We were on a bus, a train or subway…which was it? on our way to Asakusa to enjoy the celebration of Sanja Matsuri. Sanja literally means 3 shrine festival, with the word matsuri meaning festival. It is one of the 3 great Shinto Festivals filled with the counds of taiko drums, flutes and packed with people and yatai (food stalls) in honor of the 3 men who established and founded the famous Sensoji Temple.
It is an ancient temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan and is Tokyo’s oldest temple!
This meets you at the entrance and is created in red and black is to represent thunder for the Thunder God “Kaminarimon.” The main street that runs in front of Asakusa is named this and is one of its most significant streets.
Nakamise-Dori starts at the temple gates and leads to the main hall of the Sensoji Temple.
There was lots and lots of shopping to do! and many stops for a bite to eat or a drink.
There is the Sky Tree that we saw earlier!
Portable shrines and floats are being readied to be pulled through the streets while loud shouts accompany them, and during the festival’s 3 days, 1.5 million people come out to celebrate.
Every float had revelers garbed in different colors. They would carry the float while jostling it up and down and shouting! Lots of hard work and it was HOT!
He stopped to pose for me!
A juxtaposition of the old and the new!
aren’t they precious?
this was Debby’s picture as she found a dog dressed in ceremonial garb!
It was a long hot day and what did we do that night? Well I am sure after something to eat, I crashed in my room and watched a baseball game!
The next 2 days of our trip will be all about beads, so stay tuned!
and for now, I will say…sayonara
Your photos and commentary are wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to share with all of us.
Thank you for your comments! it is much appreciated!
I feel as though I am on this trip with you Vicky. So interesting. Is Japanese baseball just like our game or did you notice anything different? Thank you again for all your work in putting together this wonderful trip of yours. I bet you have been so busy since getting back that you don’t have much time for needlepoint.I am trying to finish up Tibetan Prince with your stitch guide. I love this piece and the way you had it framed!
Thank you! The games the same, the fans are more fanatic though. I have heard that during the 7th inning stretch that they clean the ballpark. Next time I will get to a game…well I hope!