Tori-no-Ichi Fairs (Rooster’s Days) are held on the days of the rooster in November to pray for good luck and business prosperity. They are seen at shrines across Japan, but especially popular in the Kanto region.

The Tori-no-Ichi Fair at Meguro Ootori Shrine has a long history in Tokyo, which started in Edo period. Bamboo rakes or kumade are often sold as luck charms at the fair. The kumade rakes, which are originally farming tools, are decorated with good fortune accessories, For example: Seven Gods of Good Fortune; pine, bamboo, and plum trees; and Japanese oval gold coins in small and large sizes (replicas, of course). They are sold containing the meaning of gathering wealth and sweeping in good luck. It is believed that good fortune will come your way if you buy a small kumade for the first time and a bigger one the following year. You need to place the purchased kumade somewhere high in the house or store while making it face toward the front door but avoiding the northern direction.

The Tori-no-Ichi Fair is held two or three times a year as the day of the rooster comes around every twelve days.

2018 Tori-noIchi Schedule

First Day (Ichi no Tori)	Nov. 1 (Thu)
Second Day (Ni no Tori)	Nov. 13 (Tue)
Third Day (San no Tori)	Nov. 25 (Sun)