Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2014

The legless daruma doll is thought to be based on a Buddhist monk who sat facing a wall, deep in meditation, for nine years straight until his lower appendages withered and fell off. His dedication and perseverance (and lack of legs) became the model for the modern daruma that­—thanks to his rotund bottom—will always pop back up after being pushed over. If you want to get your very own symbol of persistence, this fair at Jindaiji Temple is the best way to go. The largest fair of its kind in Tokyo, it features 300 stalls selling the iconic figurines and other items. The temple will hold prayers and offering rituals regularly during the fair, as well as monks writing Sanskrit characters on new or old dolls, for that extra bit of good luck.

Jindaiji Temple, Mar 3-4.