TRADITIONAL GAMES AT A JAPANESE ENNICHI

Japan is home to countless local festivals known as Ennichi (縁日, えんにち / Ennichi), a name that can be understood as a “day of connection” or “day of bonds.” Traditionally, these celebrations take place around Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, often coinciding with religious festivals and ceremonies held throughout the year.

Over time, Ennichi have also become lively gatherings where families and friends come together to enjoy food stalls, traditional crafts, games, and various forms of entertainment.

Among their many attractions are games that test a participant’s skill, patience, or simply their luck.

Below, we introduce three traditional games that you may encounter at an Ennichi in Japan and that capture the playful spirit of these beloved celebrations.

DARUMA OTOSHI

だるま落とし · Daruma Otoshi

"Skill, precision, and speed"

Daruma Otoshi is a traditional game of skill and precision in which players carefully remove, one by one, the wooden pieces that form a colorful tower using a small wooden mallet. At the top sits a special piece shaped like the head of a Daruma, which must remain balanced as the player strikes the pieces below.

The goal is to remove the pieces without knocking down the tower or causing the Daruma to fall.

If the tower collapses or the Daruma falls before the challenge is completed, the player loses.

A symbol of perseverance

The Daruma (だるま) is a traditional Japanese figure inspired by Bodhidharma, who is regarded as the founder of Zen Buddhism. According to an old legend, Bodhidharma meditated for nine years without moving, eventually losing the use of his limbs. Over time, his likeness became a symbol of perseverance, determination, and good fortune.

For this reason, the Daruma is closely associated with the idea of never giving up until a goal has been achieved.

KATANUKI

カタヌキ · Katanuki

"Patience, precision, and perseverance"

In Katanuki, the objective may seem simple, but it requires remarkable patience and care.

Each participant receives a delicate sheet of candy with a small figure outlined on its surface. Using only a needle or a small pick, the player must carefully remove the surrounding material until the entire figure can be separated without breaking it.

The challenge lies in the fragility of the candy: one movement that is too strong or imprecise can cause the figure to break and bring the game to an end.

What is it made of?

Traditionally, the sheets used for Katanuki are made primarily from starch, wheat flour, and sugar, creating an extremely delicate piece that requires precision and patience to carve.

More than a game of speed, Katanuki is a test of concentration, patience, and perseverance.

SENBONBIKI

千本引き · Senbonbiki

"This time, everything comes down to luck"

Unlike Daruma Otoshi and Katanuki, Senbonbiki places skill in the background and gives the spotlight to luck.

The participant chooses one of many strings gathered at a single point and pulls it to discover which prize is attached to the other end.

What makes the game even more exciting is that the strings are intertwined and crossed with one another, making it nearly impossible to tell which prize is connected to each string.

The excitement begins the moment you make your choice:

Will it be a special prize or a little surprise?

A touch of humor

In some versions of Senbonbiki, organizers include surprise prizes, inexpensive items, or even small “fun penalties.”

This adds an element of humor and anticipation that makes every choice even more exciting, especially when enjoyed with family and friends.

EXPERIENCE AN ENNICHI AT FUJITAYA

The best part of these traditions is that you do not have to travel all the way to Japan to experience them.

At FUJITAYA, we are passionate about bringing Japanese culture closer to Mexico and creating spaces where our guests and visitors can discover, enjoy, and share traditions that are part of everyday life and celebrations in Japan.

That is why we are preparing a new edition of ENNICHI FUJITAYA, where you can discover these entertaining traditional games and enjoy other activities inspired by Japanese festivals.

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Hotel FUJITAYA Lobby

Follow our social media channels for more details about this special celebration coming soon.

And if you'd like to turn this experience into a Japanese-style weekend, remember that you can book through Friday, August 7, with our "SUMMER IN JAPAN, CLOSE TO YOU" package, which offers a special rate on accommodations in any room category, plus additional perks to help you enjoy your stay even more.

Because at FUJITAYA, Japan is closer than you think.