We’re not too far off now from ringing in the New Year here in Tokyo. Take your pick from the many markets and fairs traditionally held to cater to the celebratory spirit of the season and sell good luck charms to start your year off right.
Hagoita-Ichi Fair at Sensoji Temple (Dec 17-19): This is an end-of-year market on Sensoji Temple grounds where you can pick up a good luck “racket” to adorn your home. Keep an eye out for geisha who can be spotted perusing through the market stalls.
World Christas Festival (Dec 19-20): Yoyogi Park is hosting its second annual Christmas festival. There will be food and music performances, without a doubt with some sort of festive flair.
Nishiarai Daishi Temple – End of Year Festival (Dec 21): North of the Arakawa River is the Nishiarai Daishi Temple where they will be hosting yet anther good luck festival to close out the year. Plenty of good luck charms and food options to choose from. It’s also a good excuse to get out of central Tokyo and see a beautiful Buddhist temple you might not otherwise have visited.
Kasukabe Hagoita Market (Dec 21-23): Similar to the hagoita fair at Sensoji, this market will be held in Kasukabe, Saitama—where the good luck “rackets” and their festival originally gained notoriety. (Fun fact: many of the rackets selling at Sensoji will be supplied from Kasukabe.)
And seeing as it’s the last weekend before Christmas, you might want to check out the Western-style Christmas markets and the city’s dazzling winter illuminations.
Happy Weekend and Happy Holidays!
