Senso-ji Hagoita-Ichi Fair 2024 in Tokyo

A holiday fair at one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Tokyo

Dates: December 17–December 19

Market
Shopping
Historical Site
Landmark
Local Tradition
Traditional Food
Christmas Decorations
Street Festival

Asakusa’s Senso-ji is the oldest temple of Tokyo. Every year on December 17th to 19th it holds a Hagoita-Ichi Fair to sell various holiday attributes—good luck charm hagoital bats used in a traditional New Year’s game of hanetsuki, kites and other New Year decorations.

The festival was established back in Edo times. The hagoital bats were traditionally decorated with kabuki actors but now you may see TV or sports stars and cartoon characters on them. There fair includes 50 stalls near the main entrance of the temple. The sales people often clap to the customers to celebrate a purchase.