Visit Nara

Interested in chasing away evil spirits? Attend the “Setsubun” festival at Kohfukuji Temple on February 2nd. “Setsubun” means “seasonal division” and is associated with the Lunar New Year and indicates the start of spring. The practice was introduced from China in the 8th century and is said to repel evil spirits from the previous year as well as evil spirits in the year to come. The ceremony takes places at the Eastern Golden Hall and features a performance of red, blue, and black colored demons that represents human’s worldly desires.