Seiganji Temple’s Setsubun-e: Bringing Together Prayer and the Spirit of the Arts
Seiganji Setsubun-e
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Around the time of Setsubun, February 3
- Location
- Seiganji Temple
- Area
- Kyoto Prefecture・Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 10 min–2 h 40 min · bullet train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/11/12
Through prayers, dance offerings, bean throwing, and the Ogi-zuka memorial service, Seiganji Setsubun-e offers a chance to experience Setsubun prayers and wishes for the arts.
About Seiganji Setsubun-e
Seiganji Setsubun-e is a Setsubun event held at Seiganji Temple in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City.
Along with prayers, dance offerings, and bean throwing, a memorial service is also held at the Ogi-zuka, which has deep ties to the arts.
Because Priest Sakuden Nikkai wrote “Seisuisho,” Seiganji Temple is sometimes called the origin of rakugo. It has also long been connected with traditional arts such as Noh and dance.
Festival highlights
A highlight is the way a service of prayer and a performing arts offering are brought together in one event.
A dance is offered after the Daihannya Tendo-e, followed by bean throwing.
Then, in front of the Ogi-zuka, where fans that have served their purpose are laid to rest, a memorial service is held to express gratitude for the journey so far and pray for progress in the arts.
Seiganji Temple’s Setsubun-e: Bringing Together Prayer and the Spirit of the Arts
What to expect
The event begins with the Daihannya Tendo-e, followed by a dance offering, bean throwing, and the Ogi-zuka memorial service.
At the Daihannya Tendo-e, the wishes and prayers of those who have applied are offered in prayer.
At the Ogi-zuka memorial service, used fans are laid to rest, gratitude is expressed for the journey so far, and prayers are offered for continued progress and dedication in the arts.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Seiganji Temple, 453 Sakurano-cho, Shinkyogoku-dori Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Train and bus
Get off at “Kawaramachi Sanjo” bus stop, then walk 5 minutes / Get off at “Sanjo” Station on the Keihan Main Line, then walk 7 minutes / Get off at “Kyoto-kawaramachi” Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, then walk 7 minutes / Get off at “Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae” Station on the Tozai Subway Line, then walk 10 minutes
Address 453 Sakurano-cho, Shinkyogoku-dori Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Dates and season
- Season
Around the time of Setsubun, February 3
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Kyoto Prefecture / Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
There are tourist attractions near Seiganji Temple, including Shinkyogoku, Nishiki Market, and Honnoji Temple.
According to information from the Kyoto Prefecture Tourism Federation, Shinkyogoku is 0.2 km away in a straight line, while Nishiki Market and Honnoji Temple are each 0.3 km away in a straight line.
This area offers the opportunity to explore the urban culture and shopping districts around Teramachi and Shinkyogoku on foot alongside your visit to the festival.
京都タワー
京都府京都市下京区にある塔
京都国立博物館
京都市にある国立博物館
京都国立近代美術館
京都市左京区岡崎にある美術館
京都国際マンガミュージアム
日本の京都府京都市中京区にある日本最大の漫画博物館
京都市美術館
京都市左京区岡崎にある美術館
京都府立植物園
京都市左京区にある植物園
京都鉄道博物館
京都府京都市下京区にある鉄道博物館
Fushimi Inari Taisha
京都市伏見区にある神社
元離宮二条城
京都市にある城郭及び元皇室関連施設
Yasaka Shrine
京都市東山区にある神社
円山公園
京都市にある公園
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
京都市上京区にある神社
Origins and History of Seiganji Setsubun-e
Seiganji Temple is known as a temple with deep ties to folding fans and is sometimes called the origin of rakugo because Priest Sakuden Nikkai wrote “Seisuisho.”
The temple has connections to traditional arts such as Noh, dance, and rakugo, and a custom has been passed down of people devoted to these arts placing their used fans at the Ogi-zuka.
At the Setsubun-e, a Buddhist service is held to express gratitude for the progress made and pray for further improvement.
Official information
The event information on the official website of the Kyoto Prefecture Tourism Federation lists the event details, venue, address, and transportation for Seiganji Setsubun-e.
Seiganji Setsubun-e at a Glance
Seiganji Setsubun-e is a Setsubun event in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, featuring prayers, a dance offering, bean throwing, and the Ogi-zuka memorial service.
Against the backdrop of Seiganji Temple’s ties to the arts, including rakugo, Noh, and dance, the event is distinguished by a memorial service expressing gratitude for used fans and praying for progress in the arts.
For 2026, the schedule is listed for February 3, with times given from the Daihannya Tendo-e through the Ogi-zuka memorial service.
Sources and references
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/11/12
