🎎 Asakusa Washi Shrine - Tori no Ichi鷲神社「酉の市」

The Tori no Ichi is an annual festival held at shrines across Japan on the day of the Tori (Rooster) in November, aimed at praying for prosperous business and good fortune. It is said that among the many Tori no Ichi events held in various locations, the one at the Wasa Shrine in Asakusa, Tokyo, is the birthplace of Tori no Ichi and also the largest in terms of participation and number of stalls. The Tori no Ichi has been celebrated since the Edo period, with people flocking to purchase the auspicious charm known as "Kumade" (a bamboo rake-shaped talisman), which symbolizes bringing home wealth and happiness, while praying for good luck in the coming year. Originally a farming tool used for clearing and collecting dead grass, the "Kumade" later took on the meaning of gathering luck and wealth, becoming a decorative item for wishing for happiness. The Kumade is adorned with symbols of good fortune such as coins and sea bream, and prices vary from 1,000 to several tens of thousands of yen depending on size and extravagance. During the festival, there are about 150 shops selling Kumade, each with its own unique designs, allowing visitors to browse and select their favorite Kumade while enjoying the atmosphere.

One of the three major "Tori no Ichi" festivals in the Kanto region. The wooden masks on the offering boxes cannot be worshipped during the Tori no Ichi festival. There are also many food stalls that are bustling from day to night, allowing visitors to experience the vibrant festival atmosphere.