Asakusa Tori no Ichi (Ni no Tori)

This festival symbolises winter and has been taking place on the day of the rooster, every November since the Edo period. The Asakusa Tori no Ichi takes place at both the Ootori Jinja Shrine and Chokoku-ji Temple. With prayers to be said to both God and Buddha this is one bustling festival. While many booths and stalls set will be set up throughout the area, the must have item is kumade the lucky bamboo rake. Haggle for a fair price for the rake then give a vigorous clap of the hands with the seller to bring good luck. Don’t forget to pick up some old style candy kiri zansho. The festival goes from 12midnight to 12midnight but with big crowds in the evening it is possible that you may not be allowed in. Don’t forget to bring last year’s rake to return.