Asakusa Shrine

Asakusa Shrine (浅草神社), affectionately known as Sanja-sama, is a revered Shinto shrine located in the heart of Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district. Built in 1649 during the Edo Period by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty, the shrine honors the three men who founded the adjacent Sensoji Temple. Despite widespread destruction in Tokyo during World War II, Asakusa Shrine miraculously withstood the 1945 air raids, preserving its original wooden structure and architectural elegance. Today, it stands as a rare and powerful symbol of resilience, offering a peaceful contrast to the urban energy surrounding it. With its serene atmosphere, stone lanterns, and traditional torii gate, the shrine invites visitors to experience the spiritual legacy of old Tokyo.

Beyond its daily role as a place of worship, Asakusa Shrine comes alive each year during the Sanja Matsuri, one of Tokyo’s most dynamic and beloved festivals. Held over the third weekend of May, this three-day celebration attracts over a million spectators and participants. The festivities feature energetic processions of mikoshi (portable shrines), carried through the streets by teams of chanting locals dressed in happi coats. Traditional music, dance performances, and a joyful crowd transform the Asakusa neighborhood into a vibrant sea of color and culture. For many, the Sanja Matsuri is not just a festival—it’s a powerful expression of community pride and Shinto tradition, and a highlight of Tokyo’s cultural calendar.