Asakusa’s Sensōji — Tokyo’s oldest temple — holds a Hagoita-Ichi Festival every year’s end to sell the good luck charm hagoita, which are ornamental bats. They’re based on those used in a traditional New Year’s game of hanetsuki (a bit like badminton, apparently).
What happens?
The festival dates back to Edo times. The bats are usually decorated with kabuki actors but you may also find them decorated with TV personalities, sports stars, or even cartoon characters. There are 50 stalls set near the main hall of the temple and don’t be surprised if the sales staff clap to celebrate a purchase.
If you live nearer Saitama, you may also want to check out Kasukabe’s Hagoita Market where many of the hagoita sold in Asakusa are made.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
17th Dec–19th Dec, 2023
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10:00am – 7:30pm
Free
Official site
⚠️ Link in Japanese
- 0.6 km from Asakusa Station Ginza Line (G19)Asakusa Line (A18)Tobu Skytree Line (TS1)
- 0.8 km from Tawaramachi Station Ginza Line (G18)
- 1.0 km from Honjo-azumabashi Station Asakusa Line (A19)
Typical weather at this time:
High: 8 ºC
Low: 4 ºC
