On February 3rd, Tokyo comes alive with the vibrant celebration of Setsubun. This traditional Japanese festival’s unique customs include scattering roasted soybeans to cast out evil spirits. Locals and visitors alike savor the delicious Ehomaki hand roll sushi, which symbolizes good fortune for the year ahead. While the soybean-throwing and sushi-eating offer a delightful cultural experience, there’s more to explore about this centuries-old tradition.
Key Points
- Celebrate the annual Japanese Setsubun festival on February 3rd by scattering roasted soybeans to cast out evil spirits and enjoying traditional Ehomaki sushi.
- Participate in a guided tour that provides a Masu Sake cup, Dorayaki Japanese pancakes, Ehomaki hand roll sushi, and dried soybeans to enhance the Setsubun experience.
- The tour starts at 3:00 PM at Ōtsuka Station and concludes at Sugamo Station, accommodating up to 30 travelers with wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
- Explore the Sugamo Jizo-dori shopping district and learn about the local Setsubun festivities, including soybean scattering and Ehomaki sushi rolling.
- The tour is not recommended for travelers with serious health conditions, and a cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the event.
Event Overview
The event, known as Tokyo Setsubun, takes place annually on February 3rd.
It features traditional activities such as soybean scattering and eating Ehomaki, a hand-rolled sushi.
The event is in Tokyo. Participants will receive a Masu Sake cup made of Japanese Cypress tree, as well as snacks like Dorayaki, Ehomaki roll, and dried soybeans.
The meeting point is Ōtsuka Station, and the tour ends at Sugamo Station.
The event starts at 3:00 PM and can accommodate up to 30 travelers.
It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a cancellation policy allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Included Items
Participants receive a Masu Sake cup made of Japanese Cypress tree, which they can use to enjoy the traditional Japanese sake during the event.
Along with the sake cup, they’ll get a variety of snacks, including the classic Dorayaki – Japanese pancakes, the Ehomaki hand roll sushi, and dried soybeans.
These snacks provide a delicious taste of Japanese culture and complement the soybean scattering and other Setsubun traditions.
The included items offer a well-rounded experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the festivities of this annual Japanese celebration.
Meeting and End Points
Participants begin the Setsubun celebration at Ōtsuka Station, located at 3-chōme-33-1 Minamiōtsuka, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0005.
From there, the group will travel to the end point at Sugamo Station, 1 Chome-16 Sugamo, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0002.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and conveniently situated near public transportation.
With a maximum of 30 travelers, the experience offers an intimate and personalized introduction to the cultural traditions of Setsubun.
Participants will receive confirmation upon booking and have the option to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the event starts.
Tour Details
The Tokyo Setsubun Sushi tour begins at 3:00 PM, offering participants a maximum of 30 travelers an intimate and personalized introduction to the cultural traditions of this celebrated event.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, conveniently located near public transportation.
- The experience includes a visit to the iconic Ōtsuka Station, where the tour commences, and concludes at the historic Sugamo Station.
- Participants will enjoy traditional Japanese snacks, such as Dorayaki (Japanese pancakes) and the signature Ehomaki hand roll sushi, complemented by a Masu Sake cup made from Japanese Cypress wood.
Travelers with serious health conditions are advised to refrain from this tour for their own wellbeing.
Booking Information
Booking confirmation is received at the time of booking for the Tokyo Setsubun Sushi tour.
Travelers should note that the tour isn’t recommended for those with serious health conditions.
The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Visitors can take advantage of the Lowest Price Guarantee and the Reserve Now and Pay Later option.
The tour is priced at $54.52 per person.
With a maximum of 30 participants, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and is located near public transportation.
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Tokyo Setsubun Traditions
Although Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated annually on February 3rd, the Tokyo Setsubun Sushi tour offers a unique opportunity to experience this cultural event.
Participants will take part in the symbolic act of scattering roasted soybeans, known as mame-maki, to cast out evil spirits and welcome good luck.
Plus, they’ll learn how to create the iconic Ehomaki, a special sushi roll eaten on Setsubun for good fortune.
The tour also includes a visit to the Sugamo Jizo-dori shopping district, a hub for Setsubun festivities in Tokyo.
- Soybean scattering
- Ehomaki sushi rolling
- Sugamo Jizo-dori shopping district
Experiencing the Soybean Scattering and Ehomaki Hand Roll Sushi
As participants arrive at Ōtsuka Station, they’re greeted by the festive atmosphere of Tokyo’s Setsubun celebration.
Locals and visitors alike gather to partake in the time-honored traditions. First, they’ll scatter roasted soybeans to symbolically cast away evil spirits.
Then, they’ll enjoy making and eating the special Ehomaki hand roll sushi. This lucky sushi roll is filled with seven ingredients, representing the seven deities of fortune.
After the activities, the group will travel to Sugamo Station, carrying their Masu sake cups and delicious snacks like Dorayaki and dried soybeans.
The Sum Up
Tokyo Setsubun is a vibrant celebration that allows visitors to enjoy Japan’s rich cultural traditions. Scattering roasted soybeans and indulging in the delectable Ehomaki hand roll sushi are the highlights of this unique event, offering a delightful culinary and cultural experience. Participating in this annual festival is a must for those exploring the lively spirit of Tokyo.
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