Feb3! Tokyo Setsubun Soybean Scattering Ehomaki Hand Roll Sushi

On February 3rd, Tokyo celebrates the vibrant Setsubun festival, ushering in the transition from winter to spring. Locals partake in the time-honored tradition of scattering roasted soybeans, known as "fuku-mame," to drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune. Alongside this ritual, they savor the making and consumption of "ehomaki," a cylindrical sushi roll believed to bring luck when eaten in silence. This captivating cultural event offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage and the community’s enduring spirit of renewal.

Key Points

• Participate in the traditional Setsubun festival on February 3rd in Tokyo, involving scattering roasted soybeans to drive away evil spirits and invite good luck.
• Learn to prepare and eat the customary Ehomaki sushi roll in silence while facing the lucky direction to welcome the arrival of spring.
• Gather at JR Yamanote Line Otsuka Station and travel to Sugamo Station for the Setsubun celebration and soybean scattering experience.
• The event is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a maximum of 30 travelers for an intimate experience.
• Pricing starts at $53.83 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the event.

What Is Tokyo Setsubun?

Setsubun is a Japanese festival that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It’s traditionally celebrated on February 3rd.

During Setsubun, people scatter roasted soybeans, called "fuku-mame" (meaning "lucky beans"), to drive away evil spirits and invite good luck.

Another custom is to eat a special sushi roll called "ehomaki" in silence while facing the lucky direction of the year. This ritual is believed to bring good fortune.

Setsubun festivities often take place at shrines and temples across Japan, with the largest celebration happening in Tokyo.

Soybean Scattering Tradition

During Setsubun, people traditionally scatter roasted soybeans, known as "fuku-mame," to symbolically cast out evil spirits and invite good luck for the new year.

Families, temples, and shrines across Japan take part in this ritual, tossing beans while shouting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" ("Demons out, fortune in!").

The scattered beans represent the expulsion of bad fortune, and people often pick up and eat the number of beans corresponding to their age, believing it will bring them good luck.

This lively tradition is a cherished part of Setsubun celebrations throughout Japan.

Preparing Ehomaki Hand Roll Sushi

One of the highlights of the Tokyo Setsubun celebration is the preparation of Ehomaki, a traditional hand roll sushi.

Ehomaki is a cylindrical, nori-wrapped sushi roll filled with various ingredients like egg, shrimp, and burdock root. During Setsubun, people gather to carefully assemble these lucky sushi rolls.

The process involves skillfully rolling the nori sheet around the fillings, creating a compact, uniform shape. Once prepared, the Ehomaki is believed to bring good fortune when eaten in its entirety without speaking.

This ritual sushi is an integral part of the Setsubun festivities, celebrating the arrival of spring.

Meeting Point and Directions

The meeting point for the Tokyo Setsubun soybean scattering and Ehomaki sushi experience is at the JR Yamanote Line Otsuka Station ticket gate. From there, the group will travel to the end point at Sugamo Station.

Meeting Point	End Point
Ōtsuka Station	Sugamo Station
3-chōme-33-1 Minamiōtsuka, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0005, Japan	1 Chome-16 Sugamo, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0002, Japan
Directions: Meet at JR Yamanote Line Otsuka Station ticket gate	–

Inclusions and Amenities

The Tokyo Setsubun soybean scattering and Ehomaki sushi experience includes several traditional Japanese items.

Travelers will receive a masu sake cup made of Japanese cypress wood, a symbol of luck and prosperity.

They’ll also get to enjoy classic Japanese snacks like dorayaki, a sweet pancake, and the Ehomaki roll, a thick sushi roll eaten on Setsubun.

And of course, handfuls of dried soybeans to toss as part of the Setsubun rituals.

This immersive cultural experience offers a taste of Japan’s unique seasonal traditions and customs.

Accessibility and Participation

Although the Tokyo Setsubun soybean scattering and Ehomaki sushi experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, it may not be suitable for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.

The event takes place near public transportation, allowing easy access. However, participants must be able to sit on the floor and stand for extended periods.

Infants are welcome but must sit on laps. The maximum number of travelers is 30, ensuring an intimate and engaging experience.

Booking Details and Information

Booking the Tokyo Setsubun soybean scattering and Ehomaki sushi experience is straightforward. The price starts at $53.83 per person.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and there’s a free cancellation option up to 24 hours before the event. Travelers can reserve now and pay later.

Bookings follow the local time, so be mindful of time zone differences. With a maximum of 30 participants, the experience offers an intimate and authentic culture.

Whether you’re seeking a unique cultural activity or a memorable group outing, this Tokyo Setsubun celebration is worth exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Event?

The event does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. The inclusions mention snacks like dorayaki, ehomaki roll, and dried soybean, so those will be provided as part of the experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Participants?

There is no strict dress code for the Tokyo Setsubun event. Participants can wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire. Casual clothing is recommended, as some activities may involve getting soybean scattered or handling sushi ingredients.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Event?

There are no age restrictions for the Tokyo Setsubun event. Infants must sit on laps, but the event is suitable for all ages. Participants of all ages can enjoy the soybean scattering and Ehomaki hand roll sushi preparation activities.

Can I Purchase Additional Snacks or Souvenirs at the Event?

Yes, attendees can purchase additional snacks and souvenirs at the event. The inclusions list mentions dorayaki, ehomaki roll, and dried soybean, but travelers may want to bring extra money to buy additional local treats and mementos.

Is There a Guide or Host Available to Provide More Information?

Yes, there is a guide or host available to provide more information. The event includes a guided tour that covers the activities, history, and cultural significance of the Setsubun celebration.

Sum Up

Tokyo’s Setsubun festival on February 3rd celebrates the transition to spring. Locals and visitors alike gather to scatter roasted soybeans, chanting to drive out evil spirits and welcome good fortune. They also enjoy the tradition of eating "ehomaki," a cylindrical sushi roll, in silence for luck. This lively event embodies the spirit of community and renewal as the seasons change.