In May, Asakusa comes alive with one of its most vibrant events of the year, the Sanja festival.
During this time, the area is filled with both locals and visitors, offering a completely different atmosphere from everyday Asakusa.
I visited the festival on two days out of the three-day event, Friday and Sunday.
On Friday, I experienced the calm streets just before the festival fully began and watched a parade. On Sunday, I experienced the full energy of the festival through lively mikoshi (portable shrine) processions and children’s parade floats.
In this article, I will share my personal experience along with useful information about crowds, things to be careful about, and how to enjoy the festival.
1. What is Sanja Festival?
Sanja Festival is a traditional festival held every May in Asakusa, Tokyo, at Asakusa Shrine. It takes place over the third Friday to Sunday of the month.
The festival is named after the three deities enshrined at Asakusa Shrine, and it is considered one of the largest and most vibrant festivals in Tokyo.
During the festival, portable shrines (mikoshi) from each neighborhood are carried through the streets of Asakusa, filling the area with lively chants and cheers, drums, and an energetic atmosphere that brings the whole town together. It is an important annual event not only for locals but also for visitors.
Around this time of year, you may also notice a unique sight at Kaminarimon Gate: the large red lantern is folded down. This lantern is about 3.9 meters tall and weighs around 700 kg. It is lowered for safety reasons, such as strong winds like typhoons, and also during Sanja Festival to allow portable shrines to pass safely through the gate.
Seeing Kaminarimon in this special state is one of the rare seasonal highlights of visiting Asakusa.
2. When does it get crowded?
Asakusa remains relatively calm on Friday, the first day of the festival, as it is still before the festival fully begins. If you want to enjoy sightseeing at a relaxed pace, the early morning to around 10:00 on Saturday is the best time.
From 1:00 PM on Friday, the large parade begins, featuring traditional performances such as the Binzasara dance as it moves through the streets of Asakusa.
This parade route changes every other year, and in 2026 it followed the eastward route. It passes through Kaminarimon Gate, continues along Nakamise Street, goes in front of Senso-ji Temple, and finally arrives at Asakusa Shrine around 2:00 PM.
Many people gather around Kaminarimon and Asakusa Shrine to watch this parade, making the area extremely crowded. During the procession, it can be difficult to move through the streets, so caution is needed.
On Saturday, after around noon, the mikoshi (portable shrine) processions begin. As they move through the town, the atmosphere changes dramatically, and crowds quickly increase in major streets and popular areas.
If you want to avoid the crowds and heat, the 6th floor observation area of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is highly recommended. Live broadcasts of the festival are shown on screens, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere in a cooler and more comfortable environment.
3. Things to know before visiting
1. Check cafe and restaurant hours in advance
During Sanja Festival, some cafes and restaurants may change their business hours or temporarily close due to festival participation and heavy crowds.
If there is a place you want to visit, it’s a good idea to check its Instagram or official website beforehand.
2. Wear comfortable shoes
You’ll likely spend a lot of time walking around Asakusa, and during crowded periods, it can be difficult to move smoothly through the streets.
Since you may be on your feet for a long time, comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
3. Don’t forget protection from the heat
Even in May, daytime temperatures can become quite high.
Crowded areas can feel even hotter, so bringing water, a hat, or other sun protection will help you stay comfortable throughout the festival.
My Experience
Friday | Calm before the festival and the large parade
As Sanja festival approaches, the atmosphere in Asakusa gradually begins to change.
About a month before the festival, lanterns are already displayed throughout the streets, creating a subtle sense of anticipation.
On Friday, the first day of the festival period, Asakusa is still relatively calm.
There is a quietness in the air, as if the city is just waiting for the excitement to begin, making it a great time to enjoy a relaxed walk around the area.
While walking through the streets, I even spotted portable shrines (mikoshi) being prepared, which made the upcoming festival feel even more real.
At 1:00 PM on Friday, the famous parade begins.
This procession features traditional performances such as the Binzasara dance and stretches for about 300 meters through the streets of Asakusa. It is a very impressive sight, and many people stop to watch as it passes.
At Mangan-do on Orange Street, you can find imokin (sweet mashed sweet potato treats) with a special “Sanja” brand stamped on them.
Sunday | Energetic mikoshi and children’s parade floats
By Sunday, the atmosphere of Asakusa completely changes.
Loud and energetic chants fill the streets as mikoshi (portable shrines) are carried through the town.
Seeing them up close is incredibly powerful. The energy is intense, and in some areas the movement of the mikoshi can be quite dynamic, so caution is needed when standing nearby. If you are lucky, you may even see horses taking part in the festival.
In each neighborhood, there are also children’s mikoshi and parade floats. My daughter was able to join one of the local groups through acquaintances and take part in the event.
She enjoyed pulling the float through the streets, and stopping along the way to receive snacks and water balloon yo-yos made the experience even more exciting. These kinds of local interactions are one of the unique charms of traditional Japanese festivals.
Inside the grounds of Senso-ji Temple, many food stalls are set up.
In addition to traditional festival food, there are also activities such as goldfish scooping, which is very popular with children, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
Sanja Festival is not only about powerful mikoshi and traditional performances, but also an event that is accessible and enjoyable even for beginners and first-time visitors.
Although it can get very crowded, the entire city of Asakusa comes alive together, offering a truly special experience that is worth seeing at least once.
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