Jūninichi-machi

Jūninichi-machi is a year-end market held every December 12th at Tsuki Shrine in Urawa Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture. Also called the "Ōtoshi no Ichi" (great year-end market), it is a winter tradition of Urawa that bustles greatly with people seeking auspicious rakes and other lucky charms to wish for happiness in the new year at the close of the year.

The stars of this market are the auspicious rakes said to "rake in" good fortune. Vividly decorated rakes of all sizes line the stalls densely, and it is customary for people wishing for prosperous business and good luck to buy a rake slightly larger than the previous year's, in keeping with that year's commercial success. The spirited price negotiations between shopkeeper and customer when purchasing a rake, and the sound of the rhythmic hand-clapping celebrating a closed deal, are also lively scenes unique to a year-end market.

Tsuki Shrine, also called "Tsuki no Miya," is an unusual ancient shrine known for having rabbits seated in place of the usual guardian lion-dogs. At Jūninichi-machi, several hundred stalls in addition to rake vendors line the shrine's approach and the surrounding streets, packed with crowds of worshippers until late at night. Offering thanks for the year and praying for good fortune in the coming one, this market is an important annual observance long handed down in December in Saitama, heralding the year's end.