(original photo by Dick Thomas Johnson; CC BY 2.0)

Torinoichi

Torinoichi (酉の市) is the religious festival of Otori Shrine that takes place every year on the Day of the Rooster (酉の日, Tori no hi) in November. The festival flourished around the Kanto area during the Edo Period, with the celebration at Asakusa being the largest and most clamorous in Tokyo. During Torinoichi, people give thanks for safely making it through the year and pray for luck in the next year. “Okame” masks and other good luck charms decorate bamboo rakes of all sizes called Kumade which are sold at outdoor stalls. These symbolize the action of raking in good luck and are mainly purchased for success in business. Visitors look to buy a bigger Kumade than the previous year, to ensure that luck will continue to come their way.

Torinoichi

Torinoichi is held on the Day of the Rooster in November, which falls on a different date each year. Depending on the calendar cycle, there may be two or three festivals in November, known as Ichi no Tori (first), Ni no Tori (second), and San no Tori (third). As the exact dates vary each year, please check the official website for the latest schedule.

3-19-6 Senzoku, Taito-ku
10 min from Iriya or Minowa Sta.
Website: Chokokuji Temple (in English)
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku
5 min. walk from Asakusa Sta.
From 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight to midnight)
Website: Sensoji Temple (The Origin & History of Tori no Ichi, in Japanese only)
3-1-2 Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku
7 min from Meguro Sta.
Website: Otori Shrine (Tori no Ichi info, in Japanese only)
5-17-3 Shinjuku-ku
3 min from Shinjuku-Sanchome Sta. or 7 min from Shinjuku Sta.
3-1 Miyamachi, Fuchu-shi
5 min from Fuchu Sta.
Website: Ookunitama Shrine (in Japanese only)
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