Mount Kokuzo Fukuzoin Setsubun Festival

Festival highlights

A highlight is the demon performers wearing vivid red and blue masks and costumes.

Men and women born in the current zodiac year, the head priest, neighborhood officials, and visitors climb the hill on the temple grounds and receive prayers at the Kokuzobosatsu-do hall at the summit.

They then descend a steep stone staircase of about 100 steps and proceed through the temple grounds in procession.

Red and blue demons circle the mountain, bringing wishes for good fortune at Kikugawa's Setsubun Festival

What to expect

The event begins with a climb up the hill on the temple grounds to receive prayers at the Kokuzobosatsu-do hall.

After the prayers, participants descend a stone staircase of about 100 steps and proceed through the temple grounds.

Finally, beans with lottery tickets and sweets are thrown in the plaza where residents gather, as people pray for protection from misfortune and good health throughout the year.

How to take part

Visitors are described as joining a procession up the hill on the temple grounds alongside men and women born in the current zodiac year, the head priest, and neighborhood officials.

Beans and sweets are thrown in the plaza, so visitors can experience the Setsubun Festival by watching the event.

No information is provided about eligibility or participant limits for the procession.

If you wish to receive prayers, arrive at the venue during the prayer registration period.

Registration is listed as being from 9:15 to 10 a.m., with prayers starting at 10 a.m.

No information is provided about how or where to apply in advance.

Location and access

Venue and address

Mount Kokuzo Fukuzoin (Takahashi, Kikugawa City).

By car

Use of public transportation is recommended.

Parking

Yes (free).

Source: 虚空蔵山 | 菊川歴史くらぶ

Event venue 静岡県菊川市 虚空蔵山福蔵院

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

In 2026, the event was held on February 1 (Sun.). Prayers took place from 10 a.m., and registration for prayers was from 9:15 to 10 a.m.

The 2026 event information indicates that this event has ended.

It is usually held on the 1st Sunday of February.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The route goes up the hill on the temple grounds and down a steep stone staircase of about 100 steps.

For comfort and to help you see where you are stepping, it is best to wear suitable clothing.

If traveling by car, note that parking is available, but use of public transportation is recommended.

Origins and History of Mount Kokuzo Fukuzoin Setsubun Festival

The Setsubun Festival is said to have continued since the early Meiji period.

The Setsubun Festival at Mount Kokuzo was designated a folk cultural property of the former Ogasa Town in Heisei 9 (1997) and is now treated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kikugawa City.

The Kokuzo-do hall enshrines an image of Kokuzo Bosatsu, and Mount Kokuzo is cherished by local residents.

Official information

Official information related to Kikugawa City’s cultural property guide is available on the Kikugawa City Board of Education website.

Kikugawa City’s Lifelong Learning Division, Cultural Promotion Section (Buried Cultural Properties Center) is listed as the festival contact.

Mount Kokuzo Fukuzoin Setsubun Festival at a Glance

The Mount Kokuzo Fukuzoin Setsubun Festival is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kikugawa City, said to have continued since the early Meiji period.

Participants climb the mountain with the red and blue demons leading the way, receive prayers, descend the stone steps, proceed in a procession, and then throw beans and sweets.

In 2026, it was held on February 1, with prayers for protection from misfortune and good health throughout the year.