Kotohira Ohtori Shrine Tori No Ichi Festival 2026

This festival is held toward the end of each year at Kotohira Ohtori Shrine, where the deity of prosperous business is enshrined. In the past, it was apparently celebrated exclusively by the samurai class. Over time, however, merchants and people in the entertainment districts developed a deep faith in the deity as a protector who brings good fortune, and the Tori no Ichi fair became a lively annual event held on the Days of the Rooster in November.

Since the Days of the Rooster occur every 12 days, the festival is held two or even three times in some years. The many outdoor stalls selling kumade—decorative bamboo rakes believed to bring good luck and prosperity—create a lively scene, with vendors clapping rhythmically as they call out to customers. This festive atmosphere has become a beloved year-end tradition.

On November 1, 1991, the festival was officially designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property.