Tokyo's Seasonal Markets: Morning Glory, Tori no Ichi, and Christmas
A closer look at the appeal of Tokyo's Morning Glory markets, Tori no Ichi fairs, and Christmas markets that bring the city's four seasons to life. Discover when they take place, what to see, and how to enjoy them, based on information available as of July 2026. Find special experiences for every season.
Jul 24, 2026·✍️ olablog·⏱ 9 min read
A closer look at the appeal of Tokyo's Morning Glory markets, Tori no Ichi fairs, and Christmas markets that bring the city's four seasons to life. Discover when they take place, what to see, and how to enjoy them, based on information available as of July 2026. Find special experiences for every season.
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Tokyo hosts a variety of fascinating markets throughout the year, offering visitors unique seasonal experiences. In this article, we focus on the summer Morning Glory market, the autumn Tori no Ichi fair, and winter Christmas markets, introducing the history, highlights, and best ways to enjoy each one. Why not explore Tokyo's annual traditions and experience the local culture for yourself?
A Summer Tradition in Tokyo: Iriya Morning Glory Market
One of Tokyo's most famous summer traditions is the Iriya Morning Glory Market, a seasonal event that heralds the arrival of summer. Held every year in early July, it fills the streets with vibrant morning glories in a kaleidoscope of colors.
What Is the Iriya Morning Glory Market?
The Iriya Morning Glory Market is a large-scale fair centered around Iriya Kishimojin in Taito City, with around 120 morning-glory vendors and approximately 100 street stalls lining Kototoi-dori. It has a history dating back to the Edo period. In Iriya, where growing morning glories was once a popular side occupation for samurai, the tradition spread as a form of entertainment for ordinary people. Today, it has become a beloved summer tradition that attracts approximately 400,000 visitors every year.
When It Takes Place and What to See
The Iriya Morning Glory Market is held for 3 days, from July 6 to 8 every year. During this period, many people arrive from early morning, creating a lively atmosphere as they search for everything from rare varieties to traditional morning glories. In addition to potted morning glories, vendors sell morning-glory-themed accessories, sweets, and other goods, making the market enjoyable even if you're simply browsing. Iriya Kishimojin also offers special amulets to coincide with the market.
How to Enjoy It
If you're visiting the Morning Glory Market, early morning is the best time to go. You can leisurely admire the flowers in bloom while the weather is still cool. Once you find a morning glory you love, consider buying it and growing it at home. The festival food sold at the street stalls is another highlight. Enjoy shaved ice, yakisoba, and other treats while soaking up the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese summer festival.
Autumn Crowds and Festivities: Tori no Ichi
As autumn deepens, Tori no Ichi fairs are held at venues throughout Tokyo. These lively festivals attract large crowds who come to pray for business prosperity and good fortune.
What Is Tori no Ichi?
Tori no Ichi is a festival held on the Days of the Rooster in November at shrines and temples dedicated to the deity of the rooster, including Otori Shrine and Chokokuji Temple. The tradition dates back to the Edo period. In particular, the Tori no Ichi fairs at Asakusa's Otori Shrine and Chokokuji Temple are famous as the Asakusa Tori no Ichi. At the fairs, vendors sell kumade—auspicious rakes said to gather up good fortune—which people purchase to pray for business prosperity and household safety.
2026 Dates and Main Venues
Because Tori no Ichi takes place on the Days of the Rooster in November, the dates vary from year to year. In 2026, Tori no Ichi is expected to take place on the following dates.
| Date | Day |
|---|---|
| First Tori | November 1 |
| Second Tori | November 13 |
| Third Tori | November 25 |
※The 2026 Tori no Ichi dates are predictions based on the usual pattern. Please check the official announcements from each shrine for the precise schedule. (As of July 2026)
The main venues are as follows.
- Asakusa Otori Shrine and Chokokuji Temple: One of Tokyo's most famous Tori no Ichi fairs, with countless street stalls and a lively atmosphere throughout the day.
- Shinjuku Hanazono Shrine: Despite its central Tokyo location, it hosts a large-scale Tori no Ichi and draws many worshippers.
- Fuchu Okunitama Shrine: Known as one of the largest Tori no Ichi fairs in the Tama area.
How to Choose a Kumade and Enjoy the Fair
The kumade sold at Tori no Ichi come in a wide range of sizes and are decorated with a variety of auspicious ornaments. Kumade symbolize “gathering up good fortune,” so business owners hoping for prosperity and families wishing for household safety purchase them. First-time buyers are traditionally encouraged to start with a smaller rake and gradually move on to larger ones. Bargaining with the vendor when purchasing a kumade is also part of the fun. Amid the energetic clapping and lively calls, see if you can find a kumade that catches your eye.
Tori no Ichi continues late into the night, making it easy to stop by after work. There is also an abundance of casual festival food at the stalls, allowing you to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere. If you want to experience one of Tokyo's traditional festivals, you could also browse day tours from Tokyo.
Winter Sparkle: Tokyo Christmas Markets
Christmas markets held around the city add a dazzling touch to Tokyo's winter. In recent years, they have become increasingly popular as events where visitors can enjoy the traditional atmosphere of Europe.
What Are Tokyo Christmas Markets?
Tokyo's Christmas markets recreate traditional Christmas markets from Germany and other parts of Europe. They typically feature decorated Christmas trees, illuminations, food and drinks such as hot wine (Glühwein) and sausages, and Christmas goods for sale. Held at major locations in central Tokyo, they envelop the city in a romantic winter atmosphere.
Main Venues and Season
In Tokyo, Christmas markets are held at several locations every year from late November until around December 25.
- Tokyo Christmas Market in Hibiya Park: One of Japan's largest Christmas markets, inspired by Dresden, Germany. Its symbol is a 14m-tall Christmas pyramid, and visitors can enjoy authentic German food and goods.
- Roppongi Hills Christmas Market: Recreates the Christmas market of Stuttgart, Germany, with genuine German Christmas items and food.
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market: A romantic Christmas market that can be enjoyed alongside views of the harbor. It offers a wide selection of food and goods inspired by Christmas in Germany.
- Ebisu Garden Place Christmas Market: Held in a plaza illuminated by a Baccarat chandelier, where visitors can enjoy hot drinks, food, and Christmas goods.
※The 2026 dates and details are predictions based on the usual pattern. Please check the official announcements for each event. (As of July 2026)
How to Enjoy It
The highlight of a Christmas market is browsing the charming decorations, ornaments, woodcrafts, and other goods while holding a warm mug of Glühwein. Be sure to try traditional German Christmas foods such as sausages, pretzels, and Stollen. At night, the illuminations glow and create a magical atmosphere. These markets are perfect for making special Christmas memories with friends, family, or a partner.
Some markets may charge an admission fee, but many can be enjoyed for free. Since weekends and evenings are expected to be crowded, visiting during the daytime on a weekday will generally allow you to browse at a more relaxed pace. If you're visiting Tokyo during the Christmas market season, we recommend booking sightseeing tickets and passes so you can efficiently explore other attractions as well.
Tips for Exploring Tokyo's Seasonal Markets
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of Tokyo's seasonal markets.
Access and Transportation
Tokyo's markets are very easy to reach by public transportation. Checking the walking route from the nearest station in advance will make your visit smoother. In particular, Tori no Ichi fairs and Christmas markets often continue late into the night, so be sure to keep an eye on the time of the last train.
What to Wear and Bring
The summer Morning Glory Market can be very sunny, so bring a hat or parasol and a drink to stay hydrated. Since you'll likely spend a long time outdoors at the autumn Tori no Ichi and winter Christmas markets, be sure to dress warmly. Christmas markets can be especially cold at night, so a scarf, gloves, and heat packs can provide extra comfort. An eco-bag is also useful for carrying your purchases home.
Avoiding the Crowds
Popular markets can become extremely crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays. Whenever possible, aim for quieter times, such as weekday mornings. Some venues may also impose entry restrictions, so allow plenty of time for your visit.
Create Special Memories at Tokyo's Seasonal Markets
Tokyo's seasonal markets are special places filled with the unique appeal of each season. Experience the traditional beauty of Japan at a summer Morning Glory Market, pray for business prosperity at an autumn Tori no Ichi, and enjoy a European atmosphere at a winter Christmas market. Throughout the year, Tokyo hosts markets that reveal different sides of the city and give visitors unforgettable memories.
By visiting these markets, you'll gain a deeper appreciation of Tokyo's culture and the everyday lives of its people. Be sure to add a tour of seasonal markets to your plans for your next trip to Tokyo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the Morning Glory Market held? A. The Iriya Morning Glory Market is held for 3 days, from July 6 to 8 every year. It gets crowded from early morning, so visiting during the cooler hours is recommended.
Q. What do the kumade sold at Tori no Ichi symbolize? A. The kumade sold at Tori no Ichi are auspicious items said to “gather up good fortune.” People buy them to pray for business prosperity, household safety, and good luck.
Q. When do Tokyo's Christmas markets open? A. Tokyo's Christmas markets are generally held from late November until around December 25. The exact dates vary by venue, so we recommend checking the official information before visiting. (As of July 2026)
Q. Can I use a credit card at seasonal markets? A. Street stalls and small vendors often accept cash only. Some vendors at large Christmas markets may support cashless payments, but it's still a good idea to bring cash just in case.
Q. How can I get to each market? A. The markets can be reached by public transportation, including the Tokyo Metro and JR lines. For example, the Iriya Morning Glory Market is just a short walk from Iriya Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line; Asakusa Tori no Ichi is within walking distance of Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express; and the Christmas market at Hibiya Park is just a short walk from Hibiya Station on the Tokyo Metro lines. Please check each event's official website for details.
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