If you’re in town in mid-May, make sure you pay a visit to Asakusa-jinja Shrine - the Sanja Matsuri is a spectacular festival that’s not to be missed.
Asakusa-jinja Shrine - image © Florentyna Leow
Asakusa-jinja Shrine in Asakusa’s modest appearance belies its historical and cultural significance. It honors the three men who founded neighboring Senso-ji Temple, and these men are enshrined there as deities.
It’s a lively place at any time of the year. Events are held frequently on the shrine grounds. In July, for instance, you might stumble across the ‘Natsumode’ summer event with open-air musical performances and food stalls.
Asakusa-jinja Shrine - image © Florentyna Leow
Asakusa-jinja Shrine is most famous for the Sanja Matsuri, an annual festival taking place over a weekend in mid-May. Considered one of the largest and wildest Shinto festivals in Tokyo, the Sanja Matsuri pulls crowds in the millions over three days in mid-May.
Asakusa-jinja Shrine - image © Florentyna Leow
Asakusa Shrine is also known as Sanja-sama - Shrine of the Three Gods - hence the name of the festival. The first morning sees a grand procession of various people dressed up in Edo-period costumes, followed by a Shinto ceremony and a traditional dance. From the afternoon and on subsequent days, Asakusa’s local neighborhood mikoshi (portable shrine) are brought out and carried through the streets. On Sunday the festivities peak with the carrying of the three main mikoshi. It’s a sight not to be missed.
English name:
Asakusa-jinja Shrine
Japanese name:
浅草神社
English address:
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0032
Japanese address:
〒111-0032 東京都台東区浅草2-3-1
Opening hours:
24h
Admission:
free
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 7-minute walk from exit 6 of Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza line, and Toei Asakusa line.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Asakusa-jinja Shrine on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-3844-1575
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Asakusa-jinja Shrine is located in Tokyo's Asakusa and Ryogoto district. See our complete list of things to do in Asakusa and Ryogoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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