A complete guide to the Asakusa Sanja Festival! Highlights, access, and ways to enjoy the Sanja Matsuri!

The “Sanja Festival” held in Asakusa, Tokyo is an annual festival at Asakusa Shrine held over the weekend of the 3rd week of May.

The festival attracts around 2 million visitors each year, and is a major event for both tourists and locals.

Today, I would like to introduce the schedule, highlights, and access methods for the 2024 Sanja Matsuri Festival.

Overview of Asakusa Sanja Matsuri

Schedule: 2024/5/17 (Fri) to 19 (Sun)

Location: Asakusa Shrine

Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Highlights of Sanja Matsuri

What to see on Day 1 (Friday): 1 p.m.

Big procession

You can enjoy parading through the town in a procession of people dressed in costumes called the “Great Procession.”

The procession departs from the Tokyo Asakusa Association near Sensoji Temple and arrives at Asakusa Shrine through Sensoji's Kaminarimon, Nakamise-dori, and an amusement district called Asakusa Rokku.

The town of Asakusa is wrapped in a festival mood all at once, showing excitement.

Highlights on Day 2 (Saturday): 10 a.m. -

Neighborhood Mikoshi Federation Watari

Approximately 100 mikoshi meet in one place, and 100 mikoshi are taken out and paraded towards the shrine.

The mikoshi, which contains the souls of the bearers, will be overwhelmed by the enthusiasm.

Spectators also rush in to experience its power up close, and there is a sense of tension in the air.

What to see on Day 3 (Sunday): 6:30 a.m.

Head office, Mikoshi, each town

On the 3rd day, the main event is the head office Mikoshi crossing each town, and it is the biggest highlight of the festival.

The town council of Asakusa is divided into 3 parts: south, west, and east, and each district shares and carries the 3 mikoshi called “Ichinomiya,” “Ninomiya,” and “Sannomiya,” and these are called “Miyadashi.”

Since the mikoshi, which is larger than the second day, will go around each town, the city of Asakusa will be very exciting.

After sunset, we mark the end of the festival event by welcoming the “Imperial Palace Entry,” who returns to the shrine grounds.

This impressive scene can be said to be the climax of Sanja Matsuri.

Details

Sensoji Temple illuminated

During the festival, many food stalls line the grounds of Sensoji Temple.

You can enjoy classic Japanese festival cuisines such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and shaved ice.

Also, at night, the mikoshi crossing continues, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sensoji Temple illuminated.

Access to Sanja Matsuri

The venue for the Sanja Festival is Asakusa Shrine and the surrounding area.

The nearest station is Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Toei Asakusa Line, and it is located about 5 minutes on foot from the station.

On the day of the festival, trains and the area around the station are very crowded, so we recommend leaving early.

How to enjoy Sanja Matsuri and what to keep in mind

Food Stall Tour

There are many food stalls in the Sensoji Temple precincts, so you can enjoy eating while walking.

Congestion countermeasures

Major spots such as Kaminarimon Street are extremely crowded. If you are traveling with children, be careful not to stray.

Toilet Problems

Toilets at convenience stores and supermarkets around the venue often cannot be used, so it is safe to finish the toilet beforehand.

summary

Sanja Matsuri is a wonderful festival where you can feel the traditions of Edo.

In order to fully enjoy this festival, which is full of highlights, it is essential to plan and prepare early.

Please visit Sanja Matsuri in 2024 and experience the essence of Tokyo.

*Please check the official website for the latest information and detailed schedule of the Sanjamatsuri Festival.

Details

Asakusa is one of the most vibrant areas in Tokyo, and many people visit.

Finding a massage parlor to heal the tiredness of a trip in Asakusa is highly recommended as part of sightseeing.

In this article, we'll introduce salons in the Asakusa area that are recommended for those who are particular about technology and quality.

Oshiage, Tokyo Skytree/ “Zipangu Head Office”

Just a short walk from TOKYO SKYTREE! Why don't you experience a slightly different head spa than usual to heal your tiredness?

Located right next to TOKYO SKYTREE (Oshiage), we have prepared an environment where guests can relax in a spacious and bright space.

This salon's special head spa promotes blood circulation in the scalp, leading to healthier, more vibrant hair.

Experience our signature head spa massage and shampoo course to relieve fatigue and enjoy a pleasant refreshment time.

Details

Oshiage (Asakusa, Tokyo Sky Tree Area)/“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

Iriya (Asakusa, Tokyo Sky Tree Area)/“FURAHA” *Women only

A women-only salon located about a 3-minute walk from Iriya Station, close to the Asakusa area of Tokyo.

A hand massage using hot stones will relieve stubborn stiffness and swelling.

Let's heal both body and mind in a calm space and relieve fatigue.

Details

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

Hikifune (Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree area)/“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

Kita-senju (Ueno area)/Pharmacist's Skin Beauty Laboratory “Pharm K”

An authentic medical esthetic salon run by a Japanese pharmacist who specializes in beauty ingredients.

We perform evidence-based treatments using carefully selected beauty ingredients.

You can also enjoy everyday skin care and shopping for skin care products at our salon as souvenirs.

Details

Massages and beauty experiences in Asakusa are one of the best ways to unwind after a trip while experiencing Japanese culture.

Please experience a massage in Asakusa and add a new healing time to your memories of your trip.

Massage experience in Asakusa