Visit one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric November fairs, learn what the decorative kumade rakes mean, and avoid the common mistake of traveling to central Asakusa Station instead of the closer stations near Otori Shrine.
Asakusa Tori no Ichi 2026 Dates
| Fair | Date | Hours | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ichi no Tori First Rooster Fair |
Saturday, November 7, 2026 | Midnight–midnight | A Saturday event, so strong visitor demand should be expected. |
| Ni no Tori Second Rooster Fair |
Thursday, November 19, 2026 | Midnight–midnight | A weekday, but the evening period may still be very crowded. |
The fair begins with the first drum at midnight and continues for a full 24 hours. Ceremonies and formal prayers may have separate schedules or reservation requirements, but ordinary visitors can enjoy the fair without booking a ceremony.
What Is Tori no Ichi?
Tori no Ichi is a traditional November fair associated with good fortune, prosperity and successful business. It has been celebrated since the Edo period and is held on the Days of the Rooster in the traditional calendar.
At Asakusa’s fair, the main religious locations are Otori Shrine and the neighboring Chokokuji Temple. The streets and grounds fill with decorative-rake vendors, festival food stalls, worshippers and visitors.
Although the area is often described as “Asakusa,” it is in the Senzoku and Oku-Asakusa area rather than directly beside Sensoji Temple or Asakusa Station.
What Are the Kumade Rakes?
A kumade is originally a rake. At Tori no Ichi, decorated kumade symbolize gathering or “raking in” good fortune, customers, wealth and success.
Kumade mamori
Otori Shrine offers its own kumade-style good-luck charms. These are religious items connected with the shrine.
Vendor kumade
Specialist stalls sell decorative rakes in many sizes and designs, often featuring symbols of luck, prosperity and celebration.
Large purchases may be celebrated with rhythmic hand clapping between the seller and buyer. Visitors can watch respectfully, but should avoid blocking the stall or treating a customer’s purchase as a performance staged for tourists.
Do tourists need to buy one?
No. You can visit the fair, see the decorations and enjoy the atmosphere without purchasing a kumade. If you do buy one, consider how you will transport a fragile or unusually shaped item during the rest of your trip.
How to Reach Asakusa Tori no Ichi
The official locations are:
- Otori Shrine: Senzoku 3-chome, Taito City, Tokyo
- Chokokuji Temple: beside the shrine area
| Station | Line | Approximate official walking time |
|---|---|---|
| Iriya Station | Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line | 9 minutes |
| Minowa Station | Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line | 10 minutes |
| Asakusa Station | Tsukuba Express | 11 minutes |
| Asakusa Station | Ginza, Asakusa or Tobu lines | About 23 minutes |
| Ueno Station | JR and metro lines | About 27 minutes |
Check the current information from Taito City’s official Tori no Ichi page before traveling.
What Is the Best Time to Visit?
Morning and early afternoon
This is generally the easier choice for families, older travelers and visitors who want to examine the kumade stalls without moving through the strongest evening crowd.
Late afternoon
Arriving before sunset offers a useful balance. You can see the fair in daylight, stay as the lanterns become more visible and leave before the busiest late-evening period.
Evening
Evening provides the most atmospheric experience, with illuminated stalls and stronger festival energy. It also brings denser crowds, queues and slower movement.
Midnight opening
The midnight opening is culturally significant but is not automatically the best option for ordinary tourists. Late transport, crowding and the following day’s itinerary should be considered before choosing it.
Practical Tips and Festival Etiquette
- Use Iriya, Minowa or Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station when practical.
- Wear comfortable closed shoes because the streets can be crowded.
- Carry some cash for small stalls and offerings.
- Ask before taking close-up photographs of vendors or customers.
- Do not stop suddenly in the main pedestrian flow to take a photo.
- Keep children close and avoid taking large luggage into the busiest period.
- Check the weather and bring compact rain protection if necessary.
- Do not touch displayed kumade unless the seller indicates that it is acceptable.
- Religious worship areas should be treated as active sacred spaces, not only as festival scenery.
- Food stalls, access arrangements and crowd-control routes may change on the day.
How to Combine Tori no Ichi With Asakusa
Tori no Ichi can be combined with Sensoji, Kappabashi or Ueno, but visitors should allow enough time for walking and crowd conditions.
Suggested afternoon and evening route
- Visit Sensoji and the surrounding Asakusa area earlier in the afternoon.
- Continue toward Oku-Asakusa or use local transport rather than assuming the fair is beside Sensoji.
- Reach Otori Shrine before the main evening crowd.
- Explore the kumade stalls and food area.
- Return using Iriya or Minowa Station if that provides the easiest route to your hotel.
For a broader seasonal overview, read Jatravi’s Japan in November 2026 guide .
If you are still deciding which season fits your trip, compare the options in the month-by-month guide to visiting Japan .
Tell Jatravi your dates, group size, preferred cities, interests and travel pace. We can help build a realistic Japan itinerary around seasonal festivals, culture, food and transport.
Request a Free Japan Trip PlanFrequently Asked Questions
When is Asakusa Tori no Ichi 2026?
The 2026 fairs are held on Saturday, November 7 and Thursday, November 19.
What time does Tori no Ichi open?
Each official fair runs for 24 hours, from midnight until midnight.
Is there a third Tori no Ichi in 2026?
No. The official 2026 schedule includes only the first fair on November 7 and the second fair on November 19.
Is Tori no Ichi free?
General entry to the fair area is free. Kumade, food, offerings and formal prayer services are separate expenses.
Where is Asakusa Tori no Ichi held?
It is held at Otori Shrine and Chokokuji Temple in the Senzoku and Oku-Asakusa area of Taito City.
Which station is best for Tori no Ichi?
Iriya and Minowa stations on the Hibiya Line are among the closest options. Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station is also closer than the main Asakusa railway complex near Sensoji.
What is a kumade?
A kumade is a decorative rake associated with gathering good fortune, prosperity, customers and successful business.
Festival arrangements, ceremonies, access routes, stalls and crowd-control measures may change. Reconfirm current information with Otori Shrine and Taito City before visiting.
