The Setsubun Festival at Yoshida Shrine in Kyoto was incredibly lively, as the shrine is said to be the birthplace of prayers to ward off evil spirits.

#KyotoTrip #Shrine #Setsubun #KyotoSightseeing I went to Yoshida Shrine, the shrine where Setsubun originated, for the first time to pray for protection from evil spirits. I passed through the big red torii gate and climbed the long stone steps. The grounds were bustling with people buying Setsubun talismans to ward off evil spirits, and talismans and charms for warding off evil and keeping the family safe. The flames of the goma ceremony, where old talismans and charms are burned and purified, are burning, and white ash is flying around the tall pile of ash. People praying for good health are drawing the smoke to their bodies. People who want to buy Setsubun beans were lined up to buy beans, so I bought just one bag to try to win. The Setsubun beans come with a lottery ticket for a talisman to ward off evil spirits...I hope I win.