Traditional Events in Asakusa

Events in Asakusa

The town of Asakusa is an area where history and culture live on, and the events held throughout the year allow visitors to experience Japanese traditions and a sense of the seasons. Some of the most well-known events are the Sanja Festival, the Kinryu Dance, the Asakusa Samba Carnival, the Tori no Ichi Festival, and the Hagoita Market. These events can be said to be symbols of Asakusa, and are loved by both tourists and locals. Each event has its own unique characteristics, and by experiencing them while touring the town, you will be able to experience a deeper sense of Japanese culture.

Sanja Festival

The Sanja Festival, held every May, is the annual grand festival of Asakusa Shrine, attracting many people from Japan and abroad. The highlight of the Sanja Festival is the portable shrines carried by each neighborhood. You will be overwhelmed by the power of the portable shrines being lifted up with such force. In addition, at this festival, which takes place against the backdrop of the Asakusa streets, you can enjoy traditional costumes and performances, giving you a sense of how deeply rooted Asakusa's history and culture is.

Asakusa Samba Carnival

Asakusa Samba Carnival is the largest samba festival in Japan, held every year at the end of August in Asakusa, Tokyo. It began in 1981 and is modeled after the Samba Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, coloring the streets of Asakusa with colorful samba music and dance. Samba teams gather from all over the country, captivating the audience with their parades in colorful costumes and passionate performances. The parade contest in particular is a notable event, where teams compete against each other in terms of technique and expressiveness.

Golden Dragon Dance

The "Golden Dragon Dance" held at Sensoji Temple is famous as an event that heralds the arrival of spring in Asakusa. The highlight of the Golden Dragon Dance is the sight of a golden dragon welcoming visitors while gorgeously decorating the stage. This dance celebrates the origins of Sensoji Temple and prays for the prosperity of the town, and the mysterious and powerful performance is memorable.

Rake market

As autumn deepens in November, Tori no Ichi festival is held at Washi Shrine in Asakusa. This festival is held to pray for prosperity in business and safety in the home, and is famous for its rakes. Worshippers purchase brightly decorated rakes and pray for prosperity and good fortune. Rake shops are lined up in the shrine grounds, creating a scene that symbolizes autumn in Asakusa. Visiting Tori no Ichi and purchasing a lucky rake would be a fun way to commemorate your trip.

Hagoita Market

In December, the Hagoita Market is held within the grounds of Sensoji Temple. At this market, rows of gorgeous Hagoita are lined up, and they are popular as New Year decorations. Hagoita were once displayed in homes as talismans and prayers for good health, and this tradition continues to this day. The colorful Hagoita add color to winter in Asakusa, and are a sign of preparations for the New Year holidays.

A hideaway for adults "wasako"

After enjoying the events in Asakusa, why not take a break at the Japanese cafe "wasako"? "Wasako" celebrated its first anniversary on November 1st this year, and is popular for its quiet and calm private space. You can take wonderful photos without being disturbed by anyone. Away from the bustling streets of wasako, you can relax and enjoy some matcha green tea and Japanese sweets, which will soothe your mind and body.

wasako's tea ceremony experience

At wasako, you can not only taste matcha, but also experience authentic Japanese culture through the tea ceremony experience. The unique charm of wasako is that you can experience beautiful Japanese manners and mindset while learning the tea ceremony etiquette and how to prepare tea. Visitors can forget about their busy daily lives, calm their minds, and spend precious time immersed in traditional Japanese culture.

Spend a special time at wasako

After enjoying the seasonal events in Asakusa and strolling through the town full of history and culture, visit the Japanese café "wasako" - a special place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The shop has a spacious interior, and offers tea and Japanese sweets with a unique seasonal flavor. Why not spend some relaxing time at "wasako", which will celebrate its first anniversary on November 1st?

After visiting Asakusa and experiencing traditional events and festivals, please enjoy a relaxing time at wasako, where you can feel the Japanese atmosphere to your heart's content. All our staff look forward to welcoming you.

To make a reservation, please click on the green reservation button on our website.

https://wasako.jp/

Please feel free to call or visit us.

wasako

Address: Collection Kaminarimon Building 5F, 2-18-15 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo

TEL:03-3843-6765