酉の市: Where divine rakes bring good fortune
Basic Information
Asakusa Otori Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Taitō, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 3-18-7 Senzoku, Taitō-ku, Tokyo 111-0031
- Phone Number: 03-3876-0010
- Access: 7-minute walk from Iriya Station North Exit on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, 8-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express, 15-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
- Festival Days: November 5th (Tue), November 17th (Sun), November 29th (Fri), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The酉の市 (Tori no Ichi) festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts millions of visitors each year. The festival is held on the酉の日 (Tori no Hi), which is the day of the rooster in the Japanese zodiac calendar. In 2024, the festival will be held on November 5th, November 17th, and November 29th.
Raking in Good Fortune with KUMA-DE
One of the main attractions of the festival is the sale of kumade, or decorated rakes. These rakes are believed to bring good luck and fortune to their owners, and they are often purchased as gifts for friends and family. The kumade are available in a variety of sizes and styles, and they are often decorated with elaborate ornaments, such as gold coins, rice bales, and lucky charms.
酉の市 Special Performances
In addition to the sale of kumade, the festival also features a variety of special performances and events. These include:
- Kagura: A traditional Japanese dance performed by shrine maidens.
- Koto: A traditional Japanese stringed instrument played by geisha and maiko.
- Taiko: A traditional Japanese drum played by groups of performers.
- Shishimai: A lion dance performed by two people wearing a lion costume.
Praying for Good Fortune
Visitors to the festival can also pray for good fortune at the shrine. The shrine is dedicated to the god Ōtori, who is said to bring good luck and prosperity. Visitors can purchase ema, or wooden plaques, and write their wishes on them. They can then hang the ema on a rack at the shrine, where they will be blessed by the god.
Blessings and Deities
Asakusa Otori Shrine is dedicated to the god Ōtori, who is said to bring good luck and prosperity. Ōtori is also known as the god of matchmaking and is said to help people find love and happiness. In addition to Ōtori, the shrine also enshrines the god Yamato Takeru, who is known for his bravery and strength.
- Ōtori: God of good luck, prosperity, matchmaking, and love
- Yamato Takeru: God of bravery and strength
Origin and History
The origins of Asakusa Otori Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 16th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Asakusa, but it was moved to its current location in 1651. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1868, but it was rebuilt in 1872. The shrine has been a popular destination for worshippers and tourists ever since.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Asakusa Otori Shrine:
- The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
- Admission to the shrine is free.
- Visitors can purchase ema, or wooden plaques, and write their wishes on them. They can then hang the ema on a rack at the shrine, where they will be blessed by the god.
- The shrine also sells a variety of amulets and charms, which are believed to bring good luck and fortune.
- The酉の市 festival is held at the shrine on the酉の日 (Tori no Hi), which is the day of the rooster in the Japanese zodiac calendar. In 2024, the festival will be held on November 5th, November 17th, and November 29th.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Asakusa Otori Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots located nearby.
- Asakusa Parking Lot: 5-minute walk from the shrine
- Kuramae Parking Lot: 10-minute walk from the shrine
- Tawaramachi Parking Lot: 15-minute walk from the shrine
Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years
| Type of Stall | Description |
|---|---|
| Takoyaki | A staple at Japanese festivals. Characterized by a crispy outside and a creamy inside. |
| Jaga Butter | A simple yet popular snack of hot potatoes lavishly topped with melted butter. |
| Baby Castella | Small castella cakes, sweet and fluffy treats enjoyed by children and adults alike. |
| Grilled Ayu with Salt | Fresh ayu fish grilled whole with salt, a savory taste of Japanese summer. |
| Shaapin | A unique gourmet item influenced by foreign cuisine, with a chewy skin wrapping the filling. |
| Okonomiyaki | A Japanese grilled dish where you often choose your own ingredients for a personalized flavor. |
| Cotton Candy | A fluffy, sweet snack that’s extremely popular with children. |
| Chocolate Banana | A banana coated in chocolate, a fun and visually appealing dessert. |
| Kushiyaki | Various types of ingredients skewered and grilled, an easy-to-enjoy snack. |
| Yakisoba | Fried noodles mixed with a special sauce, a fast food favorite in Japan. |
