731-1 Hatsuse, Sakurai, Nara Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
¥2,500
Hasedera Temple in Sakurai, Nara, hosts the Setsubun Daikokuten Festival every February 3rd. This event honors Daikokuten, the deity who bestows wealth, and prays for good health and protection from evil. Following the ceremony, lucky women and men throw beans from the main hall, and visitors can participate in a lottery for prizes. Hasedera Temple is the head temple of the Buzan School of Shingon Buddhism and the 8th temple on the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. It's also part of the Yamato Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage. The temple is easily accessible, a 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Hasedera Station. Visiting during Setsubun offers a unique cultural experience and the chance to wish for good fortune.