Feb 3 (Wed) Setsubun

February 3rd is Setsubun(節分). Setsubun literally means seasonal division and marks the coming of spring.

On setsubun there is special ritual called Mamemaki, it means bean-throwing, to expel demons and invite fortune. It's performed at houses, temples and shrines all over Japan. People throw roasted soybeans saying "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! (Get out Ogre! Come in Happiness!)." After mamemaki, people eat the number of beans as to their age. It's believed people won't get sick during the year by doing so.

In Hirhoshima, Daishoin Temple on Miyajima is a popular place to take part in the ritual. The ritual will start from 11:00.


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In the city center the ritual is also performed at Gokoku Shrine, located in front of Hiroshima Castle from 15:30.


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Jan 17 (Sun)Tea that brings people happiness!?

In Japan,there is tea that brings people happiness. It is called "Oobuku-cha" .The word "Oobuku",meaning "Big Happy" and "cha",meaning "tea". Oobuku-cha is drunk at the new years as a lucky tea.

At Syukkeien Garden(Hiroshima city),they will have a Oobuku-cha ceremony on 17th of January.Why don't you drink "Big Happy Tea"? The happy tea will warm you up and bring you happiness!!



●Oobuku Tea ceremony

Dates and times:17th of January 10:00-15:00(order time in 10:00-15:00)

The charge for participating in the tea ceremony is ¥1200. Admission to the park (¥250) is not included.

Address:Shukkeien Garden
2-11 kami-noborimachi,Naka-ku,
Hiroshima