Hello and welcome!

This is Kimono Rental Waplus Nara – Nara Park Bus Terminal Store 🌙✨

 

 

Although the cold weather is still with us,

according to the traditional Japanese calendar,

spring is just around the corner 🌸

 

Around Nara City and the Nara Park area,

the atmosphere is gradually becoming livelier as “Setsubun” celebrations approach 🎵

 

In February, Japan celebrates a long-standing traditional event known as “Setsubun”,

which marks the transition from winter to spring 🎎

 

In Nara City and around Nara Park,

you can enjoy many fun events related to “Setsubun”.👹

 

In this blog, we will introduce the meaning and origin of “Setsubun”,

the local “Setsubun” events held in Nara,

and helpful tips on how to fully enjoy Nara sightseeing in kimono rental 👘✨

【What Is “Setsubun”? 】

Setsubun is a traditional Japanese event held at the change of seasons to ward off evil spirits and pray for health and happiness ❣❣

 

Originally, Setsubun referred to the day before the beginning of each season: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Today, it is primarily celebrated on the day before Risshun (the first day of spring) ✨

 

This day is cherished as a time to drive away the bad luck of winter and welcome the happiness of spring 🍀

 

Since Setsubun is celebrated the day before Risshun (the first day of spring),

it does not always fall on February 3rd ❣❣

 

The date of Risshun can change slightly each year,

which means the date of Setsubun may also shift 🎵

In fact, in some past years, Setsubun has even been observed on February 2nd or February 4th 😊

 

【🌱 The Meaning and Origins of Setsubun】

≪ The Seasonal Turning Point: What “Setsubun” Means≫

The word “Setsubun” literally means “seasonal division” ✨

In the past, Setsubun was celebrated four times a year, marking the change of each season.

Today, however, the day before Risshun (the first day of spring) is considered the most important ❣❣

This is why Setsubun is widely recognized as the festival that drives away winter’s bad luck and welcomes spring’s happiness 🌱

 

≪The Origins of Bean-Throwing: From Court Rituals to Modern Setsubun≫

In Japan, it was traditionally believed that evil spirits were more likely to appear at the turning of the seasons.

To ward off these spirits, the Imperial Court held a ceremony called “Tsuina”, a ritual to drive away demons 👹✨

Over time, this custom spread to the general public and evolved into today’s fun and lively bean-throwing festival, known as “mamemaki”.

Participating in mamemaki is not only enjoyable but also a way to experience authentic Japanese culture, especially while visiting Nara and its historic sites.

 

≪“Driving Away Evil”: Why Roasted Soybeans Are Used in Setsubun≫

During Setsubun, people throw roasted soybeans (mamemaki) ❣❣

The beans used for this tradition are always roasted ✨

This is because if the beans were to sprout, it was believed that evil spirits could also “sprout”,

which would be unlucky.

To prevent this, roasted beans are used, symbolically ensuring that evil is properly driven away 🎵

Throwing these beans is a fun way to participate in an age-old Japanese ritual,

and a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional culture while sightseeing in Nara.

【🎎 Setsubun Events Around Nara City and Nara Park🦌】

Nara is home to many historic temples and shrines ⛩️

On Setsubun, each location hosts special traditional events 👹✨

 

≪Todai-ji Temple≫

●O-takiage at Nigatsu-do

A sacred ceremony where old talismans and charms are burned in a purification fire 🔥

●Bean-Throwing (Afternoon)

From a special stage in front of Hokke-do at the foot of Nigatsu-do,

beans and small bells are thrown for worshippers.

Visitors can catch the beans and receive blessings ✨

●Star Festival (Hoshi Kuyou)

A night-time ritual to pray for protection and good fortune by offering prayers to the stars ❣❣

 

≪Kofuku-ji Temple≫

●Tsuina-e Ceremony
A traditional ritual that combines the Imperial Court demon-chasing ceremony,

Chinese philosophy, and Buddhist practices.

It is held to drive away evil spirits and pray for a safe new year 🍀

Visitors can enjoy demon-chasing and bean-throwing events,

experiencing Japan’s history and the changing seasons 🎵

≪Kasuga Taisha Shrine≫

●Setsubun Mantoro (Lantern Festival)

About 3,000 lanterns on the shrine grounds are lit to pray for people’s wishes ⛩

Many of these lanterns have been donated since the Heian period,

carrying prayers for family safety, business success, and more ✨

During Setsubun night, traditional dances (Bugaku) are performed,

creating a magical scene that highlights Nara’s history and spiritual heritage ❣❣

The illuminated approach to the shrine is also perfect for photography 📸✨

 

≪Gango-ji Temple≫

●Setsubun-e Ceremony

The Fudo Myo-o statue is enshrined in the main hall,

and prayers are offered for warding off misfortune, family safety, and personal wishes ❣❣

The grounds feature fire rituals and crossing of flames performed by Shugenja monks,

which visitors can also participate in ✨

A unique bean-throwing ritual chanting “Fuku wa uchi, Oni wa uchi” (“Fortune in, demons in”) is held, symbolically driving away inner demons and inviting good fortune ❣❣

 

≪Ryosen-ji Temple≫

Setsubun Hoshi Matsuri Ceremony

On this day marking the turn of the year,

stars are honored and prayers are offered for protection from misfortune,

good luck, and good health 🎵

After the ceremony, lucky beans (fukumame) are distributed,

making this a peaceful and meaningful way to celebrate Setsubun ❣❣

【 Explore Nara in Kimono During the Setsubun Season👘✨】

Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival 🎍

Wearing a kimono makes the experience even more special ❣❣

 

The elegant look of kimono perfectly complements the scenery of Nara Park and historic temples and shrines, creating unforgettable memories and beautiful photos 📷✨

 

【 Enjoy Setsubun in Nara Wearing a Kimono 🎵】

◆Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival celebrating the beginning of spring 🎎

◆Combining bean-throwing and lantern events creates a truly special experience ❣❣

◆Around Nara City and Nara Park, you can enjoy a variety of temple and shrine events, including bean-throwing and lantern ceremonies ⛩

◆The clear winter air and historic scenery provide perfect photo opportunities 📸

 

We hope you will enjoy Setsubun in beautiful kimono 💛

Wishing you a day full of happiness and good fortune 🌟

【 If You Want to Rent a Kimono in Nara, We Recommend “Kimono Rental Waplus Nara – Nara Park Bus Terminal Store”】

Kimono Rental Waplus Nara – Nara Park Bus Terminal Store is

the perfect choice for winter kimono rental in Nara ❣❣

Located right in front of Nara Park 🎵,

it’s just a short walk to Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Once you’re dressed in kimono,

you can immediately enjoy interacting with the friendly deer 🦌✨

 

We offer a wide selection of vibrant colors, classic patterns,

plain and lace kimonos, along with a variety of accessories,

so you can create your own unique winter look ❣❣

 

Not sure which kimono to choose?

Our friendly staff are happy to give advice and help you find the perfect outfit (⋈◍＞◡＜◍).✧♡

 

Reservations can be made online,

and for popular seasons such as autumn-winter sightseeing and Shichi-Go-San,

or for antique kimonos, we recommend booking early ❣❣

 

If you want to enjoy Nara sightseeing, New Year visits,

or seasonal events in kimono,

Waplus Nara is the perfect place to experience seasonal and stylish kimono rental 🎵

With winter-themed colors and patterns,

you can make your special day even more memorable 👘⛄

 

We recommend reserving your preferred plan in advance!
▼ Book online here:
👉 https://reserva.be/waplusbt

Follow us on Instagram for the latest information and customer outfit photos:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/waplusnara/

 

Please Note:

Photos are for reference; actual stock may vary.

Desired kimonos may be unavailable if already rented.

On-location photo shoots require advance reservation and may be affected by weather or crowd conditions.

【Enjoy Autumn and Winter in the Historic City of Nara Wearing a Kimono 】

Why not make your Nara trip even more memorable by experiencing kimono rental in the beautiful autumn and winter scenery of Nara (´꒳`) ✨

 

Kimono experiences are perfect for creating lasting memories,

whether it’s a special anniversary, festival, or a casual outing 💗

Capture beautiful photos in kimono or yukata, and enjoy time with friends or family 🎵

 

Feel free to explore Nara in a kimono and let us help make your trip unforgettable.

Kimono Rental Waplus Nara – Nara Park Bus Terminal Store is here to assist you every step of the way (´꒳`) ✨

 

🎵*゜•.¸¸🌸🍃🎵゜•.¸¸🎶•.¸¸🌸🍃🎵*

 

Kimono Rental Waplus Nara – Nara Park Bus Terminal Store
2F, Nara Park Bus Terminal West Building, 76 Noborioji-cho, Nara City, 630-8213, Japan

👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waplusbt/

☎Tel: +81-742-25-2300