Guest Author - Taisha Turner

The Sanja Matsuri (Festival) is one of Tokyo’s largest. It takes place in the Asakusa ward, Tokyo, Japan’s downtown area. The festival is during the third weekend in May. The three-day festival celebrates the Askusa shrine.

On day two, a group carries a total of 100 shrines(mikoshi). Each model represents a different shrine in and around Tokyo. They meet at the Asakusa’s “Thunder Gate.” The procession proceeds down shop-lined Nakamise Street. The parade stops in front of the Asakusa’s “Hozoman Gate.” There the people pay homage to Kwannon who is the goddess of mercy.

The 100 portable shrines are carried into the main complex. The shrine’s priests bless and purify them for the forth coming year. After the purification ceremony, each shrine returns to its neighborhood

The streets teem with the people who come to witness the ceremony. The crowds’ cheers fill the air. Each year about two million people watch the procession. The ceremony has taken place since the 7th century.

Read about the Sanja Matsuri(Festival) first day activities. Experience the grand procession(Daigyoretsu) with its musicians, performers and dancers electrifying the crowds from dawn to late evening.

Japanese Festivals - Sanja Matsuri(Day 1)
Japanese Festivals - Sanja Matsuri(Day 3)

Tip of the Day: Reuse your coffee can to store cookies.

Sign up for the free Southeast Asia Travel newsletter. Feel free to join us.

Drop in the forum and leave a message. Do you have a question? Share your travel experiences.