Every year from December 17th to 19th, the “Hagoita Fair” is held at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Hagoitas are used in a traditional Japanese game called "Hanetsuki," which is played during the New Year celebrations and is similar to badminton; Hagoitas resemble rackets and are used to hit the shuttlecock. There is also a belief that hagoita wards off evil, so it is often decorated with auspicious paintings and sent as a New Year’s gift.

The “Hagoita Fair” is Senso-ji Temple’s year-end tradition, where the hagoita—which is considered an auspicious New Year item—are sold in great numbers. This Hagoita Fair was originally held as part of Senso-ji Temple’s “Year-end Fair”, in which items for the New Year festivities were sold. At the Hagoita Fair, you will find hagoita with various decorations, such as those with Edo-era Kabuki (Japan's traditional performing arts) actors as well as those that are parodies of entertainers and events that made the news that year in Japan. As the hagoita decorations incorporate both traditional Japanese designs and modern trends, this fair is popular with both the young and old alike. The sheer number and variety of hagoita at the stalls are sure to impress you.

Please do come and visit the “Hagoita Fair” that gives color to Asakusa at the end of every year.