Sanja Matsuri Festival 2025

Event date:
May 17, 2025 at 7:48 pm
Event end:
May 19, 2025 at 7:49 pm

Feel the Energy of Asakusa’s Legendary Celebration

The Sanja Matsuri (三社祭), one of Tokyo’s most exhilarating and vibrant festivals, returns in 2025 to light up the streets of Asakusa. Known for its high-energy mikoshi processions and deep-rooted connection to the iconic Senso-ji Temple, this festival draws crowds from across Japan and the world for three days of non-stop excitement and cultural spectacle.

Festival Highlights:

Dynamic Mikoshi Processions: Experience the heart-pounding spectacle as over 100 mikoshi (portable shrines) are carried through Asakusa’s streets by passionate locals. The highlight is the procession of three massive mikoshi from Asakusa Shrine, symbolizing the deities of Senso-ji Temple.
Traditional Dress & Samurai Procession: Marvel at participants dressed in happi coats, headbands, and traditional festival attire. Don’t miss the samurai warriors parading through the streets, evoking the Edo period’s spirit.
Taiko Drumming & Performances: Feel the pulse of the festival with powerful taiko drumming, traditional dance performances, and street entertainers that capture the essence of Japanese festival culture.
Festival Stalls & Street Food: Savor the taste of yakitori, takoyaki, and other festival favorites as food stalls line Nakamise Street and the temple grounds, offering a sensory feast for all visitors.
Sacred Shinto Rituals: Witness spiritual ceremonies at Asakusa Shrine, where prayers for prosperity, health, and community unity are offered.

Event Details:

Dates: May 17–19, 2025
Location: Asakusa Shrine & Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo
Admission: Free (Some events may have restricted areas for participants)

Event Schedule

May 17 (Fri), 18 (Sat), 19 (Sun)
Note: Schedule is subject to change.

May 16 (Thursday)

7:00 PM – Head Shrine Ceremony (Ceremonial Priestess)
Ritual to transfer the sacred spirit (Omikami) of the Okinawa Shrine to the main shrine mikoshi.

May 17 (Friday)

1:00 PM – The Great Procession
(Cancelled in case of rain)
A grand parade through Asakusa featuring:

Banner Dancers
Pigeon Tree Performers
Binzasara Dance
Egret Dance

Route:
Yanagi Street → Umamichi Street → Kaminarimon Street → Kaminarimon Gate → Nakamise Street → Asakusa Shrine

2:20 PM – Binzasara Mai Dedication (Shrine Grounds)
Presentation of the intangible cultural heritage dance “Binzasara Mai”.

3:00 PM – Binzasara Dance Offering (Kaguraden)
(Cancelled in case of rain)

3:30 PM – Mikoshi Spirit Transfer Ceremony
Ceremony to transfer the divine spirit (Mitama) into each neighborhood’s mikoshi.

May 18 (Saturday)

10:00 AM – Main Festival Ceremony (Reisai)

11:30 AM – “Konomiya” Children’s Shrine Procession

12:00 PM (Noon) – Town Mikoshi Procession
44 neighborhood groups representing Asakusa, with around 100 mikoshi participating.
Mikoshi gather behind the Asakusa Shrine main hall and set off one by one. After receiving blessings, they are handed over to their respective neighborhood associations.

4:00 PM – Shrine Maiden Dance Performance (Kaguraden)

May 19 (Sunday)

6:30 AM – Head Mikoshi Departure (Details TBA)
The three main shrine mikoshi depart from the shrine grounds.

After Departure – Main Shrine Mikoshi Procession
Each of the three mikoshi will be carried through different regions of Asakusa:

Ichinomiya: Eastern Districts
Ninomiya: Western Districts
Sannomiya: Southern Districts

2:00 PM – Shrine Maiden Dance Performance (Kaguraden)

3:00 PM – Dedication Dance (Kaguraden)
Performance by the Tokyo Asakusa Union.

4:00 PM – Taiko Drum Dance (Shrine Precincts)
Performance by the Iyasaka Project.

8:00 PM – Mikoshi Return Ceremony Begins
The three main mikoshi return to the shrine.

Following the Return:
– Holy Spirit Return Ceremony
The sacred spirit (Mitama) is ceremonially returned from the mikoshi to the main shrine hall.

Why You Should Go:

The Sanja Matsuri is not just a festival – it’s an electrifying cultural experience that embodies the spirit of Asakusa’s vibrant community. The mix of tradition, spiritual significance, and lively street festivities makes this one of Japan’s must-see events.

Feel the passion, immerse yourself in history, and become part of Tokyo’s beating heart at Sanja Matsuri 2025 – a festival that promises memories to last a lifetime!