Tokyo Tama Tourist Site

Located about a 10-minute walk north of Kichijoji Station, facing Itsukaichi Kaido in the heart of Kichijoji, Musashino Hachimangu Shrine is home to the lively “Tori no Ichi” (Rake Fair), held every year on the Day of the Rooster in November. Also known affectionately as “Ootori-sama,” this traditional fair is famous for its rows of stalls selling colorful “kumade” (decorative rakes) said to “rake in” good fortune. The air is filled with cheerful vendor calls, rhythmic hand claps, and the sound of wooden clappers, creating a truly festive year-end atmosphere.

What is the “Tori no Ichi” at Musashino Hachimangu?

Musashino Hachimangu Shrine traces its origins back to the Great Fire of Meireki (1657), when the original Kichijoji Temple in Koishikawa, near Suidobashi, was destroyed. The displaced residents founded Kichijoji Village in this area and enshrined the Hachiman deity as their guardian god.

A Festival That Has Thrived Since the Edo Period

Within the precincts of Musashino Hachimangu are seven smaller shrines, including Ootori Shrine, from which the name “Ootori-sama” (honorable great bird deity) derives.

The *kumade* sold here come in all sizes, lavishly decorated with symbols of good fortune such as treasure ships, smiling Otafuku masks, and gold coin boxes, and are believed to gather happiness and prosperity. Since the Edo period, the festival has drawn large crowds of merchants and townspeople praying for business success. In those days, the Tori no Ichi was regarded as the first festival of the coming New Year.

Depending on the calendar, the event may be held twice or even three times in a year?known as the *first*, *second*, and *third Tori days*?each bustling with even more visitors.

Event Period	November 12
Access	10-minute walk from JR Chuo Line Kichijoji Station
Website	https://musashino-kanko.com/area/kichijouji/hachiman_shrine/ This article was brought to you by the editorial team of “Another TOKYO TAMA”, operated by the Tama Tourism Promotion Council, which shares tourism information from Akiruno City and across the Tama area.
Discover more about the Tama region	https://at-tama.tokyo/lang_en/ Photos courtesy of Takako Shigegaki