Setsubun Bean Throwing Train 2027 – Chichibu, Japan

Overview

The Setsubun Bean Throwing Train is an immersive, culturally rich railway journey that transforms a standard commuter route into a vibrant, high-energy seasonal celebration. Passengers embark on a meticulously decorated vintage train operated by the Chichibu Railway, meandering through the breathtaking, snow-dusted valleys and mountainous landscapes of Saitama Prefecture. Along the scenic route, participants actively engage in the time-honored Japanese purification ritual of driving away malevolent spirits, casting out misfortune, and welcoming the vibrant arrival of spring with joyous enthusiasm.

As the historic locomotive makes its picturesque journey from Kumagaya Station toward its final destination at Chichibu Station, festive theatrical elements unfold seamlessly both onboard and at participating historical platforms. Professional performers garbed as traditional Japanese folklore demons make surprise appearances on rural platforms, offering passengers the exhilarating opportunity to participate in interactive bean-throwing volleys. This playful, theatrical engagement brilliantly bridges ancient agrarian folklore with modern heritage railway travel, cultivating an electric, unforgettable atmosphere for every traveler onboard.

The extraordinary excursion culminates as the train arrives at its terminus, allowing eager travelers to seamlessly transition toward historic local Shinto shrines and bustling morning markets to continue the profound seasonal festivities. The harmonious fusion of panoramic mountain vistas, living cultural heritage, and joyous community interaction establishes this unique event as an unmissable seasonal highlight. It delivers an extraordinarily rare, deeply authentic glimpse into regional Japanese traditions while traversing historic river valleys and picturesque provincial towns.

Event Highlights

• Experience a specially curated holiday train featuring rare seasonal headmarks, festive interior decorations, and authentic vintage railway charm.
• Participate directly in traditional bean-throwing rituals aimed at colorful performers dressed as folklore demons stationed along the historic railway route.
• Receive an exclusive commemorative certificate of participation upon boarding and completing your check-in procedures at the primary departure station.
• Enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views of the surrounding rugged mountain ranges, towering ridges, and the parallel winding river valley throughout the rail expedition.

Why Attend

Attending this phenomenal seasonal railway expedition provides an extraordinary opportunity to experience authentic Japanese folklore within a dynamic, highly interactive environment. Rather than observing traditional customs from a static, distant location, participants become integral, active contributors to the cultural celebration while traversing deeply historic regions. It serves as an ideal recreational outing for dedicated cultural enthusiasts, adventurous families, and curious international travelers seeking genuine local traditions far away from mainstream tourist crowds.

Beyond the rich entertainment value, embarking on this railway journey offers profound insight into the spiritual and cultural significance of seasonal transitions in Japan. The deeply immersive nature of the shared experience fosters an immediate, heartwarming sense of camaraderie among passengers, railway staff, and local community volunteers alike. Visitors inevitably depart with lasting memories, exclusive commemorative keepsakes, and a significantly deepened appreciation for regional heritage preserved through historic rail networks.

Date & Duration

• Event Date: Early February 2027
• Event Duration: Approximately two hours for the scenic train journey

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are exclusively available through physical station reception counters on the very day of departure without requiring any complex advance online registration.
• Admission Type: General passenger railway admission combined seamlessly with a specialized cultural event participation fee.
• Ticket Pricing: Participation Fee, ¥300 (approximately US$1.85)
• Special Seating Options: Standard unreserved seating aboard historic railway carriages complemented by communal viewing areas for optimal scenery observation.
• VIP Options: No VIP, upgrade, or first-class seating tiers are offered for this thoroughly egalitarian, community-focused regional railway celebration.

Venue / Location

• City and Country: Chichibu, Japan
• Venue Name: Chichibu Railway between Kumagaya and Chichibu Station
• Google Maps Address: 2 Chome-115 Tsukuba, Kumagaya, Saitama 360-0037, Japan

Contact Information

• Email: info@chichibu-railway.co.jp
• Phone Number: +81 48-523-3313
• Official Website: https://www.chichibu-railway.co.jp/en/

Accommodation Options

Travelers wishing to extend their stay overnight near the historic railway route will discover a wonderful selection of traditional Japanese hot spring inns and contemporary regional hotels. Securing lodgings in close proximity to the terminal stations enables visitors to effortlessly explore ancient shrines, restorative mineral baths, and vibrant morning markets without feeling rushed.

The surrounding mountain region offers tranquil accommodations nestled against dramatic alpine backdrops, providing a profoundly relaxing sanctuary following the daytime festivities. Securing accommodations well in advance is highly recommended due to the limited capacity of traditional guesthouses operating near these historic rural stations.

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Tokyo Haneda Airport, situated approximately fifty miles away from the main departure terminal.
• Nearest Train/Metro Station: Kumagaya Station, acting as the vital regional connecting hub for all participating passengers.
• Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Comprehensive local regional bus networks linking surrounding municipalities directly to the primary railway departure platforms.
• Parking Availability: Accessible public parking lots situated directly adjacent to the main station terminal for visitors traveling by personal automobile.
• Directions by Car: Easily reachable via major regional highways including the Kan-etsu Expressway connecting straight toward northern Saitama Prefecture.

Dining Recommendations

Breakfast Recommendations:

• Purchase a freshly prepared traditional rice ball or seasonal sweet pastry from bustling station bakery kiosks prior to train departure.
• Savor a steaming, deeply comforting bowl of authentic regional udon noodles at a cozy local eatery positioned near the departure terminal.
• Visit a charming neighborhood coffee shop near the main station plaza to enjoy an energizing morning meal alongside steaming hot green tea.

Lunch Recommendations:

• Secure an exclusive, commemorative festival sushi roll packaged meticulously for passengers immediately prior to the train departure sequence.
• Relish comprehensive regional bento boxes packed with meticulously sourced, seasonal local ingredients sold directly at vibrant station vendor stalls.
• Taste savory grilled street food delicacies served hot at small community food stands established near the final arrival destination platform.

Dinner Recommendations:

• Dine at an authentic, family-run traditional restaurant located near the terminal station serving hearty, steaming local hot pot creations.
• Sample exquisitely handcrafted soba noodles prepared by master culinary artisans situated within the historic downtown district.
• Unwind at a welcoming neighborhood dining establishment offering classic comfort dishes paired effortlessly with refreshing regional beverages.

Local Specialties to Try:

• Indulge in authentic Chichibu-style miso potato skewers featuring crispy fried root vegetables coated generously in a sweet, savory fermented soybean glaze.
• Savor seasonal savory vegetable buns baked to golden perfection by dedicated local bakers operating along the historic railway corridor.
• Sip soothing cups of locally harvested green tea cultivated painstakingly on the lush, mist-shrouded hillsides of the Saitama mountains.

What is this event?

The Setsubun Bean Throwing Train is an exuberant, mobile cultural celebration hosted along a remarkably historic regional railway corridor in Japan. Passengers board a meticulously decorated vintage locomotive while actively participating in ancient seasonal purification rituals designed to usher in spring.

Throughout the winding journey, the train pauses briefly at participating rural stations where theatrical performers dressed as vivid folklore demons interact playfully with travelers. Participants toss roasted soybeans with spirited focus to symbolically banish misfortune and invite lasting prosperity for the upcoming year.

Why is it popular?

This phenomenal event captivates travelers globally by brilliantly merging nostalgic heritage railway travel with playful, interactive folklore traditions rarely found elsewhere. It cultivates an extraordinarily joyful, family-friendly environment where visitors can actively immerse themselves in living culture rather than remaining passive observers.

The irresistible charm of riding a vintage train through dramatic, mist-filled mountain valleys adds tremendous visual, historical, and recreational appeal to the occasion. Visitors deeply cherish this rare, unscripted opportunity to experience genuine regional customs in such a universally uplifting and memorable format.

Tips before you go

• Arrive significantly early at the departure station to complete registration procedures and secure your exclusive commemorative participation items.
• Dress warmly in layered winter clothing since historic railway carriages can experience chilly ambient temperatures throughout winter months.
• Keep a small, accessible pouch ready to hold your designated soybeans so you are fully prepared for rapid throwing during platform stops.
• Review connecting train schedules meticulously if commuting from central Tokyo to guarantee a punctual, stress-free morning arrival.
• Browse and purchase unique regional seasonal snacks at the departure terminal convenience stores before boarding the festive holiday train.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the architectural layout of Kumagaya Station beforehand to effortlessly locate the dedicated event reception desk near the ticket gates.
• Keep in mind that advance digital registration is entirely unnecessary, making spontaneous participation on the day of travel remarkably straightforward.
• Keep your photographic equipment ready at all times as the train makes brief, highly photogenic stops at historic wooden platforms along the route.
• Prepare to participate with uninhibited enthusiasm whenever the train halts and performers dressed as formidable folklore demons emerge onto the platforms.
• Explore the magnificent shrines nestled near the final terminal station to continue reveling in the rich seasonal festivities after the rail journey concludes.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes appropriate for navigating historic, uneven train platforms and expansive stone shrine courtyards.

Attendee Experiences

• Riding the vintage locomotive while tossing beans at the energetic station demons proved to be an indescribably fun and immersive experience.
• The palpable nostalgic atmosphere of the historic railway cars made the entire seasonal purification celebration feel deeply authentic and moving.
• Disembarking at the final mountain station to explore the bustling local shrine festivities provided a wonderfully complete ending to a perfect winter day.

Video

Location

FAQ