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Battledore Market (Hagoita Ichi) at Asakusa - Tokyo Hotels .com

Battledore Market at Asakusa, Tokyo

Dating back to the Edo period, the region of Ueno-Asakusa-Ryogoku is known for holding many traditional events. The Hagoita-ichi, also known as the ornamental battledore fair, is held at the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa for three days in December. This fair celebrates Hanetsuki, a game resembling badminton that was traditionally played on New Year's Day.

Every year, colorful displays are set up in front of the temple to sell ornately decorated battledores that are now used mostly as home decoration for Pine Season. These wooden paddles range from tiny to gargantuan and are sometimes also used as birthday gifts.

The Sensoji Temple is only a brief walk from Asakusa Station, served by the Ginza subway line, Asakusa subway line, and Tobu Railways.