 | This article possibly contains original research. (February 2024) |
| Sanja Matsuri | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Observed by | Tokyo |
| Type | Religious |
| Significance | Honors Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari and Hajino Nakatomo, the three founders of Sensō-ji |
| Begins | Friday |
| Ends | Sunday |
| Date | third Friday in May, third Saturday in May, third Sunday in May |
| 2023 date | May 19, 2023 |
| 2024 date | May 17, 2024[1] |
| 2025 date | May 16, 2025 |
| 2026 date | May 15, 2026 |
| Frequency | annual |
Sanja Matsuri (三社祭, literally "Three Shrine Festival"), or Sanja Festival, is one of the three largest Shinto festivals in Tokyo. It is considered one of the wildest and largest in Japan.[2] The festival is held in honor of Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Hajino Nakatomo, the three men who established and founded the Sensō-ji Buddhist temple. Sanja Matsuri is held on the third weekend of every May at Asakusa Shrine.[3] Its prominent parades revolve around three mikoshi (portable shrines referenced in the festival's name), as well as traditional music and dancing. Over the course of three days, the festival attracts 1.5 to 2 million locals and tourists every year.[4]
- ^ MacGregor, Sandra (6 April 2023). "7 Must-See Spring Festivals In Japan To Experience In 2023". Forbes. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ "Japan Events and Festivals". HotelTravel.com. Archived from the original on 6 July 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ "Sanja Matsuri". Japan-guide.com. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
- ^ Graham, Fiona. "Festival Frenzy". Metropolis. Archived from the original on 2008-02-21. Retrieved 2008-03-05.