Before Setsubun on the 3rd, maiko (apprentice geisha) threw beans for the first time in three years at Yasaka Shrine in Gion, Kyoto, and prayed for good health.

At Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, on Setsubun Day and the day before it, dance dedications and bean-throwing have been held to pray for good health for the year, but due to the influence of the new corona, it has been canceled for two years in a row. , This year was the first time in three years.



On the 2nd, maiko from Pontocho, one of Kyoto's geisha quarters, performed a splendid dance on the stage in the precincts.

After this, the maiko and the new year's men and women selected from the shrine staff threw beans in white bags from the stage to the beat of the taiko drums.

Beans were called “fukumame,” which means good fortune when eaten, and visitors would stretch out their hands and hold each other.

A woman in her 40s who visited from Mie Prefecture said, "There have been various restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it may be possible to remove the masks soon. If the restrictions are eased, I would like to go out and have fun a little more." was talking



A woman in her 30s who came from Dubai said, "I love Japan and this is my fifth visit. I took one bean. I want to get married this year."



Mamemaki at Yasaka Shrine is also held on the third day of Setsubun.