The Sanja Matsuri(Festival) in Tokyo is the largest festival in Japan. It takes place in the downtown Tokyo area of Asakusa. The Sanja Matsuri which is the third weekend in May, celebrates the Asakusa shrine. The festival takes place over a three-day period.

On the first day, one thousand paraders assemble in the street before the Asakusa shrine. They wear traditional Japanese attire. Musicians, performers and dancers march to the pulsating music. People line the streets, cheering and applauding on the paraders. Everything is bright and lively.

Each day, there are open-air stalls. Buddhist religious items as well as tourist trinkets are for sale to the public. Food stalls satisfy the appetites of the hungry.

Days two and three of the Sanja Matsuri (Festival)links are below. Sign up for the free Southeast Asia newsletter to stay in touch.

Japanese Festivals - Sanja Matsuri (Day 2)
Japanese Festivals - Sanja Matsuri (Day 3)

Are there any points of interest not covered by a Southeast Asia Travel article? Leave a message in the forum. Don’t forget, play Southeast Asia Hangman! Send a postcard to a friend.