In the ancient Japanese city of Kyoto, apprentice geiko entertainers have joined a bean-throwing ceremony on Setsubun, the last day of winter on the lunar calendar.

Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine annually hosts Setsubun events to pray for good health for two days, starting on the eve of Setsubun.

Geiko apprentices called maiko from the city's Gionkobu entertainment district gave a dance performance on Sunday on a stage set up in the shrine's precincts.

Around 20 people, including maiko, tossed small bags of beans from the stage to the beat of drums.

The beans are said to bring good luck if they are eaten. The onlookers jostled to catch them.

A man in his 40s from the city who came with his baby daughter said he wasn't able to catch any beans himself but someone gave him a few. He said he wants to throw them at home with his children to pray for a bright and happy year.