What it is
The Sanja Matsuri, “the festival of the three shrines”, honors the three men who, according to legend, found the statue of Kannon that Sensō-ji was built for in 628. They are enshrined at Asakusa Shrine, next door to the temple.
It is the most boisterous festival in Tokyo. For three days, the old downtown of Asakusa fills with drums, flutes and chanting as neighborhood teams carry their mikoshi through the streets, bouncing them high to energize the kami inside.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Friday | Daigyōretsu: A grand procession of musicians, dancers and geisha through Asakusa in the afternoon |
| Saturday | Neighborhood mikoshi: About 100 mikoshi from the local neighborhoods are carried to the shrine |
| Sunday | The three main mikoshi: The shrine's three great mikoshi leave in the early morning and tour Asakusa until evening |
Which day should you go?
Saturday
Mikoshi everywhere, all day. Stand near Sensō-ji's main hall to see them arrive one after another.
Sunday
The three main mikoshi set out from the shrine early in the morning amid huge crowds. Arrive before they leave.
What to look for
The bounce
Carriers shout “Sei-ya! Sō-ya!” and bounce the mikoshi up and down to shake up the kami's power.
Festival dress
Carriers wear happi coats in their neighborhood's colors, headbands and split-toe tabi.
The three founders
The shrine honors the two fishermen and the local leader who found the Kannon statue of Sensō-ji in 628.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Station | JR to Kanda, then Ginza subway line to Asakusa | about 20 min |
| Narita Airport | Keisei Access Express to Asakusa | about 1 h |
| Haneda Airport | Keikyū and Toei Asakusa Line to Asakusa | about 40 min |
On the day. Asakusa Shrine is next to Sensō-ji. The neighbourhood mikoshi parade on Saturday; the shrine's three great mikoshi leave very early on Sunday morning.
Crowds. About two million people come over three days. The streets around the shrine are packed on Saturday and Sunday.
Where to stay
Asakusa
Walk to the temple early and late, when it is calmer. Many hotels and hostels.
Ueno
Two stops away on the Ginza line, with more hotels.
When to book. Asakusa hotels fill for the third weekend of May. Book 2–3 months ahead.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Crowds. Well over a million people come over three days. Keep out of the mikoshi's path and follow the stewards.
- Dates. Held over the third weekend of May, from Friday to Sunday. Asakusa Shrine publishes the schedule in advance.
- Stay central. Asakusa hotels fill early. The area around Ueno is a good alternative.
Glossary
Mikoshi神輿
A portable shrine. During the festival the kami rides inside while people carry it through the neighborhood.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Asakusa Shrine, official website: Sanja Matsuri schedule, https://asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/schedule/
- Taitō City tourism information: Sanja Matsuri.
Last checked 2026-10-12.