Sanja Matsuri: dates, venue and how to get there
Tokyo / Asakusa · 三社祭
What to expect
Neighbourhood teams carry mikoshi portable shrines through Asakusa. The shrine’s three main mikoshi and traditional Binzasara dance are parts of the programme, with different timings.
Photo: View_of_mikoshi_from_sensoji_Sanja_Matsuri_2006-2.jpg: *View_of_mikoshi_from_sensoji_Sanja_Matsuri_2006.JPG: Torsodog derivative work: Torsodog (talk) derivative work: Torsodog (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0
Original date label: 2009-02-04 04:06 · Resized for display; the source file and reuse licence are linked below.
Festival dates and programme
Usual season · dates not confirmed
Usually Friday–Sunday around the third Saturday in May
This is a usual season or past programme; it does not confirm the next edition. Programme times are in JST. Japan is 3 hours 30 minutes ahead of IST. Check the organiser’s latest notices for individual performances, weather changes and tickets.
Where the festival takes place
Tokyo / Asakusa · 東京・浅草
Asakusa Shrine and surrounding neighbourhoods
浅草神社・浅草周辺
The location below marks one representative venue or route section. It is not the whole procession or every entrance; use the organiser’s venue map for your programme.
Getting there by train or bus
Use Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line services to Asakusa. Tsukuba Express Asakusa is a separate station; check the approach to Asakusa Shrine.
Find a public transport route from your starting point ↗History and local traditions
The festival honours the three figures associated with Sensoji’s founding. Neighbourhood mikoshi traditions preserve aspects of Edo culture.
Plan your visit
Pick a mikoshi viewing section from the programme and follow stewards’ instructions. The route you normally use around Sensoji may change during processions.
Editorial suggestion based on the festival’s venues and viewing format; no personal attendance is claimed.
Sanja Matsuri: questions travellers ask
When is Sanja Matsuri?
Sanja Matsuri: Usually Friday–Sunday around the third Saturday in May. This is the usual season or a reviewed past programme, not confirmation of the next edition.
How do I get to Sanja Matsuri by public transport?
Use Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line services to Asakusa. Tsukuba Express Asakusa is a separate station; check the approach to Asakusa Shrine.
Can I use my usual Sensoji walking route during Sanja Matsuri?
Not necessarily. Mikoshi processions and crowd controls can change street access. Use the current venue map and designated crossings.
Official programme and sources
- asakusajinja.jp: Official festival and visitor guidance ↗
- asakusajinja.jp: Official location, transport or historical reference ↗
Reviewed . Some official pages are in Japanese. Open the source for this edition’s venue, daily programme and access conditions.