Introduction
Hello, this is GOK from Daily Shinjuku.
This year, the Reiwa 7 (2025) Ootori Festival—Shinjuku’s famous Tori-no-Ichi—will take place at Hanazono Shrine beginning November 12 (Wed).
Here’s a full guide to this long-loved autumn festival where visitors pray for prosperous business and good fortune.
Annual Tori-no-Ichi at Hanazono Shrine
“Tori-no-Ichi” is a traditional festival held at shrines and temples associated with the word tori (“bird”) such as Ootori Shrine and Washi Shrine.
It is celebrated every November on the days of the rooster in the lunar calendar, with prayers for business success and good luck.
Depending on the region, the festival is also known as the Ootori Matsuri, Otori-sama, or Otori-san.
In Shinjuku, the event is hosted at Hanazono Shrine (Shinjuku 5-chome), Naruko Tenjin Shrine (Nishi-Shinjuku 8), and Kumano Shrine (Nishi-Shinjuku 2).
As a long-time attendee, I personally buy an “Engi Kumade”, a decorative rake said to “rake in good fortune,” from Hanazono Shrine every year.
Festival Atmosphere
During the event, the shrine grounds and nearby streets fill with food stalls selling yakisoba, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and candied apples.
The vibrant atmosphere attracts not only locals but also many international visitors, who come to experience a truly Japanese festival night in central Tokyo.
Schedule for Reiwa 7 (2025)
The Ootori Festival will feature two days of celebrations, each preceded by a Yoi-matsuri (eve festival):
- Ichinotori (First Day): November 12 (Wed)
- Ninotori (Second Day): November 24 (Mon)
Event Details
- Event Name: Reiwa 7 “Ootori Festival 2025” (Shinjuku Ootori-sai)
- Venues:
- Hanazono Shrine (5-17-3 Shinjuku)
- Naruko Tenjin Shrine (8-14-10 Nishi-Shinjuku)
- Kumano Shrine (2-11-2 Nishi-Shinjuku)
- Dates: Nov 12 (Wed) & Nov 24 (Mon)
- Official Site: Available via the shrine’s website
The festival is one of Shinjuku’s most iconic autumn traditions—filled with lights, cheers, and the rhythmic calls of vendors selling their lucky rakes.
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku.
👉 https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2025/10/21/shinjuku-ohtori-fes-2025/
