Tori no Ichi (酉の市) is a traditional Japanese festival held at various shrines and temples across the country to pray for good fortune, prosperity, and success in business. The festival is usually celebrated 2 to 3 times in November on specific days known as the "Days of the Rooster (Tori no Hi, 酉の日)" according to the Chinese zodiac calendar.
Table of Contents
- What is Tori no Ichi (酉の市)?
- Tori no Ichi is Celebrated 2~3 Times in November
- How is Tori no Ichi Celebrated
- The 3 Great Tori no Ichi Festivals in Kanto
- Other Tori no Ichi Festivals in Japan
What is Tori no Ichi (酉の市)?
.jpg)
Tori no Ichi (酉の市) directly translates to “Rooster Market” or the “Market of the Rooster”. It is a festival that is held on the "Days of the Rooster (Tori no Hi, 酉の日)" according to the Chinese zodiac calendar. The festival’s origins can be traced back to the Edo period when it was held as a harvest festival for farmers living near Otori Shrines (大鷲神社, Ootori Jinja).Farmers would give thanks for the safety of the past year and pray for good harvests in the coming year.
Over the years, the festival has evolved and grown in scale, becoming particularly important for merchants and business owners seeking blessings for prosperity in their ventures. Today, Tori no Ichi is celebrated not only for agricultural success but also for wealth, good luck, and success in a wide variety of personal and professional endeavors.
The central symbol of the festival is the “熊手(Kumade)”, a decorative bamboo rake adorned with charms. It is believed that the rake, symbolizing "raking in good fortune," will bring luck and wealth to those who display it in their homes or businesses.
Writer's Pick
Tori no Ichi is Celebrated 2~3 Times in November
.jpg)
Tori no Ichi occurs on the Days of the Rooster, which follow the Chinese zodiac. These days fall in November, and depending on the year, there can be either two or three "rooster" days.
- 一の酉 (Ichi no Tori) : The first day of Tori no Ichi is considered the most important. It is usually the most crowded, as people are eager to secure their Kumade early.
- 二の酉 (Ni no Tori) : Held 12 days after Ichi no Tori is another opportunity to obtain charms and attend the festival.
- 三の酉 (San no Tori) : There is a belief that fires are more prevalent in years when there is a San no Tori, so people take extra precautions to prevent fire breakouts.
Tori no Ichi [2024]
What are the dates for Tori no Ichi in 2024?
- November 5th, 2024 (Tuesday)
- November 17th, 2024 (Sunday)
- November 29th, 2024 (Friday)
How is Tori no Ichi Celebrated
.jpg)
Tori no Ichi festivals usually take place at and around Otori shrines (大鳥神社), but other shrines and temples also host the celebrations.
Kumade (熊手)
The highlight of the event is the sale of kumade rakes, which range from small, simple designs to large, intricately decorated ones. These rakes are adorned with symbols of prosperity such as coins, treasure ships, cranes, and turtles, and are sold at vibrant stalls around the shrines.
Kaiun Kumade (開運熊手）
It is a tradition to replace one's kumade each year with a larger or more elaborate one, symbolizing growth and increasing fortune over time.
Rhythmic Clapping as Blessings
After purchasing a rake, vendors often clap rhythmically after a sale is made. This is not just a sign of celebration at having successfully made a sale, but a blessing. People around join in the hand-clapping adding to the lively atmosphere.
Festival (祭り, Matsuri)
Like many traditional Japanese festivals, Tori no Ichi also features various food stalls offering treats such as yakitori, takoyaki, yakisoba and sweets. Since it is autumn, there are also seasonal foods such as roasted chestnuts and roasted sweet potatoes. The festival grounds come alive with lively crowds, colorful decorations, and music.
The 3 Great Tori no Ichi Festivals in Kanto
The Kanto region (which includes Tokyo and its surroundings) is famous for some of the largest and most significant Tori no Ichi festivals. The "3 Great Tori no Ichi Festivals in Kanto (関東三大酉の市)" can all be found in Tokyo:
1. [Tokyo] Otori Shrine in Asakusa
.jpg)
Otori Shrine in Asakusa holds the biggest Tori no Ichi Festival in Japan. It is the most popular, often drawing the largest crowds. On festival days, the street between Otori Shrine and the adjacent Chokokuji Temple becomes lined with stalls selling Kumade. The atmosphere is vibrant and lively as people hand-clap and shout at the continuous selling of Kumade.
A highlight of the festival is the “Eagle Dance (鷲舞ひ, Washimaihi)” where dancers wearing eagle masks dance bravely to ward off evil spirits to the tempo of Taiko drums.
2. [Tokyo] Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku
.jpg)
Located in the heart of Tokyo, Hanazono Shrine is another major site for Tori no Ichi, especially popular with local businesses looking to boost their fortunes in the competitive commercial district. It is just as lively as Asakusa’s festival. Even though the grounds are small, they are crammed full of Kumade shops.
3. [Tokyo] Okunitama Shrine in Fuchu
.jpg)
Located in the outskirts of Tokyo, Okunitama Shrine is one of 5 major shrines in Tokyo, and has a history of over 1900 years. They are also famous for other festivals, such as the Kurayami Festival and Plum Festival. Just like other Tori no Ichi Festivals, the approach to the shrine is decorated with lanterns and lined with Kumade stalls.
Other Tori no Ichi Festivals in Tokyo
.jpg)
In addition to the above, there are over 30 Tori no Ichi Festivals in Tokyo, as well as others around the Kanto region. For a list of Tori no Ichi Festivals in Tokyo and Kanto, check this list compiled by the 浅草 酉の市 website.
To Close
.jpg)
Tori no Ichi (酉の市) is a vibrant and deeply rooted cultural celebration that takes place mainly in Kanto and throughout Tokyo. Whether you're a businessperson seeking luck for your ventures or simply looking to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Japan, Tori no Ichi is a lively and meaningful festival that welcomes all.
.jpg)
.png)
