away bad luck and invite good fortune, a Setsubun tradition that draws smiles from children and adults alike.
To round out the experience, visitors are offered free zenzai, a sweet red bean soup that's especially comforting on a winter day. It's a small but thoughtful gesture that adds a cozy and communal feel to the event.
