By VIRTUAL KYOTO

Experience the enchanting Setsubun Festival at Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社) in Kyoto, held on February 2, 2025. This captivating video showcases the unique cultural performance of 'Imayou' (今様), a Heian-era style of singing and dance, presented by the Nihon Imayou Utagaku Association (日本今様謌舞楽会). Visitors, including many foreign tourists, were mesmerized by the elegant movements of Shirabyōshi (白拍子), female dancers dressed in traditional Heian-period attire.

The festival begins with a grand procession featuring individuals in Heian-era clothing. The highlight of the video is the solemn and graceful Imayou dedication, capturing the beauty of traditional Japanese culture. The event concludes with the widely recognized bean-throwing ceremony (豆撒き), believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune for the coming year. Yasaka Shrine remains a center of Kyoto's heritage and spirituality, making this festival a must-see event for visitors who wish to experience an authentic Japanese celebration.

Discover the atmosphere of Kyoto during Setsubun through this immersive video, where history, tradition, and pageantry come to life.