May 23, 2013 - 1 min read

Sanja Festival

One of the biggest and wildest festivals in Tokyo!

By Sher Ying Wee

Community writer

The mikoshi being borne around the streets that have been temporarily blocked off for the day. The subways still work, though. Get off at Asakusa Station on the Ginza line and follow the crowd out. You can't miss it.

Lanterns bearing the words Sanja Matsuri are often seen hung around doorways of shop houses.

Seeing the island of photographers was just as interesting as the parade itself.

Participant giving the beat for the tejime (ceremonial clapping) to the receptive audience.

The Tokyo Sky Tree looking cool on a nice day. Many people were snapping pictures of the building as well.

The famed Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and the Shinto gods, Fūjin (Wind God) and Raijin (Thunder God), displayed at the front. A popular tourist photo-taking spot.

Taiko performances like these happen throughout the festival area simultaneously. Just follow the music to see the show!

One of the smaller mikoshi at a rest stop.

Performance with the ceremonial staff. Wherever there is a performance, there are usually huge crowds surrounding them. If in doubt where to go, follow the crowds.

3 wonderfully attired geishas appeared and everyone immediately turned their phones and cameras towards them, like bees to honey.

Breathing in the incense smoke is believed to chase away bad luck and ward off evil spirits.

The mikoshi borne by the children. When a mikoshi moves around, the general crowd in its way moves back really fast, so be careful. Be aware of the crowd's movements at all times and move quickly!

The adult-borne mikoshi. Everyone wants to have the honour of carrying the mikoshi, no matter how tight or uncomfortable it gets.

Just looking at the mass of people makes me hesitate to go back.

Everyone squeezing in to toss (or throw from 5 meters away) their coins and wish their wishes.

The 5 story pagoda in the temple grounds is dedicated to Kannon Bosatsu (觀音菩薩).

Omikuji in stick form can found in the main hall and outside it. Think of your question as you shake the metal container provided until a labeled stick falls out, and then draw out the paper from a box that has the corresponding number on the stick.

Lots of ladies (and some men) were wearing their beautifully patterned kimonos or yukatas.

Roasted on-the-spot biscuits make a good snack to eat in such a crowded area, where handling your items can get messy.

Wind chimes that tinkle nicely but can get a little noisy if your house gets strong breezes most of the time.

As one of the larger and wilder festivals in Tokyo, the Sanja Matsuri attracts massive crowds over the 3 day period. I went on a Sunday and it was very crowded, to the extent of being almost claustrophobic. The matsuri is a Shinto event, but it is Senso-ji, a temple, where everyone gathers and the famed matsuri stalls are located. The smaller Asakusa Shrine is actually located near the temple but I was unable to reach it due to human congestion. If you dislike crowds, stay on the fringes of the road. An unforgettable event not to be missed if you are around for it!

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Sher Ying Wee

By Sher Ying Wee

Community writer

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