Uploaded February 2015 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Question: What would you do if an Ogre suddenly came into your house? Well here in Japan, you chase him out by throwing beans at him and yelling 'Good luck in! Devils out!'
Every year on February 3rd, Japan celebrates Setsubun no hi, a day where people (usually children) throw beans at a brave individual (usually the male head of the household) wearing an Ogre mask. What does this all mean? By throwing beans at the Ogre and chasing him out of the house, it means you're driving away bad luck and any misfortunes.
On February 3rd, there was a Setsubun festival at the beautiful Kitano tenman-gu shrine, and 100s of people gathered to watch this event. The festival was also graced with four elegant Geikos and Maikos who performed a special dance (Nihonbuyo). At the end, the Maikos and Geikos threw packets of beans into the crowd. Even the way these Geikos and Maikos threw the beans was very elegant and graceful.
For details and more on this event, check out our website:
discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/february/setsubun-kitano-tenmangu
Question: What would you do if an Ogre suddenly came into your house? Well here in Japan, you chase him out by throwing beans at him and yelling 'Good luck in! Devils out!'
Every year on February 3rd, Japan celebrates Setsubun no hi, a day where people (usually children) throw beans at a brave individual (usually the male head of the household) wearing an Ogre mask. What does this all mean? By throwing beans at the Ogre and chasing him out of the house, it means you're driving away bad luck and any misfortunes.
On February 3rd, there was a Setsubun festival at the beautiful Kitano tenman-gu shrine, and 100s of people gathered to watch this event. The festival was also graced with four elegant Geikos and Maikos who performed a special dance (Nihonbuyo). At the end, the Maikos and Geikos threw packets of beans into the crowd. Even the way these Geikos and Maikos threw the beans was very elegant and graceful.
For details and more on this event, check out our website:
discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/february/setsubun-kitano-tenmangu
![Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Tōfuku-ji [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pMFqMyTvPWE/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Tōfuku-ji [4K]
Kyotos autumn leaves (kōyō) are some of the most famous in the country, and one of the most popular places to view the changing colors is at Tōfuku-ji temple. One of the citys Five Great Zen Temples, Tōfuku-ji was founded in 1236 and is home to a famous series of gardens and one of the oldest Sanmon Gates in Japan. When it comes to seasonal delights, however, go to Tōfuku-ji for their gorgeous mini-valley filled with maple trees. The Tsūten-kyō Bridge crosses over this rich sea of colors, allowing visitors to feel as if they are floating on a sea of red autumn leaves.
To see more of Tōfuku-ji and how to get there, check out our page: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/tofuku-ji/
Music: Autumn Piano by SuricateBand")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Plum Blossom Viewing Spots (Kitano Tenmangū, Jōnangū & Zuishin-in) [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pXa0g1zRX98/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Plum Blossom Viewing Spots (Kitano Tenmangū, Jōnangū & Zuishin-in) [4K]
See more beautiful plum blossoms at our website:
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/march/plum-blossoms/
Though Japan may be famous for its cherry blossoms, those knowledgeable about their greenery are aware that there are actually many more flowering trees and plants that are popular for seasonal viewing nationwide.
The precursor to the blooming of sakura, ume (plum trees) were introduced from China hundreds of years ago and come in shades from pure white to dark pink. Plums are a popular food in Japanese cuisine, and you will find them in many forms from your tea to pickles in the center of your rice balls. In addition, plum trees were thought to ward off danger, and it was once common to plant them in the northeast corner of gardens, that direction being considered most susceptible to misfortune.
Plum blossoms may be difficult to distinguish from cherry and peach to the untrained eye, and similar to those other flowering trees they have a somewhat short lifespan. Still, plum trees bloom slightly longer and are usually visible from the colder month of February down through March. Events such as plum viewings and tea ceremonies are also held around this time. If you’re in Kyoto during this season, be sure to keep your eye out for these cheerful flowers blooming despite the chill in the air.")
![Kyoto Arts: Calligraphy in Kyoto [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ryjyXFo34fQ/mqdefault.jpg "Kyoto Arts: Calligraphy in Kyoto [4K]
People often conceptualize calligraphy as a means to an end, viewing it simply as a type of penmanship used to achieve fancy lettering. But to Kawao Tomoko, a prominent calligrapher based in Kyoto, practicing the art of calligraphy is a gateway to so much more. Discover how she preserves techniques and traditions that have been passed down for centuries while also applying her talents to express herself creatively and meaningfully as an artist in today’s world.")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 at Giō-ji [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/st8FNQLpJ8M/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 at Giō-ji [4K]
Kyotos autumn leaves (kōyō) are some of the most famous in the country, and one of the most popular places to view the changing colors is at Giō-ji temple. Located in the Arashiyama area, Giō-ji is famous for its connection to the Japanese classic The Tale of the Heike, and for its charming moss garden. Though small in size, the lush garden is made up of many varieties of moss with a flower-lined stream meandering through beneath a bower of maple trees. These maple leaves turn fiery shades come autumn, and the sight of colorful leaves fallen on the green carpet of moss is without compare!
To see more of Giō-ji and how to get there, check out our page: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/gio-ji")
