Hagoita-ichi Fair
- 24
- 11
- 2017
Asakusa, known for its unique and interesting festivals, attracts not only locals but festival-goers around the globe. The most popular? The Hagoita-ichi Fair, a three-day annual winter carnival celebrated at the Sensoji Temple every 17th of December.
What’s In a Name?
Hagoita is a boxy paddle made out of wood, cedar to be exact. It was traditionally used to play a Japanese New Year game called Hanetsuki, somewhat comparable to a badminton game but without the net. Throughout the years, the customary game has lost its luster. So, to commemorate the sport, the Hagoita-ichi Fair is held each year.
Must-See
Sensoji Temple is one of Japan’s oldest temples, earning its place as one of the country’s National Treasures. As the fair is held in the temple’s vicinity, the festival serves as an excellent opportunity to explore the temple and revel in the beauty of Japan’s traditional edifice.
As part of the annual festival, more than 50 open-air stalls sell decorated hagoita, shuttlecocks, Daruma dolls, and other New Year ornaments as thousands of people stroll around to feast their eyes on these awesome works of art.
The hagoita sold at the fair are decorative pieces, which means they’re not meant for playing Hanetsuki. The items are said to bring good luck and great fortune.
The ornamental paddles are hand-painted while the decorative characters are handsewn and stuffed for a pillowy effect. Designs vary from kimono-clad geishas, gods & goddesses, cartoon characters, to movie and TV stars.
As part of the seller-buyer tradition, sellers praise their buyers by chanting and shouting accompanied by loud clapping once a sale has been successfully completed. A one-of-a-kind occurrence you’ll only get to experience when you’re in Japan.
How to Get There
From Tokyo Station, ride the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line going to Asakusa. Travel time is approximately 12 minutes.
If you’re making your way to Asakusa from Shinjuku Station, ride the orange JR Chuo Line going to Kanda Station and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa. You’ll get to Asakusa in 10 minutes.
When you get off at the Asakusa station, you’ll reach Sensoji Temple in 10 minutes, on foot.
Location Details
Name
Hagoita-ichi Fair
Address
Sensō-ji 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 111-0032 Japan
Event Date
December 17, 2017
Hours & Fees
Free Admission | 9:00 - 21:00
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