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{{Original research|date=February 2024|reason=}}{{short description|Shinto festival in Japan}}
{{Infobox holiday
{{Infobox holiday
|holiday_name = Sanja Matsuri
|holiday_name = Sanja Matsuri
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|duration = 3 days
|duration = 3 days
|frequency = annual
|frequency = annual
|date{{LASTYEAR}} = {{date|{{LASTYEAR}}-05-{{Weekday in month|{{LASTYEAR}}|5|5|3}}|MDY}}
|week_ordinal = third
|date{{CURRENTYEAR}} = {{date|{{CURRENTYEAR}}-05-{{Weekday in month|{{CURRENTYEAR}}|5|5|3}}|MDY}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacGregor |first1=Sandra |title=7 Must-See Spring Festivals In Japan To Experience In 2023 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/sandramacgregor/2023/04/06/7-must-see-spring-festivals-in-japan-to-experience-in-2023/?sh=3120d9b35a31 |access-date=15 May 2023 |work=Forbes |date=6 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
|weekday = Sunday
|date{{NEXTYEAR}} = {{date|{{NEXTYEAR}}-05-{{Weekday in month|{{NEXTYEAR}}|5|5|3}}|MDY}}
|month = May
|date{{NEXTYEAR|2}} = {{date|{{NEXTYEAR|2}}-05-{{Weekday in month|{{NEXTYEAR|2}}|5|5|3}}|MDY}}
}}
}}


{{nihongo|'''Sanja Matsuri'''|三社祭||literally "Three Shrine Festival"}}, or '''Sanja Festival''', is one of the three great [[Shinto]] [[festivals in Tokyo]]. It is considered one of the wildest and largest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hoteltravel.com/japan/guides/festivals.htm#sanja_matsuri |title=Japan Events and Festivals |accessdate=2008-05-07 |work=HotelTravel.com}}</ref> The festival is held in honor of Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Hajino Nakatomo, the three men who established and founded [[Sensō-ji]]. Sanja Matsuri is held on the third weekend of every May at [[Asakusa Shrine]]. 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&nbsp;million locals and tourists every year.<ref name="metro">{{cite web |url=http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/685/feature.asp |title=Festival Frenzy |accessdate=2008-03-05 |work=[[Metropolis (free magazine)|Metropolis]] |author=Graham, Fiona |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080221001537/http://www.metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/685/feature.asp <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-02-21}}</ref>
{{nihongo|'''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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hoteltravel.com/japan/guides/festivals.htm#sanja_matsuri |title=Japan Events and Festivals |accessdate=2008-05-07 |work=HotelTravel.com}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3063.html|title=Sanja Matsuri|website=Japan-guide.com|access-date=16 May 2019}}</ref> 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&nbsp;million locals and tourists every year.<ref name="metro">{{cite web |url=http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/685/feature.asp |title=Festival Frenzy |accessdate=2008-03-05 |work=[[Metropolis (free magazine)|Metropolis]] |author=Graham, Fiona |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080221001537/http://www.metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/685/feature.asp <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-02-21}}</ref>


[[File:Sanja matsuri - May 19 2013.webm|thumb|thumbtime=5|Scenes from Sanja Matsuri in 2013]]
==History==
==History==
Like many [[japanese festival|Japanese festivals]], Sanja Matsuri is a religious celebration. It is a weekend-long Shinto festival that is dedicated to the ''[[kami]]'' (spirits) of three men. It is believed that two fishermen—brothers named Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari—found a statuette of the [[Bodhisattva]] [[Kannon]] caught in a fishing net in the [[Sumida River]] on the early morning of March 18, 628.<ref name="wgs">{{cite web |url=http://www.senso-ji.jp/guide/komagata_e.html |title=Guide to Senso Ji's Halls – Komagatado Hall |accessdate=2014-05-08 |}}</ref> The third man, a wealthy landlord named Hajino Nakatomo, heard about the discovery, approached the brothers and converted them to [[Buddhism]]. The three men then devoted their lives to the Buddhist faith and consecrated the statue in a small temple.<ref name="asakusashrine">{{cite web |url=http://www.asakusajinja.jp/english/ |title=Asakusa Shrine |accessdate=2008-03-21}}</ref> This temple, now known as the [[Sensō-ji]], currently houses the Kannon statue and is the oldest temple in Tokyo.
Like many [[Japanese festival]]s, Sanja Matsuri is a religious celebration. It is a weekend-long Shinto festival that is dedicated to the ''[[kami]]'' (spirits) of three men. It is believed that two fishermen—brothers named Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari—found a statuette of the [[Bodhisattva]] [[Kannon]] caught in a fishing net in the [[Sumida River]] on the early morning of March 18, 628.<ref name="wgs">{{cite web |url=http://www.senso-ji.jp/guide/komagata_e.html |title=Guide to Senso Ji's Halls – Komagatado Hall |accessdate=2014-05-08 }}</ref> The third man, a wealthy landlord named Hajino Nakatomo, heard about the discovery, approached the brothers and converted them to [[Buddhism]]. The three men then devoted their lives to the Buddhist faith and consecrated the statue in a small temple.<ref name="asakusashrine">{{cite web |url=http://www.asakusajinja.jp/english/ |title=Asakusa Shrine |accessdate=2008-03-21}}</ref> This temple, now known as the [[Sensō-ji]], currently houses the Kannon statue and is the oldest temple in Tokyo.


The Sanja Matsuri appears to have many forms that date back as early as the 7th century, as well as several names such as "Kannon Matsuri" and "Asakusa Matsuri".<ref name="history">{{cite web |url=http://www.asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/yurai.html |script-title=ja:三社祭とは? |accessdate=2008-03-21 |language=Japanese}}</ref> Sanja Matsuri's present day form was established during the [[Edo Period]]. In 1649, [[shogunate]] [[Tokugawa Iemitsu]] commissioned the construction of [[Asakusa Shrine]], a [[Shinto shrine]] dedicated to the three ''kami''. The existence of this shrine helped to solidify the festival's importance as well as its current structure and organization.<ref name="bella">{{cite web |url=http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art29889.asp |title=Japanese Festivals&nbsp;— Sanja Matsuri (Day 2) |accessdate=2008-03-05 |author=Turner, Taisha |work=BellaOnline}}</ref>
The Sanja Matsuri appears to have many forms that date back as early as the 7th century, as well as several names such as "Kannon Matsuri" and "Asakusa Matsuri".<ref name="history">{{cite web |url=http://www.asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/yurai.html |script-title=ja:三社祭とは? |accessdate=2008-03-21 |language=Japanese}}</ref> Sanja Matsuri's present day form was established during the [[Edo period]]. In 1649, ''[[shōgun]]'' [[Tokugawa Iemitsu]] commissioned the construction of [[Asakusa Shrine]], a [[Shinto shrine]] dedicated to the three ''kami''. The existence of this shrine helped to solidify the festival's importance as well as its current structure and organization.<ref name="bella">{{cite web |url=http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art29889.asp |title=Japanese Festivals&nbsp;– Sanja Matsuri (Day 2) |accessdate=2008-03-05 |author=Turner, Taisha |work=BellaOnline}}</ref>


==Description of events==
==Description of events==

[[File:Asakusa Matsuri Senso-ji May06.JPG|right|thumb|Asakusa Sanja Festival – a portable Shrine lifted in front of Sensō-ji temple.]]
[[File:Asakusa Matsuri Senso-ji May06.JPG|right|thumb|Asakusa Sanja Festival – a portable Shrine lifted in front of Sensō-ji temple.]]


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The festival's main attractions are three Asakusa Shrine-owned ''[[mikoshi]]'' that appear on the third and final day of the festival. These three elaborate, black [[lacquer]]ed-wood shrines are built to act as miniature, portable versions of Asakusa Shrine. Decorated with gold sculptures and painted with [[gold leaf]], each ''mikoshi'' weighs approximately one&nbsp;ton and cost [[Japanese Yen|¥]]40&nbsp;million ($390,760 in 2008) to construct.<ref name="metro"/> They are carried on four long poles lashed together with ropes, and each needs approximately 40&nbsp;people dispersed evenly to safely carry them. Throughout the day, a total of about 500&nbsp;people participate in carrying each shrine.<ref name="metro"/>
The festival's main attractions are three Asakusa Shrine-owned ''[[mikoshi]]'' that appear on the third and final day of the festival. These three elaborate, black [[lacquer]]ed-wood shrines are built to act as miniature, portable versions of Asakusa Shrine. Decorated with gold sculptures and painted with [[gold leaf]], each ''mikoshi'' weighs approximately one&nbsp;ton and cost [[Japanese Yen|¥]]40&nbsp;million ($390,760 in 2008) to construct.<ref name="metro"/> They are carried on four long poles lashed together with ropes, and each needs approximately 40&nbsp;people dispersed evenly to safely carry them. Throughout the day, a total of about 500&nbsp;people participate in carrying each shrine.<ref name="metro"/>


Because of the importance of these three ''mikoshi'', they are spectacles as they are carried through the streets. The areas immediately surrounding each shrine are busy with people, and as they are carried, they are shaken and bounced vehemently. This action is believed to intensify the power of the ''[[kami]]'' that are seated in the shrines and helps to bestow good luck upon their respective neighborhoods.<ref name="excelloz">{{cite web |url=http://www.excelloz.com/Travel_guide/Tokyo/Sanja_Matsuri_Festival_of_Asakusa_Shrine_Tokyo.html |title=Sanja Matsuri: Unique traditional Festival of Japan in Asakusa, Tokyo |accessdate=2008-03-05 |author=Miller, David |work=Excelloz Travel}}</ref> It is not unusual for there to be someone standing on the poles supporting the ''mikoshi'' shouting and waving in order to help direct the people carrying the shrine. This sense of direction can be essential when trying to keep the one&nbsp;ton ''mikoshi'' from accidentally colliding with street-side shops and causing considerable damage.<ref name="metro"/>
Because of the importance of these three ''mikoshi'', they are spectacles as they are carried through the streets. The areas immediately surrounding each shrine are busy with people, and as they are carried, they are shaken and bounced vigorously. This action is believed to intensify the power of the ''[[kami]]'' that are seated in the shrines and helps to bestow good luck upon their respective neighborhoods.<ref name="excelloz">{{cite web |url=http://www.excelloz.com/Travel_guide/Tokyo/Sanja_Matsuri_Festival_of_Asakusa_Shrine_Tokyo.html |title=Sanja Matsuri: Unique traditional Festival of Japan in Asakusa, Tokyo |accessdate=2008-03-05 |author=Miller, David |work=Excelloz Travel}}</ref> It is not unusual for there to be someone standing on the poles supporting the ''mikoshi'' shouting and waving in order to help direct the people carrying the shrine. This sense of direction can be essential when trying to keep the one&nbsp;ton ''mikoshi'' from accidentally colliding with street-side shops and causing considerable damage.<ref name="metro"/>


While the three primary ''mikoshi'' are the most important objects roaming the streets during the Sanja Matsuri, approximately 100 other smaller ''mikoshi'' are paraded through the neighborhood on Saturday. Of these shrines, several are solely carried by women or small children.<ref name="metro"/>
While the three primary ''mikoshi'' are the most important objects roaming the streets during the Sanja Matsuri, approximately 100 other smaller ''mikoshi'' are paraded through the neighborhood on Saturday. Of these shrines, several are solely carried by women or small children.<ref name="metro"/>
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[[File:Sunday night parade Sanja Matsuri 2006.JPG|thumb|People paraded through the Nakamise during Sanja Matsuri.]]
[[File:Sunday night parade Sanja Matsuri 2006.JPG|thumb|People paraded through the Nakamise during Sanja Matsuri.]]
[[File:Float during Sanja Matsuri 2006.JPG|right|thumb|A music float is carried down [[Sensō-ji#Nakamise-dōri|Nakamise-dōri]] late Sunday night]]
[[File:Float during Sanja Matsuri 2006.JPG|right|thumb|A music [[Matsuri Float|float]] is carried down [[Sensō-ji#Nakamise-dōri|Nakamise-dōri]] late Sunday night]]
[[File:Children carry mikoshi Sanja Matsuri 2006.JPG|right|thumb|Children [[mikoshi]]]]

Though not a part of the festivities, the official start of the Sanja Matsuri begins on Thursday with an important religious ceremony. This ceremony requires Asakusa Shrine's [[kannushi|head priest]] to perform a ritual that moves the enshrined ''kami'' of the three men at Asakusa Shrine to the three ''mikoshi'' that will be paraded around the Asakusa during the weekend.<ref name="schedule">{{cite web |url=http://www.asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/nittei.html |script-title=ja:日程 |accessdate=2008-03-21 |language=Japanese}}</ref> By opening the small doors located on each ''mikoshi'' (the interior is obscured to the public by a small cotton curtain), the three spirits are invited into the miniature shrines where they will reside for the duration of the festival.<ref name="metro"/>
Though not a part of the festivities, the official start of the Sanja Matsuri begins on Thursday with an important religious ceremony. This ceremony requires Asakusa Shrine's [[kannushi|head priest]] to perform a ritual that moves the enshrined ''kami'' of the three men at Asakusa Shrine to the three ''mikoshi'' that will be paraded around the Asakusa during the weekend.<ref name="schedule">{{cite web |url=http://www.asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/nittei.html |script-title=ja:日程 |accessdate=2008-03-21 |language=Japanese}}</ref> By opening the small doors located on each ''mikoshi'' (the interior is obscured to the public by a small cotton curtain), the three spirits are invited into the miniature shrines where they will reside for the duration of the festival.<ref name="metro"/>


The festival's more publicized beginning starts on Friday when the {{nihongo|''Daigyōretsu''|大行列||literally "large parade"}} is held.<ref name="excelloz"/> This famous 19-block grand procession down Yanagi Street and [[Sensō-ji#Nakamise-dōri|Nakamise-dōri]] to Asakusa Shrine is an event that is used to energize the community. It is most known for its participants' lavish costumes, such as [[heron]]-hooded dancers, [[geisha]] and city officials wearing ''[[hakama]]'' (traditional Japanese clothing).<ref name="metro"/> Musicians, performers and dancers also parade down the streets of Asakusa in traditional Japanese attire during the procession. In the evening, six ''mikoshi'' from the most central neighborhoods are sent parading through the streets on the shoulders of several dozen people.<ref name="metro"/>
The festival's more publicized beginning starts on Friday when the {{nihongo|''Daigyōretsu''|大行列||literally "large parade"}} is held.<ref name="excelloz"/> This famous 19-block grand procession down Yanagi Street and [[Sensō-ji#Nakamise-dōri|Nakamise-dōri]] to Asakusa Shrine is an event that is used to energize the community. It is most known for its participants' lavish costumes, such as [[heron]]-hooded dancers, [[geisha]] and city officials wearing ''[[hakama]]'' (traditional Japanese clothing).<ref name="metro"/> Musicians, performers and dancers also parade down the streets of Asakusa in traditional Japanese attire during the procession. In the evening, six ''mikoshi'' from the most central neighborhoods are sent parading through the streets on the shoulders of several dozen people.<ref name="metro"/>


On the following day, Saturday, approximately 100&nbsp;''mikoshi'' from the 44&nbsp;Asakusa districts gather at the [[Kaminarimon]].<ref name="bella"/> They are then paraded through Nakamise-dōri and stop at the [[Hōzōmon]] where they pay their respects to [[Kannon]], the Goddess of Mercy. Afterwards, the ''mikoshi'' are carried to [[Asakusa Shrine]] where [[Shinto]] priests bless and purify them for the coming year.<ref name="bella"/> When the ceremony is completed, they are then carried back and paraded through their respective neighborhoods.
On the following day, Saturday, approximately 100&nbsp;''mikoshi'' from the 44&nbsp;Asakusa districts gather at the [[Kaminarimon]].<ref name="bella"/> They are then paraded through Nakamise-dōri and stop at the [[Hōzōmon]] where they pay their respects to [[Kannon]]. Afterwards, the ''mikoshi'' are carried to [[Asakusa Shrine]] where [[Shinto]] priests bless and purify them for the coming year.<ref name="bella"/> When the ceremony is completed, they are then carried back and paraded through their respective neighborhoods.


Sanja Matsuri's most important events occurs on the following Sunday. The procession of the three Asakusa Shrine-owned ''mikoshi'' begin their march down Nakamise-dōri toward the Kaminarimon early Sunday morning. These three elaborate shrines honor and represent the three men responsible for founding the [[Sensō-ji]]. During this final day of the festival, these important ''mikoshi'' are split up in order to visit and bestow blessing to all 44&nbsp;districts of downtown and residential Asakusa. When evening falls, the three shrines find their way back to Asakusa Shrine in another grand procession that lasts late into the night.<ref name="digital">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalmatsuri.com/?p=3 |title=The Asakusa Sanja Matsuri |accessdate=2008-04-08 |date=2006-05-21 |work=The Digital Matsuri Project}}</ref>
Sanja Matsuri's most important events occurs on the following Sunday. The procession of the three Asakusa Shrine-owned ''mikoshi'' begin their march down Nakamise-dōri toward the Kaminarimon early Sunday morning. These three elaborate shrines honor and represent the three men responsible for founding the [[Sensō-ji]]. During this final day of the festival, these important ''mikoshi'' are split up in order to visit and bestow blessing to all 44&nbsp;districts of downtown and residential Asakusa. When evening falls, the three shrines find their way back to Asakusa Shrine in another grand procession that lasts late into the night.<ref name="digital">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalmatsuri.com/?p=3 |title=The Asakusa Sanja Matsuri |accessdate=2008-04-08 |date=2006-05-21 |work=The Digital Matsuri Project}}</ref>
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==Other attractions==
==Other attractions==


In addition to the traditional events, Sanja Matsuri has several other popular draws. For example, festival goers can visit hundreds of shops found in the Nakamise, a street connecting the Kaminarimon and the Hōzōmon. Many small food stands are also erected in the surrounding areas for the entire weekend. [[Yakuza]] members also proudly show off their tattoos.<ref name="asiarooms">{{cite web |url=http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/japan/japan-festivals-&-events/sanja-matsuri-festival.html |title=Sanja Matsuri Festival |accessdate=2008-06-30 |work=AsiaRooms.com}}</ref>
In addition to the traditional events, Sanja Matsuri has several other popular draws. For example, festival goers can visit hundreds of shops found in the Nakamise, a street connecting the Kaminarimon and the Hōzōmon. Many small food stands are also erected in the surrounding areas for the entire weekend. [[Yakuza]] members also proudly show off their tattoos.<ref name="asiarooms">{{cite web |url=http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/japan/japan-festivals-&-events/sanja-matsuri-festival.html |title=Sanja Matsuri Festival |accessdate=2008-06-30 |work=AsiaRooms.com|url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016182321/http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/japan/japan-festivals-&-events/sanja-matsuri-festival.html|archive-date=2007-10-16}}</ref>


Other spectacles that draw crowds are the [[Geisha]] and ''[[taiko]]'' performances that take place at specific times throughout the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, Geisha that don their traditional attire put on performances from 1–3&nbsp;p.m. on the second floor of the Asakusa Kenban. These performances, which require visitors to purchase tickets, have been ranked as one of the 10 best Geisha shows in all of Japan.<ref name="about">{{cite web |url=http://gojapan.about.com/od/geisha/tp/bestgeishashow.htm |title=Top 10 Geisha Shows |accessdate=2008-04-08 |work=[[About.com]] |author=Mishima, Shizuko}}</ref> On Sunday afternoon, members of the Nihon Taiko Dojo, a prominent Tokyo ''taiko'' academy, perform a free half-hour traditional music show at Asakusa Shrine.<ref name="metro"/>
Other spectacles that draw crowds are the [[Geisha]] and ''[[taiko]]'' performances that take place at specific times throughout the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, Geisha that don their traditional attire put on performances from 1–3&nbsp;p.m. on the second floor of the Asakusa Kenban. These performances, which require visitors to purchase tickets, have been ranked as one of the 10 best Geisha shows in all of Japan.<ref name="about">{{cite web |url=http://gojapan.about.com/od/geisha/tp/bestgeishashow.htm |title=Top 10 Geisha Shows |accessdate=2008-04-08 |work=[[About.com]] |author=Mishima, Shizuko}}</ref> On Sunday afternoon, members of the Nihon Taiko Dojo, a prominent Tokyo ''taiko'' academy, perform a free half-hour traditional music show at Asakusa Shrine.<ref name="metro"/>
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Though there are many activities during Sanja Matsuri that are not time dependent, there are a few events that start and stop at specific times throughout the weekend.
Though there are many activities during Sanja Matsuri that are not time dependent, there are a few events that start and stop at specific times throughout the weekend.


{| class="wikitable" cellpadding="0"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Time
! Time
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| The head priest moves the ''kami'' from Asakusa Shrine to the respective ''mikoshi''
| The head priest moves the ''kami'' from Asakusa Shrine to the respective ''mikoshi''
| Asakusa Shrine
| Asakusa Shrine
| <ref name="schedule"/>
|<ref name="schedule"/>
|-
|-
| colspan="5" align="center"|'''Day 1, Friday'''
| colspan="5" align="center"|'''Day 1, Friday'''
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| 1&nbsp;p.m.
| 1&nbsp;p.m.
| ''Daigyōretsu'' begins
| ''Daigyōretsu'' begins
| Large parade involving many people and floats
| Large parade involving many people and [[Matsuri Float|floats]]
| Yanagi St. & Nakamise-dōri
| Yanagi St. & Nakamise-dōri
| <ref name="JNTO">{{cite web |url=http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/history/traditionalevents/a26_fes_sanja.html |title=Asakusa Sanja Matsuri |accessdate=2008-03-05 |work=[[Japan National Tourist Organization]]}}</ref>
|<ref name="JNTO">{{cite web |url=http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/history/traditionalevents/a26_fes_sanja.html |title=Asakusa Sanja Matsuri |accessdate=2008-03-05 |work=[[Japan National Tourist Organization]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 2:20&nbsp;p.m.
| 2:20&nbsp;p.m.
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| Traditional dance used to pray for prosperity and a good harvest
| Traditional dance used to pray for prosperity and a good harvest
| ''[[Haiden (Shinto)|Haiden]]'' (hall in Asakusa Shrine)
| ''[[Haiden (Shinto)|Haiden]]'' (hall in Asakusa Shrine)
| <ref name="schedule"/><ref name="JNTO"/>
|<ref name="schedule"/><ref name="JNTO"/>
|-
|-
| 3&nbsp;p.m.
| 3&nbsp;p.m.
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| Traditional dance used to pray for prosperity and a good harvest
| Traditional dance used to pray for prosperity and a good harvest
| ''Kaguraden'' (pavilion in Asakusa Shrine)
| ''Kaguraden'' (pavilion in Asakusa Shrine)
| <ref name="schedule"/><ref name="JNTO"/>
|<ref name="schedule"/><ref name="JNTO"/>
|-
|-
| colspan="5" align="center"|'''Day 2, Saturday'''
| colspan="5" align="center"|'''Day 2, Saturday'''
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| About 100 ''mikoshi'' from 44 districts of Asakusa begin their tour of the town
| About 100 ''mikoshi'' from 44 districts of Asakusa begin their tour of the town
| Asakusa Shrine
| Asakusa Shrine
| <ref name="schedule"/>
|<ref name="schedule"/>
|-
|-
| colspan="5" align="center"|'''Day 3, Sunday'''
| colspan="5" align="center"|'''Day 3, Sunday'''
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| 3 main ''mikoshi'' depart from Asakusa shrine to start their tour of the districts of Asakusa
| 3 main ''mikoshi'' depart from Asakusa shrine to start their tour of the districts of Asakusa
| Asakusa Shrine
| Asakusa Shrine
| <ref name="JNTO"/>
|<ref name="JNTO"/>
|-
|-
| 8&nbsp;p.m.
| 8&nbsp;p.m.
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| After touring the districts of Asakusa, the 3 main ''mikoshi'' return
| After touring the districts of Asakusa, the 3 main ''mikoshi'' return
| Asakusa Shrine
| Asakusa Shrine
| <ref name="JNTO"/>
|<ref name="JNTO"/>
|}
|}


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Shinto}}
* [[Culture of Japan]]
* [[Culture of Japan]]
* [[Japanese calendar]]
* [[Japanese calendar]]
* [[Festivals in Tokyo]]


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commonscat|Sanja Matsuri}}
{{Commonscat|Sanja Matsuri}}
* {{Official website|http://www.asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/}} {{ja icon}}
* {{Official website|http://www.asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/}} {{in lang|ja}}
* [http://cgi2.nhk.or.jp/michi/cgi/detail.cgi?dasID=D0004200009_00000 Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa] at [[NHK]] {{ja icon}}


{{coord missing|Tokyo}}
{{coord missing|Tokyo}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Asakusa]]
[[Category:Asakusa]]
[[Category:Buddhism in Tokyo]]
[[Category:Buddhism in Tokyo]]
[[Category:Buddhist festivals]]
[[Category:Buddhist festivals in Japan]]
[[Category:Dance festivals in Japan]]
[[Category:Dance festivals in Japan]]
[[Category:Festivals in Tokyo]]
[[Category:Festivals in Tokyo]]
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[[Category:Shinto in Tokyo]]
[[Category:Shinto in Tokyo]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Japan]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Japan]]
[[Category:Spring (season) events in Japan]]

Revision as of 04:42, 21 February 2024

Sanja Matsuri
A view of the Hōzōmon as well as one of the main mikoshi as seen from the top of the steps of the Sensō-ji
Observed byTokyo
TypeReligious
SignificanceHonors Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari and Hajino Nakatomo, the three founders of Sensō-ji
BeginsFriday
EndsSunday
Datethird Friday in May, third Saturday in May, third Sunday in May
2023 dateMay 19, 2023
2024 dateMay 17, 2024[1]
2025 dateMay 16, 2025
2026 dateMay 15, 2026
Frequencyannual

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]

Scenes from Sanja Matsuri in 2013

History

Like many Japanese festivals, Sanja Matsuri is a religious celebration. It is a weekend-long Shinto festival that is dedicated to the kami (spirits) of three men. It is believed that two fishermen—brothers named Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari—found a statuette of the Bodhisattva Kannon caught in a fishing net in the Sumida River on the early morning of March 18, 628.[5] The third man, a wealthy landlord named Hajino Nakatomo, heard about the discovery, approached the brothers and converted them to Buddhism. The three men then devoted their lives to the Buddhist faith and consecrated the statue in a small temple.[6] This temple, now known as the Sensō-ji, currently houses the Kannon statue and is the oldest temple in Tokyo.

The Sanja Matsuri appears to have many forms that date back as early as the 7th century, as well as several names such as "Kannon Matsuri" and "Asakusa Matsuri".[7] Sanja Matsuri's present day form was established during the Edo period. In 1649, shōgun Tokugawa Iemitsu commissioned the construction of Asakusa Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the three kami. The existence of this shrine helped to solidify the festival's importance as well as its current structure and organization.[8]

Description of events

Asakusa Sanja Festival – a portable Shrine lifted in front of Sensō-ji temple.

Religious in origin, Sanja Matsuri is primarily a festival of celebration. The atmosphere around Asakusa during the weekend of the festival is charged and energetic. People continuously flood the streets surrounding the Sensō-ji and flutes, whistles, chanting and taiko (traditional Japanese drums) can be heard throughout the district.

The festival's main attractions are three Asakusa Shrine-owned mikoshi that appear on the third and final day of the festival. These three elaborate, black lacquered-wood shrines are built to act as miniature, portable versions of Asakusa Shrine. Decorated with gold sculptures and painted with gold leaf, each mikoshi weighs approximately one ton and cost ¥40 million ($390,760 in 2008) to construct.[4] They are carried on four long poles lashed together with ropes, and each needs approximately 40 people dispersed evenly to safely carry them. Throughout the day, a total of about 500 people participate in carrying each shrine.[4]

Because of the importance of these three mikoshi, they are spectacles as they are carried through the streets. The areas immediately surrounding each shrine are busy with people, and as they are carried, they are shaken and bounced vigorously. This action is believed to intensify the power of the kami that are seated in the shrines and helps to bestow good luck upon their respective neighborhoods.[9] It is not unusual for there to be someone standing on the poles supporting the mikoshi shouting and waving in order to help direct the people carrying the shrine. This sense of direction can be essential when trying to keep the one ton mikoshi from accidentally colliding with street-side shops and causing considerable damage.[4]

While the three primary mikoshi are the most important objects roaming the streets during the Sanja Matsuri, approximately 100 other smaller mikoshi are paraded through the neighborhood on Saturday. Of these shrines, several are solely carried by women or small children.[4]

Day by day

People paraded through the Nakamise during Sanja Matsuri.
A music float is carried down Nakamise-dōri late Sunday night
Children mikoshi

Though not a part of the festivities, the official start of the Sanja Matsuri begins on Thursday with an important religious ceremony. This ceremony requires Asakusa Shrine's head priest to perform a ritual that moves the enshrined kami of the three men at Asakusa Shrine to the three mikoshi that will be paraded around the Asakusa during the weekend.[10] By opening the small doors located on each mikoshi (the interior is obscured to the public by a small cotton curtain), the three spirits are invited into the miniature shrines where they will reside for the duration of the festival.[4]

The festival's more publicized beginning starts on Friday when the Daigyōretsu (大行列, literally "large parade") is held.[9] This famous 19-block grand procession down Yanagi Street and Nakamise-dōri to Asakusa Shrine is an event that is used to energize the community. It is most known for its participants' lavish costumes, such as heron-hooded dancers, geisha and city officials wearing hakama (traditional Japanese clothing).[4] Musicians, performers and dancers also parade down the streets of Asakusa in traditional Japanese attire during the procession. In the evening, six mikoshi from the most central neighborhoods are sent parading through the streets on the shoulders of several dozen people.[4]

On the following day, Saturday, approximately 100 mikoshi from the 44 Asakusa districts gather at the Kaminarimon.[8] They are then paraded through Nakamise-dōri and stop at the Hōzōmon where they pay their respects to Kannon. Afterwards, the mikoshi are carried to Asakusa Shrine where Shinto priests bless and purify them for the coming year.[8] When the ceremony is completed, they are then carried back and paraded through their respective neighborhoods.

Sanja Matsuri's most important events occurs on the following Sunday. The procession of the three Asakusa Shrine-owned mikoshi begin their march down Nakamise-dōri toward the Kaminarimon early Sunday morning. These three elaborate shrines honor and represent the three men responsible for founding the Sensō-ji. During this final day of the festival, these important mikoshi are split up in order to visit and bestow blessing to all 44 districts of downtown and residential Asakusa. When evening falls, the three shrines find their way back to Asakusa Shrine in another grand procession that lasts late into the night.[11]

Other attractions

In addition to the traditional events, Sanja Matsuri has several other popular draws. For example, festival goers can visit hundreds of shops found in the Nakamise, a street connecting the Kaminarimon and the Hōzōmon. Many small food stands are also erected in the surrounding areas for the entire weekend. Yakuza members also proudly show off their tattoos.[12]

Other spectacles that draw crowds are the Geisha and taiko performances that take place at specific times throughout the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, Geisha that don their traditional attire put on performances from 1–3 p.m. on the second floor of the Asakusa Kenban. These performances, which require visitors to purchase tickets, have been ranked as one of the 10 best Geisha shows in all of Japan.[13] On Sunday afternoon, members of the Nihon Taiko Dojo, a prominent Tokyo taiko academy, perform a free half-hour traditional music show at Asakusa Shrine.[4]

Festival schedule

Though there are many activities during Sanja Matsuri that are not time dependent, there are a few events that start and stop at specific times throughout the weekend.

Time Event Description Location Notes
Preparation, Thursday
7 am Asakusa Shrine's Kami Relocation The head priest moves the kami from Asakusa Shrine to the respective mikoshi Asakusa Shrine [10]
Day 1, Friday
1 p.m. Daigyōretsu begins Large parade involving many people and floats Yanagi St. & Nakamise-dōri [14]
2:20 p.m. Binzasara Dance Traditional dance used to pray for prosperity and a good harvest Haiden (hall in Asakusa Shrine) [10][14]
3 p.m. Binzasara Dance Traditional dance used to pray for prosperity and a good harvest Kaguraden (pavilion in Asakusa Shrine) [10][14]
Day 2, Saturday
12:30 p.m. Local mikoshi depart About 100 mikoshi from 44 districts of Asakusa begin their tour of the town Asakusa Shrine [10]
Day 3, Sunday
6  a.m. Three main mikoshi depart 3 main mikoshi depart from Asakusa shrine to start their tour of the districts of Asakusa Asakusa Shrine [14]
8 p.m. Three main mikoshi return After touring the districts of Asakusa, the 3 main mikoshi return Asakusa Shrine [14]

See also

References

  1. ^ MacGregor, Sandra (6 April 2023). "7 Must-See Spring Festivals In Japan To Experience In 2023". Forbes. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  2. ^ "Japan Events and Festivals". HotelTravel.com. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
  3. ^ "Sanja Matsuri". Japan-guide.com. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Graham, Fiona. "Festival Frenzy". Metropolis. Archived from the original on 2008-02-21. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
  5. ^ "Guide to Senso Ji's Halls – Komagatado Hall". Retrieved 2014-05-08.
  6. ^ "Asakusa Shrine". Retrieved 2008-03-21.
  7. ^ 三社祭とは? (in Japanese). Retrieved 2008-03-21.
  8. ^ a b c Turner, Taisha. "Japanese Festivals – Sanja Matsuri (Day 2)". BellaOnline. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
  9. ^ a b Miller, David. "Sanja Matsuri: Unique traditional Festival of Japan in Asakusa, Tokyo". Excelloz Travel. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
  10. ^ a b c d e 日程 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2008-03-21.
  11. ^ "The Asakusa Sanja Matsuri". The Digital Matsuri Project. 2006-05-21. Retrieved 2008-04-08.
  12. ^ "Sanja Matsuri Festival". AsiaRooms.com. Archived from the original on 2007-10-16. Retrieved 2008-06-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  13. ^ Mishima, Shizuko. "Top 10 Geisha Shows". About.com. Retrieved 2008-04-08.
  14. ^ a b c d e "Asakusa Sanja Matsuri". Japan National Tourist Organization. Retrieved 2008-03-05.

External links

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