Hozuki market at Sensoji in Asakusa

9th and 10th of July: The Hozuki Ichi (ほおずき市, hozuki-ichi) is a summer tradition that has been held since the Edo period. At Asakusa's Sensoji the usual food stands appear for a matsuri like atmosphere plus a plenty of flower stalls selling Hozuki or "Japanese lantern".

It's not a big event compared to Mitama Matsuri or others and definitely not a "must go" but after sunset a nice atmosphere with lit up Temple, prayers and the light from the food and flower stalls. Also, in case it is a weekday like 2019, it is a nice chance to spend a hot summer evening as the major events are mostly on weekends and those will be fully packed.

The idea of the day is related to kudoku-nichi (功徳日), a designated day that differs from temple to temple on which a single prayer counts for 100 or even 1,000 prayers. There is a kudoku-nichi every month at Sensoji Temple, but the 10 July gets you the most goodwill for your efforts. 46,000 prayers to be precise.

To get people in the spirits, the 9th is also celebrated as part of the Hozuki Ichi. Hozuki is a flower that goes by the name of "Japanese lantern" or "Chinese lantern" because of its unique red papery covering that resembles the paper lanterns of Asia. It was commonly believed that if you swallow the fruit whole with water adults and children alike would be cured of ailments, and so demand for these flowers was high on 10 July when people presumed they have 46,000 times their normal healing powers.

Location: Asakusa Sensoji