Overview
The Setsubun Ceremony at Tokyo Tower is a spectacular fusion of ancient Japanese spirituality and modern architectural grandeur, celebrated annually high above the metropolitan skyline. While Setsubun is traditionally observed on the ground at historic temples and neighborhood shrines, this unique event elevates the custom by hosting a dedicated purification ritual within the observation facilities of one of the city’s most recognizable structural landmarks. Co-organized with Buddhist priests from the adjacent Zojoji Temple, the high-altitude event reinterprets centuries-old folklore for a contemporary audience.
The absolute focal point of the seasonal event is the formal spiritual cleansing ritual and subsequent Mamemaki bean-scattering performance conducted inside the Main Deck observatory. Monks clad in traditional, flowing vestments recite sacred prayers and perform traditional hand gestures designed to banish personal misfortune and shield the surrounding city from unseen seasonal hazards. Following the quiet solemnity of the prayers, costumed actors dressed as fearsome oni demons burst onto the indoor stage, creating a highly animated and theatrical conflict that delights spectators of all generations.
As the performances reach their peak, the crowd participates directly by tossing roasted soybeans at the invading demons while shouting traditional auspicious phrases to invite health, fortune, and clarity into their lives for the coming year. The energetic scattering of the beans against the backdrop of massive, panoramic glass windows offering unobstructed views of the sprawling Tokyo skyline creates a profoundly surreal visual experience. Blending deep historical devotion with a highly energetic lifestyle atmosphere, this landmark celebration provides an exceptional way to experience a cornerstone Japanese tradition from a completely unmatched vantage point.
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Event Highlights
- High Altitude Mamemaki Rite: An extraordinary indoor bean-throwing performance held inside the main observatory deck to drive away evil spirits from the central metropolitan area.
- Zojoji Priest Purification Service: Authentic, highly structured Buddhist blessings and sacred chants delivered by ordained temple practitioners to secure general fortune for all attendees.
- Theatrical Demon Interactions: Playful, high-energy confrontations with costumed actors portraying mythological ogres that weave through the observation spaces to engage with spectators.
- Panoramic Seasonal Photography: Unrivaled opportunities to capture stunning images of traditional religious actors performing historic rites against a backdrop of Tokyo’s urban landscape.
Why Attend
The Setsubun Ceremony at Tokyo Tower offers a highly sophisticated, weather-protected, and deeply memorable alternative to the intensely crowded and exposed outdoor festivals held at traditional ground-level shrines. It provides an intimate, beautifully curated experience where visitors can gain firsthand exposure to serious spiritual practices while comfortably enjoying the comforts of a modern observation complex. The elevated venue ensures that international tourists and metropolitan residents can engage safely in the bean-throwing activities without facing extreme mid-winter winds.
This event is ideal for cultural enthusiasts looking for unique holiday perspectives, family travelers with older children, skyline photographers, and first-time visitors wanting to combine landmark sightseeing with authentic seasonal heritage. It benefits attendees by maximizing their travel schedule, condensing a world-famous observation deck tour and a dynamic Japanese cultural festival into a single, cohesive itinerary. The highly welcoming, engaging atmosphere makes it incredibly simple for individuals from all backgrounds to fully comprehend the historical significance of the eve of spring.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: Early February 2027
- Event Duration: A specialized single-day morning celebration with the core spiritual ceremonies and theatrical segments running for roughly thirty minutes
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Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: General admission passes are available for purchase online through the official Tokyo Tower digital portal or directly at the physical ticket windows located on the ground floor
- Admission Type: Paid Admission required to enter the observation decks where the ceremonies are staged
- Ticket Pricing: Full price range is 9 USD to 23 USD depending on the choice of standard Main Deck access or premium multi-deck tour packages
- Special Seating Options: None available as the indoor observation deck operates entirely on an open, standing-room-only basis around the central performance area
- VIP Options: None offered to the general public for this specific cultural holiday observation block
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Tokyo, Japan
- Venue Name: Tokyo Tower Main Deck
- Google Maps Address: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan
Contact Information
- Email: support@tokyotower.co.jp
- Phone Number: +81-3-3433-5111
- Official Website: https://en.tokyotower.co.jp
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.instagram.com/tokyotower_official/
- https://www.tiktok.com/@tokyotower_official
- https://www.youtube.com/c/TOKYOTOWER333
- https://x.com/nopponotouto?lang=ja
- https://www.facebook.com/tokyotower.official
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Tokyo Haneda Airport located approximately 11 miles south of the Minato tower district
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Akabanebashi Station or Kamiyacho Station
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: The Tokyo Metropolitan Bus system running direct lines from Tokyo Station South Exit straight to the Tokyo Tower bus stop
- Parking Availability: Paid public parking lots situated directly adjacent to the tower grounds and beneath Shiba Park facilities
- Directions by Car: Easily accessible from the Shuto Expressway Inner Circular Route by taking the Shiba-koen Exit and following local pathways toward the landmark structure
What is this event?
The Setsubun Ceremony at Tokyo Tower is a unique lifestyle and cultural celebration that elevates a traditional Japanese spring-welcoming ritual into the sky. It moves the ancient custom of bean-throwing from standard temple grounds into the main indoor observation deck of a famous city landmark.
The festival features structured Buddhist prayers led by guest priests alongside theatrical performances where the audience throws soybeans to banish bad luck. It serves as a memorable seasonal highlight, mixing panoramic sightseeing with classical folklore.
Why is it popular?
The event is popular because it offers an incredibly rare visual contrast between old religious traditions and sleek, mid-century modern architecture. Watching traditional monks chant and fight costumed demons at an altitude of 150 meters provides a stunning photo opportunity that cannot be found anywhere else.
Additionally, its highly accessible and climate-controlled indoor setting makes it immensely attractive to visitors who want to avoid frozen winter crowds at outdoor shrines. The ability to participate in an authentic cultural practice while enjoying a 360-degree view of the capital city makes it a favorite winter highlight for international travelers.
Tips before you go
- Purchase your observatory tickets online several days in advance to secure smooth morning entry and avoid the long queues at the ground-level ticket counter.
- Arrive at the Main Deck elevator queue at least thirty minutes before the scheduled start time to guarantee a clear standing view near the glass observation windows.
- Keep your mobile smartphone or camera securely strapped to your wrist while filming the high-energy bean tossing to prevent accidental drops on the crowded deck.
- Combine your visit with a short walk to the neighboring Zojoji Temple afterward to experience the larger, traditional ground-level celebrations held on the same morning.
- Bring a small jacket even though the event is indoors, as the large observation windows can radiate the crisp winter chill of early February.
Attendee Experiences
- Seeing the priests chant with the entire city spread out below through the massive windows was an unforgettable spiritual moment.
- The demons were so funny and interactive, and throwing the lucky beans inside the tower deck was a highlight of my Tokyo trip.
- Buying tickets online saved us so much time, letting us go straight up to enjoy the ceremony without any stress.
Location
FAQ
Where exactly inside the tower complex does the bean-throwing ritual take place?
The main spiritual cleansing service, demonic theatrical performances, and public bean-throwing activities are staged exclusively on the spacious first floor of the Main Deck observatory. This area sits exactly 150 meters above the ground and is accessed via the high-speed elevators in the main FootTown lobby.
Are the soybeans distributed to the audience safe for people with nut allergies?
The beans used during the Mamemaki ritual are standard roasted soybeans, which are a major legume allergen and can pose significant health risks to individuals with specific soy sensitivities. Visitors with severe allergies are advised to maintain a safe distance from the active throwing zones where loose beans fly through the air.
What happens if the weather is extremely poor or cloudy on the day of the event?
Because the entire ceremony is held within the fully enclosed and climate-controlled Main Deck observatory, the performances will proceed exactly as scheduled regardless of rain, snow, or fog. However, heavy cloud cover or poor visibility can significantly impact the panoramic city views through the glass panels.
Can children of all ages participate in throwing the beans at the costumed demons?
Children are highly encouraged to join in the festive tradition, and temple staff frequently make special efforts to hand out packets of roasted soybeans directly to younger kids in the audience. Parents should simply monitor their toddlers closely to ensure they do not consume the loose beans dropped on the observatory floor.
Is a separate ticket required for the Setsubun event apart from regular deck admission?
There is no special event surcharge or separate tournament ticket required to view the afternoon ceremony inside the observatory. Anyone who has purchased a standard admission pass to the Main Deck during the scheduled performance window is fully permitted to stand and enjoy the cultural show.
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