The Tori no Ichi Fairs are one of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets. These “Rooster Fairs” aren’t in many of the tourist guides, but they’re a big deal for local communities.
This is touted as the last Tori-no-Ichi in Tokyo.
What are Tori-no-Ichi?
Dating back to the Edo period, the festivals are all about good fortune and prosperity for the new year.
What happens?
These markets sell kumade, ceremonial bamboo rakes that are beautifully decorated and hung with traditional Japanese good-luck charms. Stallholders give each one a special send-off, with clapping and calling out that transfers the luckiness the rake embodies onto its new owner. Prices for kumade vary, but start at about ¥1,000 and go up from there. There are also street vendors and food stalls.
So, if you’re feeling a bit down on your luck (or just want to pick up a bit more), hustle over to the precincts of Oji Shrine and pick up one of the thousands of kumade you’ll find for sale there.
Schedule
Although the Oji Kumade Ichi has no fixed closing time (that we know of at the time of writing), it’s best to assume it’ll go on until late.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
