Tori no Ichi 2025 (Rooster Market): Complete Guide to Tokyo's Lucky Rake Festival for First-Timers
Tori no Ichi is Tokyo's traditional November festival celebrating good fortune and business prosperity, featuring lucky kumade rakes and vibrant food stalls at Asakusa and Shinjuku.
As autumn deepens in November, Tokyo is painted with beautiful autumn foliage as trees throughout the city turn red and yellow, blending with the urban landscape. The average daytime temperature drops to the low 10°C (50°F), making it a season where you can feel the chill in the air.
Despite the chilly November weather, it's a pleasant season for walking outside if you wear a jacket, and atmospheric autumn events are held throughout the city.
The Tori no Ichi 2025 (Rooster Market), which is so full of energy you forget the cold, and events where you can enjoy beautiful autumn foliage are annual traditions representing Tokyo's autumn.
Table of Contents
-What is Tori no Ichi (Rooster Market)?
-Two Tori no Ichi festivals particularly popular with locals in Tokyo, explained in detail by the author living in Shinjuku
-4 Recommended Tokyo Events to Enjoy During Tori no Ichi 2025 (Rooster Market) Season
Tokyo hosts many events related to traditions and culture
In Tokyo, the center of culture, events related to traditional customs and culture are frequently held throughout the year. By participating in these events, you can experience extraordinary worldviews that you cannot encounter in daily life.
When it comes to representative events held in Tokyo in November, it's the Tori no Ichi 2025 (Rooster Market), where numerous food stalls line the streets and the city comes alive with energy. This time, I will introduce the Tori no Ichi 2025 (Rooster Market) as the main focus, along with traditional events held in Tokyo that you'll want to visit together.
What is Tori no Ichi (Rooster Market)?
In Japan, the Rooster has long been passed down as a symbol of good fortune and prosperous business. The Rooster is called "Tori" in Japanese and is counted as one of the zodiac animals in the calendar. Every year on the "Day of Tori" in November, the Tori no Ichi 2025 (Rooster Market) is held in connection with the blessings of the Rooster.
Origins of Tori no Ichi (Rooster Market)
There are various theories about the origins of Tori no Ichi, but the most prominent one is that it's said to be the harvest festival that was held at Hanahata Otori-jinja shrine located in the northern part of Tokyo.
This shrine enshrines Yamato Takeru, who unified the Japanese archipelago. The Day of Tori in November is considered the anniversary of Yamato Takeru's death, and it was also a festival to express gratitude. Worshippers would offer roosters to the shrine, and when the festival ended, they would release them at Senso-ji in Asakusa. This festival is said to have started around the 15th century.
History of Tori no Ichi (Rooster Market)
Tori no Ichi is said to have initially received many visits from samurai. In the mid-Edo era (around the late 1700s), people began gathering from all over Edo (Tokyo at that time), and it gradually permeated among ordinary townspeople. As time progressed, Tori no Ichi was held in various parts of Edo, and the center gradually shifted to Otori Shrine in Asakusa.
The faith from farmers was also strong, and at the festival, agricultural tools called "Kumade" (rakes) were sold in large quantities. Kumade became a symbol of raking in fortune and money, and gradually became beloved by merchants as well, eventually developing into a festival for praying for prosperous business and good luck.
Two Tori no Ichi festivals particularly popular with locals in Tokyo, explained in detail by the author living in Shinjuku
Asakusa Tori no Ichi (Rooster Market)
The Asakusa Tori no Ichi has a long history, continuing since 1771 in the mid-Edo era as a traditional festival. It's a festival held centered around the adjacent Otori Shrine and Chokoku-ji Temple, where the entire town is enveloped in energy and worshippers visit from all over Japan.
While Tori no Ichi is often held at shrines, a distinctive feature of Asakusa is that it's held centered around both a temple and a shrine. You can physically experience the uniquely Japanese religious perspective where two different religions harmonize. Please go out to the festival and enjoy together the energy and traditions of this festival continuing from the Edo era.
Tokyo's largest scale early winter tradition conveying the downtown Edo atmosphere
The Asakusa Tori no Ichi is cherished as Tokyo's largest scale early winter tradition. With 500 food stalls lining up centered around Chokoku-ji, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the traditional Japanese festival "Ennichi." In addition to auspicious items like Kumade and traditional sweets, you can also enjoy Japanese gourmet foods such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and oden (simmered dishes).
The area around Otori shrine is enveloped in the light of lively chochin (Japanese lanterns) and is full of energy throughout the night. Please enjoy to your heart's content the power of Japanese festivals with Japanese gourmet food in hand.
Lively ennichi atmosphere continues until late at night
On the days when the Asakusa Tori no Ichi is held, the Ennichi runs from 0:00 to 24:00. Around Chokoku-ji, food stalls begin around 19:00 during the eve festival the previous day, and the stalls remain open until 2:00 the day after Tori no Ichi, with the energy continuing until late at night.
The nighttime Tori no Ichi shows a nostalgic scene illuminated by the warm light of chochin. The lantern light reflecting off the Kumade makes you realize the beauty of Japanese tradition. Please experience the worldview of Tori no Ichi while being enveloped in warm light and energy.
The gorgeous golden and silver shining kumade, the symbol of Tori no Ichi
When talking about what catches the eye most at Tori no Ichi, it's definitely the "Kumade" stalls, which are also the symbol of Tori no Ichi. Kumade is an agricultural tool for raking up fallen leaves and is used like a broom, but because it has claws, it doesn't let go of what it grabs. Therefore, it's also cherished as an auspicious item that "rakes in good fortune and doesn't let luck escape."
The Kumade sold at Tori-no-ichi are decorated with auspicious items such as koban (old gold coins) and the Seven Gods of Fortune, and just looking at them envelops you in a gorgeous and joyful mood.
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Dates: November 12, 24, 2025
Venue: Ohtori Shrine/ Chokoku-ji temple
Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Tokyo metro Hibiya line "Minowa station" or "Iriya station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://torinoichi.jp/
Hanazono Shrine Tori no Ichi (Rooster Market)
Hanazono Shrine is a shrine located in the heart of Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's largest metropolitan areas. It is a historic shrine that has been protecting this land for over 400 years since its establishment in 1590.
The Tori no Ichi held at Hanazono Shrine is also large-scale and is beloved as one of Japan's three major Tori no Ichi alongside Asakusa. Unlike the Tori no Ichi in Asakusa, which has a retro downtown atmosphere flowing through it, Shinjuku's Tori no Ichi 2025 (Rooster Market) allows you to feel the heat of urban nightlife. Many office workers in suits can be seen, and you can enjoy the festival atmosphere where city life and Japanese tradition intersect.
The Overwhelming Display of Lanterns at Hanazono Shrine Tori no Ichi
Speaking of the symbol of Hanazono Shrine's Tori no Ichi, it is the 900 "Chochin" (Japanese lanterns). The sight of the chochin covering the space like a wall is overwhelming, and even as a Japanese person, I have rarely seen such a magnificent world of chochin lights.
The Ennichi is also bustling with activity, and the sight of the food stalls created by the light of the chochin and the retro, nostalgic atmosphere has a different worldly air from the usual Shinjuku. Please experience firsthand the vitality created by the modern metropolis and Japanese tradition.
Cute Kumade That Can Be Easily Purchased From Around 500 Yen and Make Great Souvenirs
At the Ennichi, palm-sized Kumade that can be enjoyed casually are also sold. Since they are sold for around 500 yen, taking them home as souvenirs is also recommended.
Kumade has a custom of replacing it every year and buying a larger one than the current one the following year to invite even greater fortune. This is the reason why large Kumade are sold.
When taking it home as a souvenir, do not treat it carelessly and display it carefully or store it properly. If you display it carefully as an interior decoration, memories of Japan will always come back to your heart.
"Misemonogoya" That Can Only Be Enjoyed at Retro Festivals
Source:X
Speaking of the specialty of Hanazono Shrine's Tori no Ichi, it is the "Misemonogoya" (Freak show). It was often held as a festival event in the Edo era, but nowadays it can rarely be seen and is also called the "last Misemonogoya."
At the Misemonogoya, unusual and thrilling shows using flames and putting the body on the line are performed. Photography is prohibited inside, so information rarely gets out. If you are brave, please experience that strange and mysterious world with your own eyes.
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Date: November 12, 24, 2025 (Pre-festival November 11, 23)
Venue: Hanazono shrine
Access: About 7 minutes walk from JR "Shinjuku station" Exit 15
Admission: Free
Hanazono shrine: http://hanazono-jinja.or.jp/
If You Visit Tori no Ichi, Explore Each Area in Advance
If you visit Tori no Ichi, it is also recommended to explore each area in advance to deepen your knowledge of the area. Here are two recommended tours held in Asakusa and Shinjuku.
Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour
When you come to the historic town of Asakusa, why not experience Japanese culture? This tour visits "Sensouji Temple," the symbol of Asakusa, as well as hidden attractive spots with a local guide from the area.
After visiting Sensouji Temple on the tour, you will stroll through the shopping street and enjoy eating and shopping. After that, you will experience matcha in a quiet tea room. For lunch, you can also taste Monjayaki, Tokyo's soul food, and you can experience a wide range from tradition to food culture. This tour is also recommended for those who want to enjoy deep sightseeing that cannot be obtained through individual travel.
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Meeting point: In front of Kaminarimon Police Box, Senso-ji
Tour area: Asakusa
Start time: 11:00
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
When it comes to enjoying Tokyo's night, it is enjoying drinks at Japanese-style bars called "Izakaya." This tour allows you to experience bar hopping at Izakaya just like locals, visiting three Izakaya with a guide who is familiar with food culture and the area, set in "Shinjuku."
Starting from a lively stall-style restaurant, you will explore the streets and visit shops in Kabukicho, known as one of Tokyo's premier nightlife areas. You can enjoy all-you-can-drink alcohol and dishes that go well with Japanese sake, such as "Yakitori" and "Fried Tofu."
This tour has been selected for Tripadvisor's "Best of the Best" for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025. If you are thinking about nightlife in Shinjuku, please join the tour.
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Meeting point: In front of Black pillar (Next to Uniqlo Shinjuku Nishiguchi shop)
Tour area: Shinjuku
Start time: 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
4 Recommended Tokyo Events to Enjoy During Tori no Ichi 2025 (Rooster Market) Season
If you're visiting Tokyo in November when Tori no Ichi 2025 (Rooster Market) is held, here are some recommended events you'll want to enjoy together. The content varies from food and culture to pop culture, so please find your favorites.
Kakuuchi Festival
Source:Official website
"Kakuuchi" is a uniquely Japanese style where you buy alcohol at a liquor store and drink it right there on the spot. "Kakuuchi Festival" is an event where liquor stores gathered from all over Japan prepare recommended sake, wine, and beer, allowing you to enjoy alcohol in the Kakuuchi style.
The alcohol chosen by liquor store experts who are sake specialists are all high-level, and you can encounter top-class flavors even within Japan. The event also features food stalls where you can enjoy local gourmet cuisine, so please savor the alcohol while enjoying pairing with food.
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Date: November 14-16, 2025
Venue: Ueno Park
Access: About 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station
Admission: 500 yen
Website: https://kakufes.com/10th/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kakufes/
Meiji Shrine Autumn Festival
Source:Official website
"Meiji Jingu" is a shrine founded in 1920. Located in the city center yet surrounded by nature, the shrine enshrines the Emperor of the Meiji era, "Meiji Tenno (Emperor Meiji)" and his empress.
From November 1 to 3, a grand festival is held to commemorate Meiji Tenno's birthday. Traditional Japanese performing arts such as "Noh" and "Biwa" as well as ancient martial arts are performed, allowing you to experience traditional Japanese culture. Among them, the Shinto ritual "Yabusame," where archers on galloping horses release arrows to pray for bountiful harvests and peace, is a must-see.
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Date: November 1-3, 2025
Venue: Meiji Jingu
Access: About 10 minutes walk from JR "Harajuku Station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/taisai/
Meiji Jingu: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/
Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival
Source:WEATHER NEWS
"Mt. Takao" is a 599-meter-high mountain located in western Tokyo, known as a famous spot for autumn foliage. Since it can be accessed in about an hour from Shinjuku, it's one of the mountains familiar to Tokyo residents.
At Mt. Takao, you can enjoy magnificent natural scenery that you can't encounter in the city. The autumn foliage viewed from the cable car is beautiful, and you can feel the gentle warmth of autumn. During the autumn foliage season from late October, the "Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival" is held, and the venue becomes lively with concerts and dances by local artists and students.
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Date: October 25 - December 14, 2025
Venue: Mt. Takao
Access: From Shinjuku station, take the Keio line to "Takaosan-guchi station," then walk 7 minutes from Takaosan-guchi station to Kiyotaki station. From "Kiyotaki station," take the Takaotozan Cable to "Takaosan station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.hkc.or.jp/en/momiji_fes/
Takao Tozan railway: https://www.takaotozan.co.jp/
30th Anniversary Exhibition "ALL OF EVANGELION"
Source:Mori Building
At the observatory "Tokyo City View," which offers views of Tokyo from the 52nd floor, an event is being held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of "EVANGELION" broadcasting.
The event will showcase precious materials spanning 30 years all at once, from cel animation used in the original anime to setting materials used in the latest films.
The large figure of Evangelion Unit 01 at the entrance is impressive, and you can experience the scenery where the worldview of the anime overlaps with Tokyo's cityscape. Merchandise sales will also be held, making this an unmissable event for fans.
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Schedule: November 14, 2025 - January 12, 2026
Venue: Tokyo City View
Access: 8 minutes walk from exit 1b of Roppongi station on Toei Oedo line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya line
Admission fee: Advance ticket 2,200 yen / Same-day ticket 2,400 yen
Website: https://ao-eva.exhibit.jp/
If You Want to Enjoy Authentic Japan, Have a Local Guide Show You Around the City!
For those who want to experience authentic Japan, it's also recommended to participate in a tour where you enjoy sightseeing with a local guide who is knowledgeable about history and culture.
Magical Trip holds tours in 9 cities nationwide, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. There's a wide variety of tours available, from plans that efficiently visit major tourist attractions to plans that explore deep spots known only to locals.
In Tokyo alone, you can choose from over 30 tours, so please check them out.
