From yellow ginkgo trees to red maple leaves – see the seasonal beauty at Tokyo's gardens and parks
Celebrated in Tokyo since the latter part of the Edo era, the Tori no Ichi festival is a sure sign that winter is just around the corner. Observed in order to pray for wealth and good fortune for the year ahead, it is held every November on the days of the rooster (tori, one of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac). There are usually two or three of these days in a typical year. In 2023, it’s on November 11 and 23.
Said to have originated at Asakusa's Otori Shrine and the nearby Juzaisan Chokokuji temple, the festival is now held at rooster-related shrines and temples all over Tokyo. These are our picks of the most visit-worthy Tori no Ichi events in the capital, all of which have a warm atmosphere and countless stalls selling traditional kumade (a colourfully decorated, traditional bamboo rake), which are an essential part of any Tori no Ichi celebration.
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