I went to the rooster market in Hachioji with some of my students! There is an Otori Shrine about a five-minute walk from Hachioji Station. I was moved by the lucky, ornate decorations. The shopkeepers calling out auspicious phrases to customers who bought them felt like a slice of Japanese culture, and the students were very excited. On the way home, we bought the market specialty, kirisansho—rice cakes coated with a spice called sansho. They were delicious. There are two more rooster fairs to come. We hope you will visit the rooster market as well.
I went to the rooster market in Hachioji with my students! Otori Shrine sits about a five-minute walk from Hachioji Station. I was impressed by the auspicious and lavish decorations. The shopkeepers shouting good-luck calls to customers felt like authentic Japanese culture, and the students were thrilled. On the way home, we bought the market’s specialty, kirisansho (rice cakes dusted with a spice called sansho). It tasted very good. Two more rooster fairs remain. Please consider visiting the rooster market.