Tokyo Tama Tourist Site

In Japan, as February approaches, the atmosphere begins to shift toward awaiting spring with the arrival of Setsubun and Risshun. Risshun is revered as the beginning of the year, and the preceding day, Setsubun, is regarded much like New Year’s Eve. The custom of driving away oni, spirits believed to bring misfortune, was introduced from China and became the court ritual known as Tsuina, held on New Year’s Eve. During the Muromachi period, this evolved into the practice of throwing roasted soybeans to chase away evil spirits.

What Is the Takahata Fudoson Kongoji Mame-iri Ceremony?

At Takahata Fudoson Kongoji in Hino City, commonly referred to as Takahata Fudoson, a ceremonial soybean-roasting event called the Mame-iri Ceremony is held every year on January 31, prior to Setsubun. Soybeans used for the Setsubun ritual are roasted in a large iron cauldron measuring about one meter in diameter, placed atop the incense burner normally used for offerings. Around 30 kilograms of soybeans are roasted during the ceremony.

After monks chant sutras and add the beans to the cauldron, visitors take turns stirring them with oversized wooden paddles. Children also join in, cheerfully roasting the beans while being held by the monks, creating a lively and heartwarming scene.

Once the Mame-iri Ceremony is completed, preparations for Setsubun are finished. On February 3, the Mame-maki Ceremony and a Daruma Market are held at the temple. Before attending the Mame-maki Ceremony, why not visit the Mame-iri Ceremony as well and enjoy this rare hands-on experience?

Experiencing the Eighty-Eight Temple Pilgrimage as an Ohenro

When visiting Takahata Fudoson, be sure to try the approximately one-hour ohenro pilgrimage. The pilgrimage to the eighty-eight temples of Shikoku is said to have been established by Kobo Daishi and boasts a history of over 1,200 years. Pilgrims, known as ohenro-san, are warmly welcomed as they visit each temple.

For those unable to travel to Shikoku, many regions throughout Japan offer pilgrimage routes that replicate the experience of visiting all eighty-eight temples. Behind Takahata Fudoson lies the Sannai Hachijuhakkasho Pilgrimage Route, established in 1909. Along the path, statues of Kobo Daishi are enshrined at each site. Visitors are encouraged to take their time and walk the route.

Event Period	January 31
Address	699 Takahata, Hino City, Tokyo
Website	https://www.takahatafudoson.or.jp/
Access	Five-minute walk from Takahatafudo Station on the Keio Line or Tama Monorail
Discover more about the Tama region	https://at-tama.tokyo/lang_en/ Photos courtesy of Takako Shigegaki