Sanja Festival : A Traditional Festival in Tokyo

Sanja Festival is a must-see for those who plan to visit Tokyo and want to experience a Japanese festival!
Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa is known for its enthusiastic mikoshi (portable shrines), vigorous shouts, and gorgeous costumes.
In Tokyo, where tradition and modernity merge, participating in a festival is a great way to experience the spirit of Japan.
The lively atmosphere of the festival will surely make your trip to Tokyo even more exciting!

1. What is Sanja Matsuri (Festival)?
2. Features of Sanja Matsuri
3. History of Sanja Matsuri
4. 3 Days of the Festival
5. About the Mikoshi (Portable Shrine)
6. Traditional Performances at the Sanja Matsuri
7. The Role of “Yakuza” in the Festival
8. Enjoy Japanese Tradition with Costumes
9. Recommended Food Stalls
10. Access to Sanja Matsuri
11. Useful Tips to Know
12. Asakusa? Come to Ninja Experience Cafe!
13. Summary

1. What is Sanja Matsuri (Festival)?

2. Features of Sanja Matsuri

Sanja Matsuri is an annual festival held by the Asakusa Shrine.
Asakusa Shrine enshrines deities of fishermen and cultural figures involved in its founding.
The main attraction of this festival would be the people carrying the mikoshi, through the streets.
There are more than 100 portable shrines!
It is a spectacular sight to see the whole town transformed into a festival atmosphere as the local people carry the mikoshi with all their might.

The Sanja Matsuri is known not only for the mikoshi, but also for the various events and performances that take place.
During the festival, the area around Sensoji Temple becomes a pedestrian paradise, where many tourists can enjoy traditional performances and events.
Local stores and restaurants also become festival-spirited.

3. History of Sanja Matsuri

The origin of Sanja Matsuri dates back to the Kamakura period (12th~14th century).
It is said that the origin of the festival began to honor fishermen who found the Kannon Buddha in the Sumida River and the cultural figures who made offerings to him.
Later, the culture of carrying portable shrines developed and has been passed down through the ages.

During the Edo period (17th to 19th century), Sanja Matsuri spread as a form of entertainment for the local common people and took root as part of the culture of the townspeople.
In particular, artisans and merchants in Edo participated in the festival in droves, and it served to strengthen the unity of the community.
During the Meiji period (late 19th century onward), the festival expanded in scale and more and more town portable shrines began to participate.

During the chaotic postwar period, the festival was temporarily curtailed, but thanks to the efforts of local people, it once again regained its momentum.
Today, the festival has grown into one that attracts many tourists from abroad and continues to preserve its traditions.

4. 3 Days of the Festival

The Sanja Festival is held over three days, with different events taking place on each day.

5. About the Mikoshi (Portable Shrine)

The mikoshi in the Sanja Festival is an important symbol of the festival.
There are three mikoshi belonging to Asakusa Shrine, each enshrining a festival deity.
The mikoshi are very large, weighing approximately one ton.
On Sunday, the festival's climax, the three main mikoshi parade through the town, which is a great excitement with the cheers of the spectators.

6. Traditional Performances at the Sanja Matsuri

At the Sanja Matsuri, visitors can enjoy not only the portable shrines but also a variety of traditional performances.
The most popular of these performances are the “Kiyari” and the “Shinji Binzasara-mai”.

"Kiyari" is a traditional labor song sung while carrying the portable shrine, and is an important element of the festival atmosphere.
The powerful shouts of the kiyari are a key element of the festival's atmosphere, and are sung to raise the morale of the mikoshi bearers, and the audience joins in the excitement.

The “Shinji Binzasara Mai” is a traditional dance dedicated at Asakusa Shrine on the first day of the Sanja Festival.
The dancers pray for a bountiful harvest and prosperous business by playing a musical instrument called "binzasara".
The dancers wear gorgeous costumes and dance gracefully to a unique rhythm.
This dance is designated as a valuable cultural heritage and an intangible cultural asset by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
As part of the sacred rituals of the Sanja Festival, many worshippers watch the dances.

Please come and experience the moment when the entire town of Asakusa is enveloped in traditional culture!

7. The Role of “Yakuza” in the Festival

The occasional sighting of a “yakuza” (a term that refers to Japan's own gangsters and their members) at the Sanja Matsuri is part of the traditional festival culture.
Yakuza have been a part of the local community since the Edo period, and at festivals they sometimes carry portable shrines and assist in their operation.
They participate in festivals as individuals, not as an organization, and are considered to embody uniquely Japanese values such as “iki” (style) and “kyoiki” (chivalry).

In addition, at some Sanja festivals, yakuza can be seen showing off their magnificent tattoos on their backs.
This is part of Japan's traditional tattoo culture, especially that of artisans and firemen of the Edo period, which has been passed down to the present day.
However, as a tourist, it is safe to avoid provoking them or carelessly taking pictures of them.

8. Enjoy Japanese Tradition with Costumes

At the Sanja Matsuri, participants wear traditional costumes to further enhance the festive atmosphere.
The most common costumes worn by people carrying the portable shrines are the happi coat, the momohiki, tabi, and waraji (sandals).

• Happi: A symbolic costume with a different design for each township, showing the unity of the people.
• Happi and momohiki: These are work clothes that are worn when carrying a portable shrine, and are both comfortable to move in and stylish.
• Tabi (socks) and waraji (sandals): Tabi (socks) are used to carry the mikoshi, and sandals are used to secure the mikoshi's footing.

Tourists can actually enjoy the festival wearing this costume by taking advantage of stores that rent out happi coats and experience programs.
It is a particularly photogenic way to commemorate your trip.

9. Recommended Food Stalls

A yatai is a small, mobile storefront unique to Japanese festivals.
The rows of yatai resemble a marché or shopping street.
Visitors can purchase souvenirs, sundries, delicious snacks, and even participate in games for prizes!
At the Sanja Festival, you can enjoy delicious food stalls that are unique to Asakusa.
Be sure to try the following classic menu items!

• Yakisoba
  • Savory Chinese noodles cooked on a griddle.
  • It is an indispensable dish for Japanese festivals.
• Takoyaki
  • A non-sweet cake with octopus, served with sauce.
  • The takoyaki is a small, easy-to-eat size, making it perfect for eating while walking around.
• Okonomiyaki
  • A large cake similar to takoyaki, but with a variety of ingredients.
  • Kansai-style okonomiyaki, with its fluffy dough filled with cabbage, is also popular.
• Jaga Butter
  • A simple street stall gourmet dish consisting of a hearty potato topped with a generous amount of butter.
• Kamini-okoshi
  • A specialty of Asakusa, is a sweet rice cake.
  • It is often sold at street stalls during festivals and makes a great souvenir.
• Strawberry and apple candies
  • Fruits coated in sweet candy are popular with both children and adults.

These stall foods are an attractive gourmet experience for tourists, as they are easy to eat while enjoying the festival atmosphere.

10. Access to Sanja Matsuri

Asakusa Shrine, where the Sanja Matsuri is held, is easily accessible by major transportation systems in Tokyo.

By train

• 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
• 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree Line
• 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Toei Asakusa Line
• 10-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express

By car

Due to traffic restrictions during the festival, we do not recommend coming by car.
If you must use a car, it is recommended to check in advance for coin-operated parking in the neighborhood.
In addition, public transportation is recommended due to the large number of visitors on the festival day.
It is best to travel early, especially during the busiest hours (noon to evening).

11. Useful Tips to Know

In order to enjoy the Sanja Festival safely and comfortably, please pay attention to the following points.

• Avoid crowds: The festival is extremely crowded during the festival period, so if you do not like crowds, it is best to visit in the morning or early in the day.
• Keep track of your valuables: Be careful with your wallet and smart phone to avoid becoming a victim of pickpockets, etc.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The festival site is large, and you will be walking for a long time.
• Respect the culture of the local people by not interfering with the progress of the portable shrines, not forcing people to take pictures, and make sure to take garbage home with you.
• Check the location of restrooms in advance: Public restrooms will be crowded on the day of the festival, so it is a good idea to know where the restrooms are beforehand.

If you follow these precautions, you will be able to enjoy the Sanja Festival more comfortably.

12. Asakusa? Come to Ninja Experience Cafe!

After enjoying the Sanja Festival, why not experience something even more special at one of Asakusa's unique spots?
We recommend the Ninja Experience Cafe.
There are ninja-themed cafes in Asakusa where you can have a ninja experience.
Here, you can take pictures wearing ninja costumes and experience shuriken throwing.
The staff are also dressed as ninja, making visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time to the Warring States period.
The Ninja Experience Cafe also offers special ninja drinks and Japanese sweets, making it the perfect place to take a break after a long day of walking at the festival.
Why not enjoy traditional Japanese culture and performing arts along with the Sanja Festival?

13. Summary

The Sanja Matsuri is a great opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture.
The power of the mikoshi carriers, the beauty of traditional performing arts, delicious food stalls, and the unique sightseeing spots in Asakusa will make your visit an unforgettable experience.

What are we?

We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.

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