Held over a three-day weekend in May, the annual Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district is arguably the capital’s most popular festival. Its beginnings are somewhat shrouded in the mists of time, but the event as we now know it was founded to honour three men who propagated the Buddhist faith, centuries ago. The intertwined religions of Buddhism and Shinto are celebrated equally here.
The centrepiece of the event is the daily series of processions through the streets, honouring each of the three founding fathers, featuring beautifully adorned mikoshi or portable shrines that are carried through the streets by as many as 40 participants in traditional dress, amid the joyous sounds of beaten taiko drums and the melodious music of old Japan. To add to the kaleidoscope of sound and colour, these processions are by no means solemn! In fact, it’s customary to shake and bounce the shrines for good luck as they weave their way through the streets.
Away from the rituals and the wildly charged energy, the street stalls off the main route offer a variety of street food and there some amazing little shops to browse through.
This iconic festival promises an unforgettable experience, blending ancient traditions with the energy of modern Tokyo, making it a must-see for people who want an authentic cultural encounter during their visit to Japan.
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