What it is
Tori-no-ichi, “the rooster market”, is held at Ōtori shrines on the days of the Rooster in November. Merchants and shop owners come to pray for good business in the coming year and to buy kumade, bamboo rakes decorated with lucky charms, to “rake in” fortune.
The biggest market is at Ōtori Shrine in Asakusa, where it starts at midnight and runs for a full day. Stalls piled with glittering rakes fill the streets, and with each sale the sellers lead a burst of rhythmic hand-clapping for luck.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Each Rooster day | Tori-no-ichi: Stalls selling kumade rakes open from midnight and run through the day and night |
Which day should you go?
Any Rooster day, evening
Come after dark, when the stalls glow and the sound of hand-clapping rings out with each sale.
What to look for
Kumade
Bamboo rakes covered in lucky symbols, masks, rice bales and gold coins. Bigger ones are more expensive.
Tejime
When a big rake is sold, the stallholders and buyer do a rhythmic hand-clap together.
Haggling
Buyers often bargain, then leave the difference as a tip for luck.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Station | JR to Ueno, then Hibiya subway line to Iriya | about 20 min |
| Narita Airport | Keisei Access Express to Asakusa | about 1 h |
On the day. Ōtori Shrine in Asakusa is about 7 minutes on foot from Iriya Station. The fair runs from midnight to midnight on each rooster day.
Crowds. Evenings are the busiest, with queues to enter the shrine.
Where to stay
Asakusa
Walk to the temple early and late, when it is calmer. Many hotels and hostels.
Ueno
Two stops away on the Ginza line, with more hotels.
When to book. November is a pleasant time in Tokyo. Book 1 month ahead.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Dates. The Rooster day comes every 12 days in the old zodiac calendar, so there are two or three each November.
- Third rooster. Folk belief says a year with three Rooster days brings more fires. 2027 has three.
- Small rakes. Small, inexpensive kumade make good souvenirs.
Glossary
Kumade熊手
A decorated bamboo rake sold at the Tori-no-ichi markets in November to "rake in" good fortune.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Ōtori Shrine (Asakusa), official website: Tori-no-ichi.
- Taitō City tourism information: Tori-no-ichi.
Last checked 2026-10-12.