酉の市
Tori no Ichi is a festival celebrated on days of the Rooster in November. The tradition started at Asakusa Temple in Tokyo in the 17h Century when Washidaimyojin (Washimyoken Bodhisattva) was enshrined there. Nowadays, the festival is celebrated at many temples where “Otori-sama” (the eagle) is honored.
The festival became popular in the middle Edo period. Woodblock prints of the era show people carrying kumade, bamboo rakes decorated with Oban-koban (distinctive oval gold coins) and Okame (mask of good fortune). On a smaller scale, a miniature bamboo rake may be adorned with a simple ear of fine rice. With purchases of larger kumade, the vendors clap woodblocks in time to bring the buyer even more good fortune.
In addition to praying at the temple and buying kumade, visitors can enjoy treats from the many food stalls lining the open air market in and around the temple. Food ranging from sweets to takoyaki (octopus balls) to grilled seafood and yakitori (chicken roasted on a skewer) can be enjoyed along with a variety of beverages.
