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What is the Tori-no-Ichi Festival?

The Tori-no-Ichi (酉の市) Festival is a traditional Japanese festival for good fortune, prosperity, and business success. It is held at Otori Shrines across Japan on days of the Rooster (as per the Chinese zodiac calendar) in November. This annual event dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868) and is particularly popular among business owners and entrepreneurs who come to purchase decorated lucky rakes (kumade) to “rake in” wealth and success for the coming year.

Festival Highlights & Traditions

✔️ Kumade (Lucky Rakes) – Symbols of Wealth 🏵️ – The main attraction of Tori-no-Ichi is the sale of ornate rakes (kumade), decorated with lucky charms, gold coins, and symbols of good fortune.
✔️ Hand-Clapping Ceremony 👏 – When purchasing a kumade, vendors and buyers perform a rhythmic 3-3-3-1 clapping ritual called tejime, sealing the deal with good luck.
✔️ Bustling Market Atmosphere 🌟 – The shrines and streets around them transform into lively marketplaces, filled with energetic vendors, bright lanterns, and festive music.
✔️ Traditional Street Food 🍢 – Visitors can enjoy a variety of Japanese festival snacks like yakitori, takoyaki, taiyaki, and amazake (sweet sake).
✔️ Multiple Festival Days (Ichi-no-Tori, Ni-no-Tori, San-no-Tori) 📆 – If there are three Rooster days in November, the last one is believed to be the luckiest but also a sign of potential fire hazards, making it a day of extra prayers.

How to Attend & Tips

• Best Places to Visit:
  📍 Otori Shrine, Asakusa (Tokyo) – The most famous Tori-no-Ichi location, drawing thousands of visitors.
  📍 Hanazono Shrine, Shinjuku (Tokyo) – Another major venue, attracting many business owners and celebrities.
• Buying a Kumade: Start with a small rake if it’s your first time and increase its size yearly for growing success.
• Getting There Early: Popular shrines get very crowded, so arrive early evening for the best experience.

Stay Updated

Since Tori-no-Ichi falls on different dates each year, check official shrine websites for exact festival dates and details closer to November.