Event Guide · Tokyo & Around

Shiman-rokusen-nichi / Hoozuki Market

JulyCentral TokyoEvery year on July 9 and 10 (same dates in 2027)
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Overview

Overview

A classic Tokyo summer tradition held at Senso-ji every year on July 9 and 10. July 10 is the most important of Kannon's special merit days: a visit on this day is said to bring the blessings of 46,000 days (about 126 years) of worship, hence the name "Shiman-rokusen-nichi" (46,000 days). The temple grounds are lined with stalls selling potted hoozuki (Chinese lantern plants).

Highlights

Highlights

About 120 stalls (around 60 of them hoozuki sellers in 2026) display vermilion hoozuki and Edo wind chimes — a scene unique to summer in Asakusa. The triangular thunder-protection charm held in a bamboo stick, offered only on these two days, is also popular.

Times

Times

Hoozuki market (stalls)Around 9:00 – around 21:00

2026 example (Asakusa Tourism Federation). Senso-ji does not publish specific hours

Distribution of thunder-protection charms and yellow charmsJuly 9 and 10 only

For distribution hours, contact Senso-ji (03-3842-0181)

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Because hoozuki are potted plants, plant quarantine rules make it difficult to take them out of Japan. As a traveler, enjoy looking at them or focus on taking photos
  • ✓Midday is very hot, and from evening it gets crowded with people coming from work. For a more relaxed visit, go in the morning
  • ✓After dark, the stalls light up and the atmosphere is lovely. Many visitors come in yukata
  • ✓The thunder-protection charms and yellow charms are only offered on these two days. Pick one up when you pray at the main hall
  • ✓Wear yukata and kimono with the left side wrapped over the right. Wrapping right over left is how the deceased are dressed
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tobu Skytree Line)About 5 min on footFrom Kaminarimon, walk through Nakamise to the main hall
  • Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express)About 7 min on foot
From major stations
  • Ueno Station: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa Station (About 5 min)
  • Tokyo Station: JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station, then transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line for Asakusa Station (About 20 min)
Extra buses & shuttles
None
IC cards (Suica etc.)
IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used on Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, Tobu, and the Tsukuba Express
Getting back
  • The ticket gates at Asakusa Station get crowded in the evening. Using Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express or Tawaramachi Station (Ginza Line) is another option
  • Carrying a hoozuki pot on a packed train is tough, so try to head home outside the busiest times
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Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
July 10 (the merit day itself), evenings on both days, and years when the dates fall on a weekend
Quieter times
Mornings on both days (right after the start, 9:00–10:00)
Time needed
About 1 hour to browse the stalls and pray. 2–3 hours including Nakamise and the surrounding area
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
Normals for early July in Tokyo are a low of about 23°C and a high of around 30°C (a reference value based on JMA normals). Nights are hot and humid too
What to wear
Breathable summer clothes or a yukata. Bring a hat, parasol, and drinks, and watch out for heatstroke. It's before the end of the rainy season, so bring a folding umbrella as well
Rain, snow & typhoons
As a temple event, it is usually held even in the rain. Whether stalls open in severe weather depends on conditions on the day
Where to check for cancellations
Senso-ji (03-3842-0181), Senso-ji official website, Asakusa Tourism Federation website
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Take your trash home, or return items bought at stalls to the stall
  • !Etiquette: waft smoke from the incense burner over yourself, purify your hands at the water basin, then pray at the main hall. Senso-ji is a Buddhist temple, so don't clap — just put your palms together quietly
  • !Refrain from taking photos inside the main hall or during services, and don't get in the way of other worshippers
  • !Smoking on the temple grounds is only allowed in designated areas. Smoking on the street is banned in Taito City
  • !Avoid using selfie sticks and tripods on the crowded grounds. Do not fly drones without permission
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Public toilets are available on and around the grounds. You can also use the toilets at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (opposite Kaminarimon)
Lockers & luggage
Coin lockers are available in and around Asakusa Station. It's hard to get through the crowds on the grounds with a suitcase, so leave it before you go
Paying at food stalls
Many stalls are cash only, so bring cash
ATMs
Plenty of convenience store ATMs (Seven Bank, etc.) around Kaminarimon-dori and Asakusa Station
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
The grounds are flat, but from evening they get very crowded, making it hard to move with a wheelchair or stroller. The quieter morning is the safer choice
Food

Food

Local favorites
Ningyo-yaki (small filled cakes) and age-manju (deep-fried sweet buns) on NakamiseKaminari-okoshi (puffed rice crackers)Kibi-dango (millet dumplings)Kakigori (shaved ice) from the stalls
Vegetarian & halal
Stalls rarely show vegetarian or halal labels. There are halal-friendly and vegetarian restaurants around Asakusa, so it helps to look them up in advance
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Shiman-rokusen-nichi / Hoozuki MarketPR

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

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Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.

Last checked: 2026-09-30