Wishing for Good Luck for the Next Year at “Asakusa Tori-no-ichi Fair”, the Iconic Feature of Tokyo in November

‘Tori-no-ichi’ (酉の市) is a fair where people express gratitude to God and Buddha and pray for business prosperity and the safety of family for the following year. It’s been held nationwide as a traditional annual event that has continued since the Edo Period, however, the largest and the most livened up is the one held at “Chokei-ji Temple” and “Ohtori Shrine” in Asakusa. In 2021, it’ll be held on the 9th and 21st of November. In this issue, let’s look at tips you should take into consideration at “Asakusa Tori-no-ichi Fair” (浅草酉の市), the end-of-year tradition bringing good luck to you.

The easy way to get to the venue of Asakusa Tori-no-ichi Fair is to take either 都08, 草63 or 草43 bus at Asakusa-Kaminarimon Bus Stop which is a 3-minute walk from Hotel Gracery Asakusa, get off at Ryusen Bus Stop which is just 5 stops away, and then walk for 3 minutes.

Be blessed at “Chokei-ji Temple” with a special once-a-year prayer only when Tori-no-ichi is held

Since its establishment in 1630, “Chokei-ji Temple” (長圀寺) has been known and recognized as the birthplace of Asakusa Tori-no-ichi Fair. In addition to the ‘Mandala of the Ten Realms’ (十界の曼荼羅) worshipped primarily, ‘Washimyoken Bodhisattva’ (鷲妙見大菩薩), which is the guardian image of good luck, is also familiarly known as ‘Otori-sama’ (おとりさま) among the people in Tokyo. The sutra where Otori-sama is kept is opened only when Tori-no-ichi is held, and many worshipers visit to pray for a special blessing on them. The good luck bell (開運鈴) in front of the main hall and the two thick leashes in red and white are connected to Washimyoken Bodhisattva through the five-colored string, and it is said that you can grasp a better fortune by firmly grasping the leash. Ring the bell with gratitude for that you could spend this year in peace and safety, and bring back greater fortune for the coming year home.

Opening Hours	24 hours
Address	3-19-6 Senzoku, Taito City, Tokyo Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Asakusa: A 3-minute walk from Ryusen Bus Stop which is a 5-stop bus ride away from Asakusa Kaminarimon Bus Stop Akihabara Washington Hotel: A 10-minute walk from Iriya Station which is 2 stations away from Akihabara Station on the Hibiya Line Hotel Tavinos Asakusa: An 11-minute walk
URL	http://otorisama.jp/kaizan/kaizan06.html

“Ohtori Shrine” to renew lucky decoration on Kumade every year

In addition to Chokei-ji Temple, “Ohtori Shrine” (鷲神社) is famous as a shrine that originated in Tori-no-ichi likewise. Though the year of its foundation is unknown, it is said to be the place where Yamato Takeru no Mikoto (ヤマトタケルノミコト, son of the 12th Emperor of Japan), who is a legendary hero in mythology, prayed for victory. After the battle, he visited the shrine and celebrated his winning by hanging the Kumade (熊手, rake) he’d used as a weapon on the pine tree at the premise on the day of Tori (酉, one of the Japanese zodiac, rooster) in November, and that is said to have been the origin of Tori-no-ichi. Looking up at the upper left of the entrance to the approach, you will be greeted by a gorgeous Kumade that looks truly auspicious. Since the decorations are redesigned every year, it should be interesting to compare with the last year’s. When the first drum is hit at midnight, just head to get the Kumade amulet. If you are lucky enough to get the amulet earliest than others, you will be given a gift of 24K gold oval coin for the best fortune.

Opening Hours	24 hours
Address	3-18-7 Senzoku, Taito City, Tokyo Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Asakusa: A 3-minute walk from Ryusen Bus Stop which is a 5-stop bus ride away from Asakusa Kaminarimon Bus Stop Akihabara Washington Hotel: A 10-minute walk from Iriya Station which is 2 stations away from Akihabara Station on the Hibiya Line Hotel Tavinos Asakusa: An 11-minute walk
URL	https://otorisama.or.jp/english.html

“Asakusa Tori-no-ichi Fair” where you can enjoy negotiation talks and closing the deal with rake sellers

Once you’ve done with wishing for fortune both at the temple and the shrine, have fun at the fair. You can enjoy the fair just by browsing the stands selling sweets wishing for better luck. Among the various lucky charms and amulets, ‘Kakkome Kumade’ (かっこめ熊手) is the signature one. As the decorations on Kumade vary from seller to seller, try to find your favorite design at first. Once you’ve found your favorite, take on the challenge of Tori-no-ichi’s famous negotiation talk. Negotiating the budget and size with a seller, but eventually giving the discounted amount to the seller as a celebration is the traditional style of Edokko (江戸っ子, the way how we Japanese call genuine Tokyoites). Placing the Kumade you bought up in the center of the seller stand, and you’ll hear dashing shouts wishing for good luck in business and the safety of family from other seller stands. It must be a great experience to see and hear a lot of people around you wishing for your fortune.

Fair Period	All Day Long 9th and 11th November, 2021
Access	Hotel Gracery Asakusa: A 3-minute walk from Ryusen Bus Stop which is a 5-stop bus ride away from Asakusa Kaminarimon Bus Stop Akihabara Washington Hotel: A 10-minute walk from Iriya Station which is 2 stations away from Akihabara Station on the Hibiya Line Hotel Tavinos Asakusa: An 11-minute walk
URL	https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/ev090/index.html