Miyajidake Shrine is a place of superlatives. It boasts Japan’s largest shimenawa (sacred straw rope), a massive golden bell, and a giant drum. But from January 31 to February 3, 2026, this sanctuary—famous for its “Path of Light” sunset—transforms into an arena of kinetic energy for the Yakuyoke Shofuku Setsubun Festival.
While most Setsubun festivals focus on driving demons out, Miyajidake places a heavy, joyous emphasis on inviting fortune in. The air is thick not just with roasted soybeans, but with the electricity of a high-stakes lottery. For the traveler seeking a mix of spiritual purification and the thrill of a windfall, this is the premier event of the season.
Unveiling the Essence: The “Fuku-kuji” Phenomenon
The core ritual remains the Mamemaki (bean throwing). Men and women facing their “Yakudoshi” (critical/unlucky years) don the Kamishimo (formal samurai-style winged vestments) and ascend the stage.
However, the defining feature of Miyajidake’s festival is the Fuku-kuji (Fortune Lottery). The beans and lucky items scattered into the crowd are not merely symbolic; they come attached with lottery tickets.
- The Prize: These tickets can be redeemed for luxurious prizes, ranging from household electronics to travel vouchers.
- The Atmosphere: As the chant “Fuku wa uchi!” (Fortune In!) roars from the stage, the crowd does not just pray; they scramble. It is a scene of joyous chaos where religious devotion meets the universal love of a winning ticket.
Your Insider Odyssey: Four Days of Fortune
Unlike one-day events, Miyajidake spreads the wealth over four days, with the schedule intensifying as it approaches the actual Setsubun (Feb 3).
1. The Ritual of the Kamishimo
Witnessing the “Toshi-otoko” and “Toshi-onna” (Year Men and Women) in full regalia is a visual feast. The stark blue and crisp white of the Kamishimo against the vermilion pillars of the shrine creates a striking tableau of Edo-period aesthetics.
2. The Giant Rope (Shimenawa)
You cannot visit Miyajidake without paying respects to the Shimenawa. Weighing 3 metric tons, this straw rope hangs over the main hall. Standing beneath it during the Setsubun chants amplifies the sense of awe. It is said that the rope separates the sacred realm from the profane; during Setsubun, the beans are the bridge between the two.
3. The Path of Light
The shrine is positioned at the top of a long flight of stairs that leads straight down to the sea. While the famous “Path of Light” (where the sun sets directly between the torii gates) peaks in late February and October, the view in early February is still breathtaking. After the bean throwing, turn around at the top of the stairs for a panoramic view of the Genkai Sea.
Elite Navigator’s Codex: Strategic Logistics
The schedule is irregular. Memorize this matrix to ensure you catch a throwing session.
- The Schedule Split:
- The Weekend Warm-up (Jan 31 – Feb 1): Sessions start at 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00. The morning is quiet; use it to explore the grounds.
- The Main Event (Feb 2 – 3): An extra morning session is added. 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00.
- The “Safety Zone” Strategy: If you are traveling with small children or dislike crowds, avoid the front center of the stage. The “scatter zone” is competitive. Stand toward the back or sides to catch stray beans without the crush.
- Access Algorithm: The walk from JR Fukuma Station is a significant 25 minutes (uphill at the end).
- Pro Tip: Take the Nishitetsu Bus from the station (approx. 5 mins) to “Miyajidake Jinja-mae.” It saves your legs for the festival scramble.
Kyushu Codex: Instant Insights
| Feature | Details | Expert Reference Tip |
| Dates | Jan 31 – Feb 3, 2026 | Multi-day event. |
| Weekend Times | Jan 31/Feb 1: 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 | Good for casual viewing. |
| Weekday Times | Feb 2/Feb 3: 10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 | The 10:00 slot is often less crowded. |
| Key Draw | Fuku-kuji (Lottery) | Check your beans for a winning ticket! |
| Costume | Kamishimo (Samurai Formal) | Worn by the bean throwers. |
| Access | JR Fukuma Station + Bus | Walking is possible (2km) but tiring. |
FAQ Nexus: Essential Knowledge
Q: Do I have to pay to watch the bean throwing?
No, the event is open to the public and free to watch. However, if you wish to be one of the throwers on stage (to ward off your own bad luck), you must register in advance and pay a “Hatsuhoryo” (ritual fee).
Q: What happens if I catch a winning bean bag?
Open the package immediately. If there is a lottery ticket inside, head to the designated exchange booth within the shrine grounds to claim your prize.
Q: What is “Yakudoshi”?
Yakudoshi refers to “calamitous years” in Japanese superstition (typically 25, 42, 61 for men; 19, 33, 37 for women). People of these ages participate in the ritual to cleanse themselves of potential misfortune.
Q: Is the shrine wheelchair accessible?
The main approach has a long, steep flight of stairs. However, there is a vehicle road that leads to a parking lot closer to the main hall level. It is best to use a taxi from the station to the upper parking lot if mobility is an issue.
Q: Can I buy the lucky beans without fighting the crowd?
Yes. “Fuku-mame” (Lucky Beans) with lottery chances are available for purchase at the shrine counters starting from late January. You can buy your luck if you can’t catch it.
Coda
The Miyajidake Setsubun Festival is a rare intersection of solemnity and spectacle. As the beans rain down and the crowd reaches for the sky, you are witnessing a community actively shaping its own destiny. Whether you leave with a grand prize or just a handful of soybeans, the energy of the “Path of Light” will follow you home.