A complete guide to the 39th Asakusa Samba Carnival! Let's enjoy the biggest samba parade in Japan

Every year in September, the “Asakusa Samba Carnival” is held, where the enthusiasm and passion of samba resounds through the city of Asakusa.

This year 2024, the long-awaited “39th Asakusa Samba Carnival Parade Contest” will be completely revived on 9/15 (Sun).

This event, which takes place in the city of Asakusa, is a major festival that colors the summer of Asakusa, and fills the city of Asakusa with vibrancy along with the rhythm of samba.

In this article, I'll give you detailed information on how to fully enjoy the Asakusa Samba Carnival, such as an overview of the event, highlights, and tips for watching.

What is Asakusa Samba Carnival?

Source: Official site

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The “Asakusa Samba Carnival” is a traditional event that began in Showa 56 (1981) and concludes summer in Asakusa.

Comedian Ban Junzaburo, who loves Asakusa, and Taito City Mayor Uchiyama Eiichi were inspired by the Rio de Janeiro Carnival in Brazil and started it together with volunteers from the Asakusa Shopping Federation.

Since then, it has been held every year on the last Saturday of August, but it was postponed from 2020 onwards due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's carnival is its long-awaited complete revival.

Scale and characteristics

This event is known as the largest samba carnival in the Northern Hemisphere, with around 500,000 spectators each year.

Dancers dressed in gorgeous costumes will perform enthusiastic samba performances on the course from Umamichi Street to Kaminarimon Street in Asakusa.

The impressive bateria (samba drum corps) modeled after the Rio de Janeiro carnival and the decorated float “Allegoria” fascinate the audience.

“39th Asakusa Samba Carnival Parade Contest” Schedule and Access

Source: Official site

Date and time: 2024/9/15 (Sun) 12:00-17:00 *Times are subject to change

Location: Asakusa Umamichi Street to Kaminarimon Street

Organizer: Asakusa Samba Carnival Executive Committee

Asakusa Samba Carnival can be reached in about 5 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Toei Asakusa Line).

Access by public transportation is very convenient, and traffic restrictions will be enforced on the day of the festival, so it's best to avoid coming by car. Please see the official page for details.

Details

Highlight points

Source: Official site

Impressive samba parade

The center of the Asakusa Samba Carnival is a samba parade where performers dressed in colorful costumes unfold.

Many samba teams, including the winning team invited from Rio de Janeiro, will participate and adorn the city of Asakusa according to the enthusiastic samba rhythm.

Each team has a different theme and performance, and there are plenty of highlights that won't let the audience get bored.

Introducing the gorgeous “Allegoria (float)”

What makes the samba carnival even more luxurious is a float called “Allegoria.”

The lavishly decorated floats parade through the streets of Asakusa, and everyone is glued to their impressive appearance.

The performers dance on floats, and it is also characteristic that they are close to the audience.

The enthusiasm of the Batteria Corps

The Bateria Corps (drum corps), which can be said to be the symbol of samba, can also be said to be the heart of the carnival. There is no doubt that the sound of taiko drums beating on the rhythm echoes through the streets of Asakusa, and you will be overwhelmed by its power.

Tips for enjoying the Asakusa Samba Carnival

Secure your spot early

Asakusa Samba Carnival is extremely popular, so it's important to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.

In particular, the main route for the parade is along Umamichi Street and Kaminarimon Street, so if you're looking for a place with a good view, arrive at the site in the morning to get a spot.

Don't forget to take measures against the summer heat

There are many days when the heat remains even in September, so it is important to take measures against the heat.

Be sure to wear a hat, sunscreen, and stay hydrated frequently.

Also, there are times when you stand for a long time to watch, so we recommend wearing shoes that won't get tired.

It is also recommended to participate in a yukata

One way to enjoy the fusion of Asakusa's cityscape and samba is to wear a yukata and participate in the carnival.

You can have a new experience of enjoying the passionate samba of Brazil in traditional Japanese attire.

Q & A

Q: Can I watch the Asakusa Samba Carnival for free?

Yes, viewing is free.

If you arrive early along the parade route and secure a spot, you can enjoy a samba performance up close.

Q: Can I wear a yukata to participate?

Participation in a yukata is welcome.

I also see many people enjoying the samba carnival in Asakusa's summery attire.

Q: Can I participate with my kids?

Of course it is. Asakusa Samba Carnival is a popular event for families.

In addition to watching the parade, you can also enjoy sightseeing spots in Asakusa, so you can enjoy the whole day with your family.

summary

The Asakusa Samba Carnival is a traditional festival that concludes summer in Asakusa, and attracts many spectators every year as Japan's largest samba parade.

Performers who dance passionately to the rhythm of samba, gorgeous floats, and the sound of taiko drums envelop the city of Asakusa.

The 39th Asakusa Samba Carnival in 2024 is expected to be more exciting than usual, so be sure to enjoy it with your family and friends.

We'll also introduce popular massage parlors in the Asakusa/Oshiage/Skytree area!

If you want to heal your body after sightseeing, we recommend massage parlors in the Asakusa/Oshiage/Skytree area.

There are plenty of hideaway salons where you can relax in a quiet environment.

Beauty experience in Tokyo

Asakusa/ “Women's Salon K+” *Women only

“K+” is a private salon located in the Asakusa area of Tokyo.

We have prepared a variety of menus to suit women's specific concerns, such as fatigue, stiff shoulders, back pain, insomnia, obesity, rough skin, and more.

Package menus such as facials and head massages are popular.

It has been picked up in the media and is popular among those who care for maternity and postnatal care.

Details

Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree)/“Hilot Tokyo” *Women only

This salon is located a 5-minute walk from Oshiage Station, where Tokyo's landmark “Tokyo Skytree” is located.

By using a bamboo stick, flushing the details, and massaging the bottom of the foot to the base of the thigh with cream, it becomes surprisingly light after the massage.

The Asian-style interior is a relaxing and relaxing space.

Details

Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree)/“Zipangu Esthetic Room Oshiage Store”

The salon is located close to TOKYO SKYTREE, right next to Oshiage Station.

We have prepared a variety of facial menus with an emphasis on results, and we provide treatments tailored to each customer's skin concerns.

All of our estheticians have over 10 years of extensive experience.

This beauty salon is recommended for those who are concerned about repeated lift-ups, aging care, open pores, and rough skin.

Details

Hikifune/ “Bleu vert” *women only

This salon is located a 3-minute walk from Hikifune Station in Tokyo.

The salon is located in an area that is easily accessible from Tokyo's landmark Skytree and Asakusa.

It is a salon with many repeat customers, with careful counseling and treatment focusing on customer concerns.

The facial menu, which is effective for lifting up, is a gentle and comfortable treatment.

Details