Experience tradition and playfulness at Setsubun Ghost in Ginza! Welcome to a special evening that will never cease to surprise and bring a smile to your face!

January 16, 2025

When you think of Setsubun, many of you probably think of the custom of "Oni wa soto! and eating ehoumaki (rolls wrapped in ehoumaki, a traditional Japanese food made with soybeans). However, there is good news for those who are tired of such "common Setsubun! Ginza offers an adult Setsubun event with a different flavor.That is the "Setsubun ghost!

At Setsubun Ghost in Ginza, hostesses dress up in bewitching and unique costumes to create a special evening. Backed by history and tradition, this is more than just a costume event. Once you step inside, a time-traveling space and a modern, playful experience await you. This Setsubun, why not dive into this special experience that can only be experienced in Ginza?

▼ What this article reveals

Origin and History of Setsubun ghosts
Why Setsubun ghosts evolved uniquely in Ginza
What makes Setsubun ghosts in Ginza different from other Setsubun events
Fancy dress themes and styles: from traditional to contemporary
Top 3 Popular Setsubun Ghost Costumes in Ginza
Preparation points for enjoying Setsubun ghosts
What are the details to look for in a hostess costume?
Customers can also participate! How to enjoy a costume event in Ginza
Why Setsubun Ghosts Revitalize Ginza's Local Culture and Economy
A special evening experience at the Setsubun Ghost Event in Ginza

What is a Setsubun ghost? The name alone is interesting!

First of all, if you hear the word "ghost" and think, "Oh, is that scary?" If you are thinking, "Oh, is it scary? It is rather a fun festival! Setsubun ghosts are a traditional Japanese custom of dressing up in costume on Setsubun day to ward off evil spirits. This culture was born in Kyoto's Hanamachi district and evolved uniquely when it descended into the nightlife of Ginza.

What is the unique charm of Ginza?

What makes Setsubun Haunted in Ginza special is that it is not just about enjoying the costumes, but it is also packed with the spirit of hospitality to "entertain the customers. Once you step into a club or bar, the hostesses' glamorous costumes and the unique, slightly funny costumes spread out before your eyes, and you will have a moment to forget your everyday life.

For example, you may come across a masquerade like this...

A bewitching hostess in an oiran-style kimono.
A comical mama who is a red devil.
Even "Fashionable Monster" in Ginza, which recreates the latest anime characters!

There is no need to be afraid of "ghosts." Rather, the smiles and amazement of the occasion will blow away the evil spirits.

The History of Setsubun Obake: A Fusion of Tradition and Ginza

Originated in the Edo period!

In fact, the history of Setsubun ghosts is old and is said to have originated in the flower district of Kyoto during the Edo period (1603-1868). People at that time considered Setsubun to be "the turning point of the season, a time when evil spirits are likely to enter the town. Therefore, the unique idea of "confusing and driving away evil spirits" by dressing up as demons or ghosts was born.

In Hanamachi, geishas and maiko (apprentice geisha and maiko) paraded through the streets dressed in gorgeous costumes, and people who saw them were surprised or laughed at to drive away evil spirits. This culture was introduced to Ginza, where it took on its present form with sophisticated arrangements typical of an adult social gathering place.

Unique evolution of Ginza

Setsubun ghosts in Ginza evolved further during the postwar reconstruction period. At a time when the high-class club culture was flourishing, hostesses dressed up in costumes to entertain customers on Setsubun day, and the event became a fixture.

Fancy-dress episodes at that time:
We do everything we can to surprise our customers! Anything to surprise the customers! In this spirit, hostesses competed with each other to come up with the best costume for the occasion. At one club, a chic mama dressed in a black tomesode and red accessories was a hit, while a hostess dressed as an oiran (courtesan) made a spectacular appearance and became the talk of the town that year. The culture of Ginza, with its exquisite mix of "chic" and "flamboyance," continues to this day.

How to enjoy Setsubun Ghosts in Ginza 120%.

1. the hostesses' costumes are remarkable! Who is this? is fun!

One of the pleasures of the Setsubun Haunting in Ginza is to see the hostesses at the clubs and bars dressed up in costumes full of individuality. Some of them appear in costumes with a completely different atmosphere than usual, and you may find yourself saying, "What? This is Ms. XX? and "This person is Ms. XXX?

Mama appears dressed as an oiran (courtesan) → The gap between her usual calm impression and that of a courtesan is captivating.
A new hostess wearing red devil horns → Laughs and enlivens the place.

Hearing the theme or story of the day's masquerade adds to the fun.

Even guests are welcome to dress up!

In fact, it is possible for customers to participate in costume. There is no need to wonder, "Is it okay if I go dressed like this?" There is no need to wonder. At Setsubun Ghost in Ginza, our motto is "The one who has fun wins! is our motto. Take the plunge and rent a kimono or character costume to participate.

Examples of recommended masquerade themes:

theme	point
Edo style	Japanese style attire for a chic atmosphere. Perfect for the Ginza atmosphere!
Emphasis on humor	Hilarious costumes such as bean-throwing ogres and "Setsubun superheroes
Simple & Elegant	Ginza-like fancy dress with black tomesode and accessories

3. enjoy a night out in Ginza with drinks

Many restaurants offer special menus on Setsubun Ghost Night, and enjoying drinks and food is one of the best parts of the evening.

Special cocktail "Tears of Red Devil: Spicy flavor.
Fukumame snack plateSetsubun: A menu unique to Setsubun is full of seasonal dishes.

Enjoying conversation with the costumed hostesses with a drink in hand, you can experience a "playful Ginza" that is different from the usual Ginza.

Commercial aspects of enlivening Setsubun ghosts in Ginza

Setsubun Ghost is not just an event, but also plays an important role in stimulating the Ginza economy. For example, the following businesses thrive during this time of year:

Costume rental business: Demand for kimono and fancy dress costume rentals surged.
Dressing service: Professional dressers are pulled together.
Club events: Special Setsubun-only menus and staging increased the number of customers visiting the store.

Summary: This year's Setsubun is "Ginza Ghost"!

Ginza's Setsubun Ghost is a one-of-a-kind event that blends historical background with a modern sense of fun. The hostesses' costumes, smiling faces, and the glamour of Ginza will surely make the night an unforgettable experience.

This Setsubun, I want to do something special!" If you feel like it, please come and join us!To Setsubun Ghost in GinzaCome visit us. Surprises, laughter, and a little bit of elegance await you!

Here is an addendum from the author. ZENNO GROUP Inc. proposes innovative planning and production that has never been done before.

Together, we aim for success by providing creative ideas that exceed our clients' needs for events and product promotions.

We are particularly focused on creating unique experiences that are one-of-a-kind and maximize the value of your brand.

We are your partner to turn your ideas into reality. Let's start a new challenge together. We look forward to hearing from you!

Article Supervisor

Yuya Hachimine, CEO

Representative Director of ZENNO GROUP, Inc. known as a leader in the night work industry in Ginza. He worked for 14 years as a black-shirted worker in a high-class club in Ginza, and based on his experience, he provides various services for the industry. In order to improve the inefficient work system, he founded ZENNO GROUP Inc. and has contributed to the development of the industry.