Osu Kannon Setsubun Festival
The Setsubun Festival is held annually at Osu Kannon, the central temple among the four Kannon temples of Owari: Arako Kannon, Jimokuji Kannon, Ryusenji Kannon, and Kasadera Kannon. For a fee of 3,500 yen, attendees can purchase a bean-throwing prayer ticket, granting them access to participate in the traditional bean-throwing ritual from a specially designated stage positioned in front of the temple’s main hall.
In the afternoon, a vibrant treasure ship procession commences, parading from Hisaya Odori Park’s "Hope Plaza" to Osu Kannon. This procession features the god of fortune of the treasure ship, accompanied by the Seven Gods of Fortune. Upon arrival at Osu Kannon, the festivities reach their climax with the "Oni-oi Ritual," a demon-chasing ritual performed on the viewing stand.
Treasure Ship Procession
The treasure ship procession is a spectacle not to be missed. Participants, adorned in colorful attire, accompany the treasure ship as it makes its way through the streets. The procession is a visual representation of good fortune and prosperity, with the Seven Gods of Fortune symbolizing various aspects of luck and happiness.
Spot Information
Osu Kannon (Shinpukuji Hoshoin)
Osu Kannon, formally known as Kitanozan Shinpukuji Hoshoin, is a temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Originally situated in Osu, Mino, the temple was relocated to its current location in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan.
The temple’s main hall, which was destroyed during the war, was reconstructed in 1970. Osu Kannon is also home to the Osu Library, which houses a collection of approximately 15,000 books, including a National Treasure copy of the Kojiki, Japan’s oldest extant chronicle. Additionally, an antique market is held on the temple grounds on the 18th and 28th of each month.
Date: February 2, 2025 (Sunday/Holiday)
Time:
- 10:00-18:00 (Bean-throwing prayer)
- 13:18- (Treasure Ship Procession)
Venue: Osu Kannon
Contact: Osu Kannon
TEL: 052-231-6525 (English inquiries not accepted)
Access: A 3-minute walk from Exit 2 of Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Subway Line
What is Setsubun?
Setsubun is a Japanese festival marking the transition from winter to spring according to the lunar calendar, celebrated on February 3rd. It involves customs designed to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune for the year ahead. The central ritual is "mamemaki," or bean-throwing, where roasted soybeans are thrown either out the door or at someone wearing an oni (demon) mask, accompanied by the chant "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" meaning "Demons out! Luck in!" This tradition is thought to cleanse the home and protect it from bad luck. Additionally, people eat a number of beans equal to their age to promote health and happiness. Setsubun is widely observed across Japan, with temples and shrines hosting events that attract many participants eager to engage in the celebrations and welcome the new season.
