Event Guide · Tokyo & Around

Tori-no-Ichi

NovemberCentral Tokyo2026: two days, Ichi-no-Tori on Nov 7 (Sat) and Ni-no-Tori on Nov 19 (Thu) (no market on the days in between)
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Overview

Overview

A festival dating back to the Edo period, held on the Days of the Rooster in November to pray for good fortune and prosperous business. Otori Shrine in Asakusa is considered the birthplace of Tori-no-Ichi, and stalls selling lucky kumade (decorated bamboo rakes) pack the shrine grounds and surrounding streets. Depending on the year there are two or three Rooster Days, called Ichi-no-Tori, Ni-no-Tori, and San-no-Tori (the first, second, and third).

When
Usually on the Days of the Rooster in November (2–3 days, 12 days apart). At Otori Shrine in Asakusa, it runs from midnight to midnight (0:00–24:00) on each Rooster Day
Confirmed dates: 2026: two days, Ichi-no-Tori on Nov 7 (Sat) and Ni-no-Tori on Nov 19 (Thu) (no market on the days in between)
Venue
Around Otori Shrine and Chokokuji Temple (Senzoku, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Highlights

Highlights

Rows of kumade of all sizes glowing under the night lights, and the lively shouts and ceremonial hand-clapping that ring out each time one is sold. Besides kumade for "raking in" good fortune, lucky foods such as kirizansho (sansho-pepper rice cakes) and yatsugashira (taro) are also festival specialties.

Times

Times

Tori-no-Ichi (Otori Shrine, Asakusa)0:00–24:00

Starts at midnight on each Rooster Day with the signal of the first drumbeat (Ichiban Daiko) and continues for 24 hours. Per Otori Shrine's official 2026 announcement

Eve festival for good fortune (Yoimiya Kaiun Fukujusai)From 23:15

In 2026, on the nights before, Nov 6 (Fri) and Nov 18 (Wed). Otori Shrine official

Special Otori festival ceremonyFrom 13:00

In 2026, Nov 7 (Sat) and Nov 19 (Thu). Otori Shrine official

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

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓It's considered lucky to trade up to a slightly bigger kumade every year. As a travel souvenir, a small charm-sized kumade is plenty of fun
  • ✓When you buy a kumade, the stall staff will perform a lively tejime (ceremonial hand-clapping, such as sanbon-jime). Join in and clap along with the people around you
  • ✓In 2026, Ichi-no-Tori falls on a Saturday and is expected to be especially crowded. For a more relaxed visit, go during the day on Ni-no-Tori (Thursday)
  • ✓The lanterns and bustling kumade stalls at night give the most authentic Tori-no-Ichi atmosphere. Many people come to pray from the first drumbeat at midnight
  • ✓Tori-no-Ichi is also held on the same days at other shrines in Tokyo, such as the Otori Festival at Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku and Otori Shrine in Meguro
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Iriya Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)About 7 min on foot from Exit 3 (North Exit)Nearest station
  • Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express)About 8 min on foot
  • Tawaramachi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)About 15 min on foot
  • Uguisudani Station (JR Yamanote Line)About 20 min on foot from the South Exit
From major stations
  • Ueno Station: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line one stop to Iriya Station (About 2 min + about 7 min on foot)
  • Tokyo Station: JR Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku Line to Akihabara Station, then transfer to the Hibiya Line for Iriya Station (About 20 min + about 7 min on foot)
  • Nippori Station: Toei bus from the East Exit to the Senzoku stop, then about 2 min on foot (About 15 min)
Extra buses & shuttles
No extra buses have been announced. The Taito City loop bus "Megurin" and Toei buses can also be used
IC cards (Suica etc.)
IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used on Tokyo Metro, the Tsukuba Express, JR, Toei buses, and Megurin
Getting back
  • The entrances to Iriya Station get crowded at night. Walking to Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express) or Tawaramachi Station helps avoid the crowds
  • The festival continues after the last train, so check last-train times in advance
  • The surrounding streets are packed with pedestrians and hard for cars to get through, so catch a taxi on a main road a little farther away
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
Evenings on Rooster Days (around 18:00–22:00) and days that fall on a weekend. Lines to pray also form around midnight, when the first drumbeat sounds
Quieter times
From morning to early afternoon on weekday Rooster Days
Time needed
1–2 hours including the line to pray. When crowded, the line to pray alone can take over an hour
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
The JMA normal low for Tokyo in November is around 9–10°C. Some nights drop below 10°C
What to wear
A light coat or jacket with layers. If you're staying late into the night, gloves and a scarf are a good idea
Rain, snow & typhoons
As a Shinto ritual, it is held even in the rain. Follow official announcements in severe weather
Where to check for cancellations
Otori Shrine, Asakusa official website (https://otorisama.or.jp/ , 03-3876-0010)
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !At the shrine, bow once before the torii gate and avoid walking down the center of the approach. Pray with two bows, two claps, and one bow
  • !When photographing kumade stalls, ask the staff first, and don't interrupt customers negotiating or the hand-clapping ceremony
  • !Avoid using selfie sticks and tripods on the crowded shrine grounds. Do not fly drones without permission
  • !Take your trash home or sort it into the bins provided
  • !Do not smoke while walking. Taito City bans smoking on the street
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Nearby public toilets and convenience store toilets get crowded. It's a good idea to use a toilet beforehand, for example around Asakusa Station
Lockers & luggage
There are almost no coin lockers around the shrine. It's best to leave large luggage in coin lockers at Ueno or Asakusa Station before you come
Paying at food stalls
Many kumade stalls and food stalls are cash only, so bring cash
ATMs
Nearby convenience store ATMs (Seven Bank, etc.) can be used, but there may be lines on the day, so get cash beforehand
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
The shrine grounds and surrounding streets are very crowded at night, making it difficult to get around with a wheelchair or stroller. Visiting during the quieter daytime is recommended
Food

Food

Local favorites
Kirizansho (a lucky sweet and a Tori-no-Ichi specialty)Yatsugashira (a lucky variety of taro)Takoyaki, yakisoba, and amazake (sweet rice drink) from the stalls
Vegetarian & halal
Food stalls almost never show vegetarian or halal labels. If you're concerned about ingredients, ask at the stall
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Tori-no-IchiPR

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

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Last checked: 2026-09-30