Otori-no-Ichi at Otori Shrine

The Otori-no-Ichi, a festival that has continued since the Edo period, has begun again this year at Otori Shrine in Asakusa, Tokyo. Held every year on the "Day of the Rooster" in November, the festival opened as the sound of the first drum (Ichiban Daiko) echoed across the shrine grounds at midnight on the 7th.

Highlights

• Many food stalls line the shrine grounds
• Kumade (decorative rakes) of all sizes, carrying wishes for good fortune and business prosperity, are packed in every available space
• Kumade designed for "oshi-katsu" (fan activities) are also on sale, allowing you to decorate them with your favorite "oshi"

Kumade, said to rake in good fortune, are displayed as lucky charms, and some visitors even came from the Kansai region wishing for the prosperity of their businesses. Every time a kumade is purchased, the lively sound of hand-clapping (tejime) rings out from all over the grounds.

This year's Otori-no-Ichi is also scheduled to be held on November 19. Why not feel the arrival of winter and visit this traditional Asakusa event?