Tori no Ichi is an open-air market festival held in Japan on the day of the Rooster in November, as determined by the Chinese calendar. At the festivals, markets are set up in front of or near to Shinto shrines, and charms- most often decorated bamboo rakes called kumade- that are said to bring the owner good fortune in the coming year are sold to visitors.
Kumade literally means “bear hand”, since, when you think about them, rakes are shaped rather like a large hand with claws. Rakes were chosen generations ago as a sign of good luck since they can be used to draw things– in this case wealth and good fortune– towards us, and the practice of buying ornamental rakes has been common in Japan since the Edo period (1600-1867).
Wanting to check out the lively festival and ask for continued success for the website next year, our reporter Mr. Sato headed over to the famous Hanazono shrine in Shinjuku to purchase a kumade on behalf of RocketNews24.
However, having never purchased one of the charms before, he discovered that he had more than a couple of things to learn…
Dagashiya Ahiru Shop is a hidden gem for Japanese snacks lovers
What’s at the top of this giant escalator in Japan?
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Once you hear this lady sing “Yooooooghurppe”, you may never stop hearing it
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Real-world Koraidon and Miraidon Pokémon are ready for their close-ups【Photos】
6 surprising things about having a baby in Japan
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
10 awesome ice creams available from convenience stores in Japan
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Real-world Koraidon and Miraidon Pokémon are ready for their close-ups【Photos】
6 surprising things about having a baby in Japan
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
10 awesome ice creams available from convenience stores in Japan
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
The Ferris wheel at this Japanese highway oasis is scarier than it looks
Japan’s super easy sweet potato spread lets you make sweet potato bread thanks to Don Quijote
Godzilla-shaped ice cream on sale in Tokyo near the sight his most adorable rampage
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
We tried eating a raw “mizu nasu” eggplant, and it tastes like a weird fruit【Taste Test】
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Painting a cow like a zebra keeps away pests according to Ig-Nobel-winning Japanese research