Torinoichi - a traditional fair for Lucky Charms
In Tokyo, there are many traditional festivals and events passed down from generation to generation, and the Torino Ichi Fair is one of those that have a history of nearly 370 years.
2023 November 11th(Sat) and 23rd(Thu)
Torinoichi Fair 酉の市 is an open-air market selling lucky charms called Kumade. It's been said that they bring you good fortunes and protect you from misfortunes. If you buy a lucky charm, place the Kumade in your house. It's also been said Kumade brings good fortune for business too, so, there are many companies that place Kumade in their offices.
Since Kumades are sold only at the Torinoichi Fair, held in November every year. The fair is generally very crowded with people coming to buy a Kumade and to enjoy the spirited atmosphere, which has splendid displays of hundreds of beautiful Kumades.
Torinoichi at Ootori-jinja shrine
Torinoichi is held 2 or 3 times in November, but the date varies each year, so you need to check every year. Torinoichi is held at several Shrines and Temples in Tokyo. If you are planning to go to Tokyo during this time of period, why not drop by the Torino Ichi Fair to get lucky in the incoming new year.
Torinoichi at Ootori Shrine (Near Asakusa) website
https://otorisama.or.jp/english.html
3-18-7 Senzoku Taito-ku Tokyo (On Kokusai Street)
The biggest Torinoichi is held at this shrine. It is about 20 minutes walk from Asakusa Station. Minowa or Iriya Station on the Hibiya Subway Line are also close by and is a 10-minute walk from both stations.
Google Maps | Otori-jinja Shrine
Held in November
Open: From Midnight to Midnight
*The Kumade markets look beautiful, especially in the evening.
Hanazono Shrine (in Shinjuku)
5-17-3 Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku Tokyo
Hanazono Shrine is located near Shinjuku station and the accessibility is good even for tourists. A 7 min walk from East Exit of JR Shinjuku Station, close to the Isetan department store. http://www.hanazono-jinja.or.jp/mt/top/ (in Japanese only)
Google Maps | Hanazono-jinja Shrine
Hanahata Ootori-jinja, Adachi City
7-16-8, Hanahata, Adachi-ku, Tokyo
Hanahata Ootori-jinja Shrine is the place where the tradition of Torinoichi first began in Tokyo. This shrine is located in the northern part of Tokyo, a bit far off from Central Tokyo, and most visitors are locals.
From Ueno by train and bus
From Ueno Subway Station on the Hibiya Line, take a local train(connected to Sskytree Line) and get off at Yazuka Station 谷塚駅 (about 23-min ride). From Yazuka station, take the Tobu Bus bound for Hanahata Kuwabukuro-Danchi 花畑桑袋団地 (about 5-min ride), then get off at Souka Kinen Taiikukan 草加記念体育館 (8min walk)
From Asakusa by train and bus
From Asakusa Tsukuba Express Station, take a local train and get off at Rokucho Station 六町駅 (about 11-min ride). From Rokucho Station, take the Tobu Bus "Hanahata-danchi Junkan 花畑団地巡回"(about 8-min ride) and get off at Hanahata Roku-chome 花畑六丁目. (8-min walk to the shrine).
Hanahata Ootori-jinja Shrine
http://ootori-jinja.or.jp/index.html
Google Maps: Hanahata Ootori-jinja shrine
https://goo.gl/maps/qi3WaNCed98vbvYPA
Tobu Bus
https://www.tobu-bus.com/pc/index.html
Nerima Ootori-jinja
5-18-14 Toyotamakita, Nerima, Tokyo
3-min walk from Nerima Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro-sen Line.
Nerima Ootori-jinja Torinoichi Market
http://torinoichi.info/
Kasai-jinja Shrine
6-10-5 Higashi-Kanamachi, Katsushika, Tokyo
10-min walk from Kanamachi Station on JR Joban-sen/Keisei-sen Line.
Kasai-jinja Shrine
http://kasaijinjya.world.coocan.jp/
