[2025] Let's Go to Tokyo's Night Market! A Complete Guide to "Tori no Ichi," Japan's Winter Festival for Good Business and Fortune

As autumn fades into winter, Japan comes alive with the festive spirit of Tori no Ichi - a time-honored celebration held every November. With roots tracing back to the Edo period, this vibrant event is all about praying for good luck and thriving business in the year ahead. But what exactly is Tori no Ichi, and why does it continue to draw such excitement year after year? Let’s take a closer look.

Tori no Ichi is held on "Tori Day" in November each year.

“Tori Day” is based on the traditional Japanese zodiac calendar, which cycles through twelve animal signs - like Rat, Ox, and Tiger - every twelve days. Because of this, Tori no Ichi isn’t just a one-day event! In November, the festival is held two or sometimes even three times, depending on the year. These are known as Ichi no Tori (first Tori), Ni no Tori (second Tori), and occasionally San no Tori (third Tori).

Tori no Ichi is held at Otori Shrines (also known as Ohtori Shrines), particularly concentrated in the Kanto region including Tokyo. Here are some of the main shrines and temples:

• Otori Shrine and Chokokuji Temple (Asakusa, Tokyo)
  
• Hanazono Shrine (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
  
• Okunitama Shrine (Fuchu, Tokyo)
  
• Hanahata Otori Shrine (Adachi, Tokyo)
  
• Kotohira Otori Shrine (Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture)

The roots of Tori no Ichi stretch back to the Edo period, with its origins believed to lie in the festival at Hanahata Otori Shrine in Adachi, Tokyo. From there, the tradition quickly spread across Edo (modern-day Tokyo), with the Asakusa celebration gaining particular fame thanks to its large crowds of devoted worshippers.

Originally held as a way to give thanks for the autumn harvest, Tori no Ichi gradually evolved into a bustling event where people pray for good fortune and booming business. One of the most iconic sights of the festival is the rows of vendors selling kumade - ornate “rakes” decorated with lucky charms and talismans - lining the shrine grounds and spilling out onto the lively streets beyond.

Kotohira Otori Shrine in Yokohama, Kanagawa is also famous as one of the leading Tori no Ichi festivals in the Kanto region.

It is said that the shrine was established in Ansei 6 (1859), when Yokohama opened its port, to pray for prosperity in business under the protection of its guardian deity. The Tori no Ichi here has since been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Yokohama City. One of the most enchanting sights is the glowing rows of lanterns that illuminate the shrine grounds, casting a warm, festive glow. The surrounding streets and Odori Park come alive with colorful kumade stalls, mouthwatering street food, and the joyful energy of the crowd. Just a short stroll away, Yokohamabashi Shopping Street also buzzes with visitors.

2025 Scheduled Dates:

• Ichi no Tori: November 12 (Wed) 11:00–21:30
  
• Ni no Tori: November 24 (Mon, public holiday) 11:00–21:30
  
• Address: 1-3 Maganecho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
  
• Access: 2 min walk from Bandobashi Station, 8 min walk from Koganecho Station
  
• Official Website: https://yokohama-torinoichi.jimdofree.com/

The biggest appeal of Tori no Ichi lies in its vibrant atmosphere and the chance to experience unique aspects of Japanese culture.

What’s the difference between the First Tori, Second Tori, and the Eve Festival vs. the Main Festival?
The First Tori, Second Tori (and sometimes even a Third Tori, depending on the year) simply mark the order of "Tori Days" in November. There’s no real difference, so you can visit on any of them.

That said, there’s an old belief that in years with a Third Tori, fires are more likely to break out, so people are especially reminded to be careful with fire. The most recent year with three Tori Days was 2024.

Some shrines and temples also hold an Eve Festival, but this is really just considered part of the main festival, so don’t expect anything special or different. Since opening hours vary by location, make sure to check the official information of the Tori no Ichi you plan to visit before heading out.

How to Handle the Crowds
Tori no Ichi draws huge crowds - especially in the evening hours. For a more relaxed experience, head over in the morning before the rush begins.

That said, one of the festival’s charms is the magical night atmosphere, when the lanterns are lit and the grounds look like an exotic night market. If you plan to go at night, just be prepared for heavy crowds. Weekdays are usually less packed than weekends and holidays.

What to Wear and Bring
Nights in Japan in November can get pretty chilly, so make sure to dress warmly. Since you’ll be walking a lot, wear comfortable shoes. Also, most stalls only accept cash, so having Japanese yen coins on hand will make shopping easier.

Photography Etiquette
It’s natural to want to capture the atmosphere in photos, but please be mindful not to disturb other visitors or stall owners. Especially when photographing people, remember to ask for their permission first - good manners go a long way.

Just like Tori no Ichi, "Ebisu-ko" is also a festival known for praying for success in business. Both are held in autumn and dedicated to gods of prosperity, but their origins and unique features are different.

Comparing Blessings, Origins, and Timing

While Tori no Ichi focuses on praying for prosperity and good fortune through decorative kumade charms, Ebisu-ko centers on worshiping Ebisu to wish for success in business and thriving fisheries.
Both are lively, traditional Japanese festivals, but each has its own unique history and meaning.

Experience Japanese Traditions at Tori no Ichi
Tori no Ichi is more than just a festival - it’s a rare chance to experience Japanese traditional culture firsthand. You’ll feel the spiritual connection of prayers to the gods, the vibrant energy of the community, and the way traditions are still carried on today. If you have the chance, definitely go and experience it for yourself.

References:

・Tanaka Shonichi and Noboru Miyata, eds., Sanseido Annual Events Encyclopedia Revised Edition, first edition, Sanseido, 2012, 458 pages
・Naoki Shintani, "Japanese Traditions: Japan's Calendar and Annual Events", first edition, Japan Bungeisha, 2007, 238 pages
・Yasuko Miura, "Feeling the Seasons and Enjoying the Days: The Chronicles of the Years of Life," first edition, Narimido Publishing, 2024, 191 pages
・National Diet Library Search, NDL Image Bank, "What is the City of the Rooster?", Release date unknown, Reference date: 2025/8/20