What Is Tori no Ichi?
Tori no Ichi is a traditional Japanese festival held in November on designated days known as Tori no Hi (Rooster Days).
People visit shrines to pray for good fortune, prosperity in business, and happiness in the coming year.
One of the most popular items at the festival is a decorative bamboo rake called Kumade.
A kumade is traditionally a tool used to gather fallen leaves. At Tori no Ichi, however, it has a special meaning: gathering good luck, wealth, and happiness.
Tori no Ichi in Yokohama
In Yokohama, Tori no Ichi is held at Kotohira Otori Shrine in Maganecho, Minami Ward.
Locally, it is also known as Yokohama no O-torisama.
During the festival, the streets around the shrine become lively with many stalls selling colorful kumade. Food stalls also line the area, creating a festive atmosphere.
Many people visit every November to buy a new kumade and wish for good fortune in the coming year.
About Kotohira Otori Shrine
Kotohira Otori Shrine (Kotohira Tori Shrine) has a history dating back to 1859, the year Yokohama Port opened.
The shrine is dedicated to Kotohira Shrine and Otori Shrine. Otori Shrine is closely associated with business prosperity and good fortune.
Today, the annual Tori no Ichi is one of the shrine’s best-known events.
The Highlight of Tori no Ichi: Kumade Lucky Rakes
The main attraction of Tori no Ichi is the many kumade displayed at the stalls.
They come in various sizes, from small, simple designs to large and elaborate decorations.
Many are decorated with lucky symbols such as gold coins, rice bales, and the Seven Lucky Gods. These decorations represent wishes for wealth, happiness, and success.
Buying a kumade is an important part of the festival. Some people also make it a yearly tradition to replace their old kumade with a slightly larger one, hoping that their good fortune and business will continue to grow.
When a kumade is sold, the shopkeepers and buyers sometimes clap their hands together in a traditional celebration called tejime. The lively clapping and cheers add to the festive atmosphere.
My Visit to Tori no Ichi in Yokohama
I visited Tori no Ichi at Kotohira Otori Shrine in Yokohama.
As I approached the shrine, I saw many stalls displaying colorful kumade. There were so many different designs, each decorated with various lucky charms.
Some kumade were quite large and beautifully decorated. Others were much smaller and simpler.
The area was crowded with visitors, and the lively atmosphere made it feel like a special event in the city.
I also bought a small kumade as a souvenir. It was much smaller than some of the impressive ones displayed at the stalls, but I enjoyed taking home a little piece of this Japanese tradition.
Experience a Traditional Japanese Festival
Tori no Ichi is a wonderful opportunity to experience a traditional Japanese festival and see a unique local custom.
If you are visiting Yokohama in November, consider stopping by Kotohira Otori Shrine. You can enjoy the colorful kumade stalls and experience the lively atmosphere of this annual event.
