Are you planning a trip to Japan this winter? If so, there is one event you absolutely cannot miss. It is the Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025. This amazing festival is full of color, history, and good vibes. It takes place at the famous Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa.
December in Tokyo is a magical time. The air is crisp, and the city is getting ready for the New Year. The Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025 is the perfect place to feel the traditional spirit of Japan. Locals and tourists come together to buy special charms called hagoita. These charms are meant to bring good luck and keep bad things away.
In this ultimate guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about the fair. We will look at the dates, the location, and the cool history behind these wooden paddles. Get ready for an exciting journey into Edo-style culture!
What is the Hagoita-Ichi Fair?
The Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025 is an annual market. It is held every year in December. The main focus of the fair is to sell hagoita. These are ornamental bats or paddles. They look a bit like ping-pong paddles, but they are much fancier.
This fair is not just a market. It is a lively festival. It marks the end of the year. People come here to buy their lucky charms for the coming New Year. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, even if the weather is cold. It is a tradition that dates back to the Edo period. For over 300 years, people have gathered here to celebrate.
At the Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025, you will see dozens of stalls. They are set up right in front of the main hall of the temple. The bright colors of the paddles make the whole area look like a beautiful painting. It is one of the most photogenic events in Tokyo.
Key Event Details for 2025
If you want to attend the Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025, you need to know the schedule. The fair only lasts for three days. Here are the specific details you need to plan your trip.
Dates and Times
Mark your calendars! The fair is always held on the same dates every year.
- Dates: December 17th, 18th, and 19th, 2025.
- Time: The stalls are open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (20:00).
Admission Fee
Here is some great news. Entering the Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025 is completely free! You do not need a ticket to walk around and look at the beautiful displays. You only need money if you want to buy a paddle or some food.
Location
The event happens at Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple.
- Venue: Senso-ji Temple.
- Address: 2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032.
Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025
2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032
An annual market selling Hagoita (ornamental good-luck paddles) to ward off bad luck for the New Year. Features include 50+ stalls, traditional Kabuki designs, and the rhythmic “Tejime” hand-clapping tradition when a sale is made.
- Bring cash (Yen) for stalls.
- Dress warmly (outdoor event).
- Visit after sunset for beautiful lantern illuminations.
The History of Hagoita Paddles
You might be wondering, what exactly is a hagoita? To understand the Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025, we have to look at the past.
From Game to Charm
Originally, the hagoita was used in a game called hanetsuki. This is a traditional New Year’s game. It is very similar to badminton. People would hit a shuttlecock back and forth with the wooden paddle. The shuttlecock was made of a soapberry seed and feathers. It looked like a dragonfly.
Over time, people started to believe that playing this game was lucky. They thought that hitting the shuttlecock was like hitting away bad luck. So, the paddle became a symbol of protection. It is especially lucky for babies. Parents often buy them to wish their children healthy growth and safety.
Japanese Cedar Wood
Authentic paddles at the Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025 are made of Japanese cedar. This wood smells nice and is very strong. The craftsmanship is amazing. Artists spend a long time carving and painting each one.
What You Will See at the Stalls
When you walk into the Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025, you will be amazed. There will be about 50 open-air stalls. They are lined up tightly near the temple hall. The shelves are stacked high with hundreds of paddles.
Kabuki Actors
The most traditional design features Kabuki actors. These are famous characters from Japanese theater. They have painted faces and dramatic expressions. These paddles are usually decorated with lacquer or embroidery. They look very elegant and serious. Many older people prefer these classic styles.
Modern Characters
But wait, there is more! The Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025 is also modern. You can find funny and cool designs too. Artists make paddles with pictures of:
- Cartoon characters.
- Famous sports stars.
- Cinema and TV celebrities.
- Newsworthy people from the year.
It is fun to walk around and see which famous people made it onto a paddle this year. It is like a summary of the year’s events in art form.
The Exciting Clapping Tradition
There is one special sound you will hear at the Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025. It is the sound of clapping. This is called tejime or sanbon-jime.
How It Works
When someone buys a large or expensive hagoita, a celebration happens. The seller and the buyer clap their hands together in a special rhythm. The people around them might join in too. It usually ends with a shout of “Yo!”
This clapping is a way to seal the deal. It also shares good luck with everyone nearby. It creates a very happy and energetic atmosphere. Even if you don’t buy anything, watching this interaction is a highlight of the fair. It makes you feel part of the community.
Venue Spotlight: Senso-ji Temple
The setting for the Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025 is spectacular. Senso-ji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo. It was founded way back in the year 628.Senso-ji Temple Official Website
The Main Hall
The stalls are set up near the Main Hall. This big red building is very impressive. At night, the temple is lit up. The mix of the glowing lanterns and the colorful paddles is breathtaking.
Nakamise Shopping Street
To get to the fair, you will likely walk down Nakamise Shopping Street. This is a long street leading to the temple. It is full of shops selling snacks and souvenirs. You can buy delicious rice crackers or sweet red bean cakes while you walk. It adds to the festival fun.
Tips for Visiting the Fair
To have the best time at the Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025, follow these simple tips.
- Bring Cash: Many traditional stalls in Japan still prefer cash. Make sure you have some Yen coins and bills.
- Dress Warmly: December in Tokyo can be cold. The fair is outdoors. Wear a coat, scarf, and gloves.
- Go at Night: The fair is open until 8:00 PM. Visiting after sunset is beautiful because the lights make the gold decorations shine.
- Be Polite: If you want to take a photo of a specific stall owner, it is nice to ask first. A simple “Sumimasen” (Excuse me) helps.
- Check Other Events: December is busy! While you are in Tokyo, you might see winter illuminations nearby.
If you’re a Pokémon fan who loves collecting cute themed items, you’ll probably enjoy exploring more Pokémon experiences in Japan. One of the biggest new attractions is PokéPark Kanto in Tokyo, a special park filled with rides, shows, and fun activities for all ages. You can check all the details here:
👉 PokéPark Kanto Tokyo Opening Guide
Conclusion
The Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025 is more than just a shopping trip. It is a deep dive into Japanese culture. It connects the past with the present. You get to see beautiful art, hear the rhythmic clapping of tejime, and stand in front of Tokyo’s oldest temple.
Whether you buy a huge, fancy paddle or a small one for a souvenir, you are taking home a piece of history. The wish for good luck is something everyone can appreciate. If you are in Tokyo this December, make sure to visit Senso-ji Temple. Let the energy of the fair hit away your bad luck and bring you a wonderful New Year!
We hope this guide helps you enjoy the Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025 to the fullest.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025?
The fair is held on December 17th, 18th, and 19th, 2025. It is open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM each day.
Where is the fair located?
It is located at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo. You will find the stalls near the main hall.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, admission to the Hagoita-Ichi Fair Tokyo 2025 is free. You can walk around and enjoy the sights without paying.
What is a Hagoita used for?
Traditionally, it was used for a game similar to badminton. Now, it is mostly an ornamental charm used to ward off bad luck and wish for the healthy growth of children.
Can I take photos at the fair?
Yes, photos are generally allowed. However, it is polite to ask permission before taking close-up shots of people or their goods.
