Onioshidashi Park (located in Tsumagoi Village, Gunma Prefecture, managed by Akihiro Funayama) will host a unique Setsubun bean-throwing event at the Asama-san Kannon-do temple, a branch of Toeizan Kan'ei-ji Temple, on February 3, 2026. Visitors can enjoy the dynamic experience of throwing beans from the temple stage at over 1,300 meters elevation while shouting "Fortune In!!"
Setsubun at Onioshidashi Park
At Onioshidashi Park, the bean-throwing ceremony doesn't include the phrase "Demons Out." While demons are typically viewed as fearsome creatures in Japan, in ancient China, the kirin (qilin), dragon, and demon were revered as divine beasts. Seasonal winds from the northeast brought epidemics and yellow sand that afflicted people. When this northeastern direction is mapped to the Chinese zodiac, it falls between the ox (ushi) and the tiger (tora), and the combination of these two animals gave birth to the "demon," which protects against evil – hence the term "demon gate" (kimon).
The demon's appearance is said to feature the powerful body and horns of an ox combined with the sharp fangs and striped loincloth pattern of a tiger.
In Japanese architecture, oni-gawara (demon tiles) are placed in the most prominent position on roofs, with the hope that they will protect the household from misfortune.
Asama-san Kannon-do as a Branch Temple of Toeizan Kan'ei-ji in Tokyo's Ueno
At the park's main gate (Somon), statues of two guardian deities in demon form are enshrined. The gate was relocated from the former academy building of Kan'ei-ji Temple in Ueno during the Edo period, and the guardian statues—Jikokuten and Zochoten—were originally enshrined at the mausoleum of the fifth Shogun Tsunayoshi. In other words, they serve as gatekeepers protecting against evil, acting as guardians at the entrance to Onioshidashi Park. For this reason, at Onioshidashi Park, "demons are allies." From the stage of Asama-san Kannon-do, visitors throw beans while wishing for health and happiness, calling out "Fortune In" three times dynamically.
On February 3, 2026, the Setsubun bean-throwing event will feature complimentary peanuts for the first 100 visitors from opening time. Come experience Onioshidashi Park's unique approach where "demons are allies" and enjoy throwing beans while shouting "Fortune In!"
Operating Information
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Final admission at 4:30 PM. *Hours may change depending on weather conditions.
Shop Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Admission Fees: Adults ¥700, Children ¥500. For visitors with disability certificates: Adults ¥400, Children ¥300. One caregiver per visitor receives the same rate (group rates also apply). *Adults are junior high school age and above, children are elementary school students.
*The restaurant will not be open during the winter operating period.
