In Kyoto, geisha apprentices called maiko have taken part in a traditional bean-throwing ceremony for the first time in three years.

The ritual is performed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck on Setsubun, the last day of winter on the Japanese traditional calendar that usually falls on February 3.

Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto City holds the two-day ceremony annually, from the eve of Setsubun. But the event was cancelled for the past two years due to the coronavirus.

On Thursday, maiko from the city's Pontocho entertainment district performed traditional dancing on a stage of the shrine.

They then tossed white bags of beans from the stage.
Onlookers tried to catch the beans, which are believed to bring good luck.

A Japanese visitor said she wants to make 2023 a happy year and start traveling again, as she expects antivirus restrictions to be further eased soon.

A woman from Dubai said she's visiting Japan for the fifth time, as she loves the country. She also said she got a bag of beans, and hopes to get married this year.