Tori no Ichi
Asakusa’s Vibrant Luck Fair
Venue: Otori Shrine and Chokoku-ji (Temple), Tokyo
When: November 12 and 24, 2025
Tori no Ichi is a traditional festival held every November on the “Days of the Rooster” across the Kanto region to pray for good fortune and business prosperity. The most famous and spectacular of these is held in Asakusa, uniquely hosted by the neighboring Otori Shrine and Chokoku-ji (Temple).
The grounds come alive with a breathtaking array of stalls selling colorful kumade, ornate good-luck rakes that are the festival’s symbol, alongside vendors offering delicious local food. Amid the energetic, rhythmic calls of the vendors, you can feel the vibrant atmosphere of a tradition that dates back to the Edo period. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Tokyo’s most lively cultural events.
Dates |
November 12 and 24, 2025 |
Opening Hours |
0:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Location |
Otori Shrine and Chokoku-ji (Temple), Tokyo |
Admission |
Free |
Official Website |
|
Nearest Station |
Iriya Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line) |
Organizer |
Otori Shrine and Chokoku-ji (Temple), Tokyo |
As you approach the festival grounds, you’re immediately swept up in a whirlwind of energy. The heart of Tori no Ichi fair lies in the hundreds of stalls selling kumade: dazzling rakes, lavishly adorned with symbols of good fortune like maneki-neko (beckoning cats) and golden coins.
Listen for the spirited calls that erupt whenever a sale is made. This ritual, known as tejime, is an energetic performance to wish the buyer prosperity and is a truly captivating spectacle.
Beyond the rake stalls, the maze of food vendors is another highlight. You can savor Japanese festival classics like yakitori and oden, as well as kashira-no-imo (mother tuber of a taro) said to grant fertility. This vibrant blend of commerce, tradition, and celebration creates an unforgettable atmosphere that is a true feast for the senses.
Tori no Ichi is a fantastic experience for anyone eager to dive into authentic Japanese culture. It’s especially appealing to culture enthusiasts who want to witness a living tradition and photographers looking to capture the vibrant colors and energy of a local festival.
Of course, it’s also a must-visit for entrepreneurs and business owners hoping to soak up the optimistic atmosphere and perhaps buy a lucky rake of their own. Foodies will also be in heaven, with a huge variety of festival foods to sample.
While it is a deeply local event with limited English signage, the festival is incredibly welcoming. The main attractions—the stunning kumade displays, the lively sounds, and the delicious food—transcend language barriers. Simply observing the cheerful interactions and soaking in the bustling atmosphere makes it a rewarding and immersive experience for any traveler.
The festival gets particularly crowded from evening into the night. This year’s date of November 24th is also a national holiday in Japan, so it will likely be extremely busy.
We recommend bringing cash, as it’s highly unlikely that festival stalls will accept credit cards. If you plan to enjoy the food stalls, it’s convenient to have smaller bills like 1,000-yen notes and some 500-yen coins, rather than large bills.
Since Tori no Ichi fair is held in November, dressing warmly is key, especially as the evening gets chilly. Layering is your best strategy—a sweater under a jacket or coat will keep you comfortable. There’s no specific dress code, so casual attire is perfectly fine.
The most important thing is your footwear. You’ll be on your feet for hours navigating crowded pathways, so comfortable walking shoes like sneakers are an absolute must. Prioritize warmth and comfort to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere without getting cold.
A little advance planning can make your Tori no Ichi experience much smoother. Use these tips to get the most out of your visit.
Book your accommodation early, especially if you want to stay near Asakusa. November is a popular time to visit Tokyo for the autumn foliage, so hotels can fill up quickly. Booking a few months ahead is a smart move. Check out the options on JapanDen accommodation.
For getting around Tokyo, an IC card like a Suica or Pasmo is your best friend. You can simply tap and go on subways and buses, saving you the hassle of buying tickets for each ride. November is a fantastic time for traditional festivals, not just in Tokyo but across Japan. If you plan on visiting multiple cities, a JR Pass or Regional Pass are convenient ways to get around.
Staying connected is also key. Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi or get a travel SIM card to use navigation apps, check festival information, and stay in touch. Finally, remember that the festival dates change each year, so double-check the schedule before finalizing your travel plans.
Make the most of your visit by exploring the vibrant Asakusa area, which is packed with attractions and great food.
Sensoji Temple & Nakamise-dori: Tokyo’s oldest temple, featuring a bustling street of traditional snacks and souvenirs leading to its iconic main hall.
Kappabashi Kitchen Town: A unique district dedicated to kitchenware, where you’ll find everything from professional knives to realistic plastic food samples.
Hoppy Street (Hoppy Dori): A lively lane famous for its old style izakayas. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink and some Japanese classic pub food.
Asakusa offers plenty of accommodation options to fit any budget. Use JapanDen accommodation to find a great hotel with convenient access to the festival and other attractions.
Tori no Ichi’s origins trace back to the Edo period, evolving from a harvest festival where farmers gave thanks. Today, the Tori no Ichi of Asakusa is one of Japan’s largest, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors.
At Chokoku-ji, one of the festival venues, you can try a unique form of omikuji (paper fortune). A monk will chant a prayer right in front of you before drawing your fortune, while participants listen with reverence. This experience is very popular and lines form quickly, so be sure to allow plenty of time if you’re interested.
November is a popular travel season in Tokyo, so it’s best to plan your trip well in advance. Use these resources to arrange your accommodation, transportation, and internet access before you arrive.
Book accommodation early with JapanDen accommodation to secure a great spot, especially near Asakusa.
Use JR Pass, Regional Pass to explore other cities, and an IC card for easy travel on Tokyo’s subways to the festival.
Stay connected with a Pocket Wi-Fi. A reliable connection is essential for smooth navigation and dealing with unexpected situations.
Get assistance upon arrival with a Meet & Greet service for a smooth start to your trip.
Since the festival is held at a temple and shrine, it’s helpful to know basic etiquette. Also, remember to bring enough cash, as the food stalls and kumade vendors may not accept credit cards.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Tori no Ichi festival.
Q. What is the Tori no Ichi festival?
The Tori no Ichi festival is a vibrant traditional fair held to wish for good fortune and business prosperity for the coming year. It’s most famous for its ornate good-luck rakes called kumade and the lively, energetic atmosphere created by vendors and visitors.
Q. What are the Tori no Ichi 2025 dates?
Tori no Ichi is held every year in November on the “Days of the Rooster”. The Tori no Ichi 2025 dates are November 12 and 24.
Q. Do I need a ticket to enter Tori no Ichi?
No, admission is completely free! You can wander through the grounds, soak in the atmosphere, and browse the stalls without needing a ticket. You only need to pay for any food, drinks, or lucky rakes you decide to purchase.
Q. Do I have to buy a kumade rake?
Not at all! While buying a kumade is a central tradition for locals and businesses, visitors are welcome to simply enjoy the spectacle. Admiring the incredible craftsmanship of the rakes and witnessing the lively tejime clapping ceremony is a huge part of the fun.
Q. Is the festival held if it rains?
Yes, Tori no Ichi fair is held rain or shine. The festival is an outdoor event, so if rain is in the forecast, it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella. Don’t let a little wet weather stop you from experiencing this vibrant tradition.
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