One of Tokyo’s most lively traditional celebrations, Sanja Festival (or Sanja Matsuri/三社祭) returns in 2025 to fill the historic Asakusa district with the sounds of cheers, drums, and dancing. This legendary festival is held annually at Asakusa Shrine, located within the iconic Sensoji Temple grounds, drawing nearly 2 million visitors over the course of one long weekend in late May.

The heart of Sanja Matsuri is the grand procession of three massive mikoshi (神輿) portable shrines, each carried by enthusiastic teams of locals who parade them through the bustling streets of Asakusa. These portable shrines are believed to transport the spirits of the shrine’s deities, and the act of carrying them is both a sacred ritual and a thrilling physical display. Join the crowds of festival-goers to follow the parades through the neighborhood, just as locals have done for centuries!

Beyond the parades, Sanja Matsuri offers a taste of the classic Japanese summer festival atmosphere with traditional music and dance performances, colorful festival booths, and an abundance of Japanese street food. Check out one of Japan’s largest and most vibrant festivals to experience the unique energy of a traditional Shinto festival while enjoying all the sensory delights that make Tokyo summer matsuri so unforgettable!

▶︎ Read more about Asakusa’s famous Sanja Festival here!

三社祭2025