Bring in good fortune with Setsubun too!! Introducing February event information ✨ ① Zenkoji Temple Setsubun Festival Invite good fortune at the National Treasure Zenkoji Temple’s “Setsubun Festival”! This year special guests Sakura Inoue, the Shinshu Brave Warriors, and local TV announcers will throw beans. [Date] February 3 (Tuesday) [Schedule] 1:00 PM – Procession from the Niomon Gate with Zenkoji’s kiyari (work chant) leading, entering the main hall together with special guests. Around 1:50 PM – Bean-throwing from the corridor of Zenkoji’s main hall by the two chief priests, the head priest of the temple complex, special guests, men and women born in the current zodiac year, lucky men and women, and the tondo performers. [Contact] Zenkoji Office 026-234-3591 For details, see the Zenkoji website: “Reiwa 8, The 72nd Zenkoji Setsubun Festival—Recruitment of Lucky Men and Women.” ② Akiba Shrine Tsuina Festival (Gondocho) This winter tradition features lively bean-throwing by special guests, men and women born in the current zodiac year, and lucky men and women. The bean-throwing does not overlap with the Zenkoji Setsubun schedule, so please visit both shrine and temple! [Date] February 3 (Tuesday) [Schedule] 3:00 PM – From the west side of the Gondo Arcade, red and blue oni (demons), the god of fortune, and special guests process to Akiba Shrine. 3:30 PM – Tsuina ritual and prayers at Akiba Shrine main hall in Gondocho. Around 4:00 PM – Bean-throwing by special guests, guests, men and women born in the current zodiac year, and lucky men and women. Special Guests Hidemi Sasaki Manabu Shimizu Red oni, blue oni, and the god of fortune appear in the shrine grounds to liven up the bean-throwing. [Inquiries] Akiba Shrine Office 026-232-7013 ③ Nagano Lantern Festival (Nagano Tomyo Matsuri) @jcinagano Zenkoji lit up by illuminations attracts many visitors from across the country. Various events are planned during the festival! A special feature article will be posted later. [Period] February 20 (Friday) – February 23 (Monday, public holiday) [Hours] 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM For details, see the official website or official account. ④ Iizuna Highlands “5th Dzunacchi Festival” @iizunakougen_kankou Packed with kid-friendly events like treasure hunts, rock-paper-scissors with Dzunacchi, and free oshiruko (sweet red bean soup)! [Date] February 11 (Wednesday, public holiday) [Schedule] (subject to change) 11:00 AM–11:30 AM Free oshiruko (200 servings) 11:00 AM–11:30 AM Mini castella distribution 11:00 AM–1:00 PM Free snowshoe trial 11:30 AM–2:00 PM Wooden sledding experience 11:30 AM–12:30 PM Cross-country ski trial (elementary and junior high students) 1:00 PM–1:30 PM Treasure hunt (lots of prizes!) 1:30 PM–2:00 PM Rock-paper-scissors with Dzunacchi For details, see the Iizuna Highlands Tourism Association website or official account. ⑤ Togakushi Ski Field Events @togakushiskifield_official This ski area offers high-quality groomed runs and famously light “magical powder snow.” On weekends, various events entertain both children and adults. [Event Information] February 1 (Sunday) Setsubun Bean Weighing Contest February 7 (Saturday) Duck rescue in the snow?! February 14 (Saturday) Valentine’s chocolate giveaway and rock-paper-scissors with Togakki February 15 (Sunday) Children’s Ski Day – free lift tickets for elementary school children and younger February 21 (Saturday) Snowball Throwing Contest #Setsubun #Zenkoji #Events #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano tourism #Nagano travel #nagano #naganocity