Tori no Ichi: Tokyo's Lucky Rake Fairs

Published October 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Raking in Good Fortune

In November, when the evenings turn crisp, certain shrines in Tokyo come alive with lanterns, food stalls and the cheerful clap of hands. Row after row of vendors display gleaming bamboo rakes decorated with gold coins, sea bream, lucky gods and tiny rice barrels. People stroll through the lights, choose a rake, and clap in rhythm with the seller to celebrate. This is Tori no Ichi, the rooster-day fair, a beloved Tokyo tradition for praying for good business and good fortune in the year ahead.

This guide explains what the fair is, how the date is decided, why the lucky rake called a kumade is the star of the show, and how the tradition began. We will also cover the best known shrines, tips for browsing and buying, and a short set of takeaways. If your trip to Japan falls in November, this is one of the most atmospheric evenings you can add to your plans.

What Is Tori no Ichi?

The name Tori no Ichi means rooster market. It is held in November on the days of the rooster, which come from the traditional Chinese zodiac system used to count days in a twelve day cycle. Because the cycle repeats every twelve days, there are usually two or three rooster days in November, and the exact dates change each year. The fairs are held at shrines across the Kanto region, and visitors go to pray for business prosperity and general good luck.

The fair at Otori Shrine in Asakusa, Tokyo, is said to be the original location and the one with the most visitors and stalls in the city. The travel guide GLT Japan describes it as one of the three major Tori no Ichi in the Kanto region. Many visitors treat it as the classic version of the event, and the neighborhood is lively with food stalls until late at night.

The days of the rooster are often given nicknames in order, such as the first rooster day and the second rooster day. In some years there is also a third. Any rooster day is a fine time to visit. Check the official schedule shortly before your trip, because the dates are different every year.

The Lucky Rake, Kumade

The centerpiece of the fair is the kumade, a decorated rake. Originally, rakes were simple agricultural tools, but they became a symbol of raking in good fortune and money. Over time they turned into elaborate decorative charms. The word kumade is often said to mean bear's paw, an image of a hand that grabs luck.

The rakes are decorated with festive items such as koban gold coins, tai sea bream, rice barrels and the seven lucky gods. Sizes range from small desk-friendly versions to very large ones. According to the same guide, prices begin at about 1,000 yen and can reach several tens of thousands of yen, and about 150 stalls sell them at Otori Shrine.

There is a lovely custom about buying. Buyers traditionally purchase a larger rake each year, as a way of hoping for ever bigger fortune. When a rake is sold, a clapping ceremony takes place, with the seller and those nearby clapping together in a rhythm. The Japan National Tourism Organization's page on the Asakusa Torinoichi Fair mentions that these clapping ceremonies take place after each sale, and it is one of the highlights of the evening.

A Tradition from the Edo Period

The markets are believed to date to the seventeenth century, during the Edo period. They began as harvest thanksgiving gatherings and farmers' markets and later became a time when merchants prayed for success in the coming year. This is why the fair is strongly associated with business, and why the lucky rake is so closely tied to shops and companies.

A legend tied to Otori Shrine says that the hero Yamato Takeru offered his war rake to the shrine's eagle deity on a day of the rooster, and the rake became a symbol of the shrine. It is a good story to remember as you walk among the stalls, and it shows how the tradition blends folklore, farming and commerce.

Coming in November, the fair arrives well before the end of the year, which gives people a chance to pray for a prosperous new year early. It is also a joyful way to mark the shift toward winter.

Which Shrines Hold the Fair?

The best known fair is at Otori Shrine in Asakusa, which stands next to the Buddhist temple Chokokuji. They share the festival, and both are in the Senzoku district of Taito Ward. You can reach the area on foot from Asakusa, Minowa and Iriya stations, with Iriya Station being the closest, about a seven to eight minute walk. Asakusa Station is a longer walk of about twenty minutes by another account.

The other two major fairs in the top three are at Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku and Okunitama Shrine in Fuchu, and smaller markets are held at places such as Kitano Shrine in Nakano and Ebara Shrine in Shinagawa. At the largest markets, festivities traditionally begin at midnight with a drum, and the fairs continue into the night, creating a lively night market atmosphere.

Each shrine has its own character. Otori Shrine in Asakusa is close to the traditional streets of old Tokyo, while Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku offers a contrast of old shrine and modern city. Choose the one that fits your itinerary.

Tips for Visiting

Plan to go in the evening, when the lanterns are lit and the stalls are busy. The Tokyo official tourism site Go Tokyo advises checking the official event website for the latest dates, times and details before you go, since the schedule changes yearly. Expect large crowds, with long lines forming outside the main hall to pray. You can enter the grounds and browse the rake market from side streets if the main line is long.

Take your time with choosing a rake. With so many stalls, it is worth walking the whole market first to see the variety. Think about size, since larger ones are more expensive and harder to carry, and consider where you would display it at home or in your office. Cash is helpful for small purchases at the stalls.

When you buy, join in the clapping with a smile. It is a lovely moment, and the sellers appreciate the enthusiasm. After shopping, try some of the food stalls and enjoy the atmosphere. Be mindful of the crowds, keep your bag in front of you, and watch your step when the path is busy. If you do not want to buy a rake, simply walking through the lantern-lit streets is enjoyable on its own.

Quick Takeaways

Tori no Ichi is a November fair held on the days of the rooster at shrines across Tokyo, with the Otori Shrine in Asakusa as the most famous. Visitors buy decorated lucky rakes called kumade, trade up to a larger one each year, and clap together after each purchase. The tradition began in the Edo period as a harvest and merchant celebration and still feels like a warm community event.

Check the schedule, go in the evening, wear comfortable shoes and bring a friendly spirit. Whether you buy a rake or just enjoy the lanterns and snacks, this is a wonderful way to experience a classic corner of Tokyo during the festive season.