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Asakusa Sanja Matsuri (May 20-22, 2022): Inside One of Tokyo's Greatest Festivals

Asakusa Japanese Festivals (Matsuri)

Sanja Matsuri is a 3-day festival held in late May that attracts over 1.8 million visitors. Held in Tokyo's Asakusa neighborhood, the activities center around popular tourist attractions Asakusa Shrine and Sensō-ji Temple. The entire town whips into a festive fervor during this time as representatives parade about 100 mikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets and show them off to spectators. The sheer scale and energy of the event have captivated the hearts and minds of many people. Many visitors make special arrangements to visit again and again to take part each year. But what exactly is the Sanja Matsuri, and what are some of its must-see sights and activities? We asked a few long-term foreign residents in the area for their recommendations. Main image photo credit: Asakusa Shrine

Outdoor Dining in Osaka: 3 Terrace Restaurants to Enjoy Osaka’s Iconic Night Scenery

Osaka Castle, Tenmabashi, Kyobashi Other Restaurants
10 Best Places for Cherry Blossoms Near Kobe: Where and When to See Sakura in 2022

Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano Spring
5 Trains for Seeing Cherry Blossoms in Tohoku: Enjoy Japan's Spring Scenery

Other Surrounding Areas Of Miyagi Landscapes
We Accept the '120-Min All-You-Can-Eat' Hokkaido Wagyu Challenge in Susukino, Sapporo

Sapporo / Chitose Yakiniku
Tasty Souvenirs! 10 Local Foods You Can Buy at Supermarkets in Sapporo

Sapporo / Chitose Grocery Stores
6 Budget-Friendly Tokyo Hotels for Cherry Blossom Season (2022)

Ueno Hotels

Moominvalley Park: Everything You Need to Know About Japan's Dreamy Theme Park (2022 Edition)

Saitama Suburbs Theme Parks

Moominvalley Park opened in March 2019 by Miyazawa Lake in Hanno, Saitama. A Japan-first, the park allows visitors to dive into the world of Moomin, and is always bustling with families, couples, and friends enjoying the jovial atmosphere and fun attractions. For this article, the LIVE JAPAN editorial team visited Moominvalley Park to discover what you can do, see, eat, and buy, along with how to get there!

Hello Kitty Smile: Awaji Island Resort and Attraction That Grown-Up Fans Will Love (Tickets & More)

Awaji Island, Maiko Theme Parks
Awesome Gift Ideas! 5 Handy Japanese Kitchen Gadgets From BicCamera

Ikebukuro Electronics Stores
Adorable Animal-Themed Desserts at Shiroi Koibito Park: Enjoy a Drink with a Long-Tailed Tit Design!

Sapporo / Chitose Theme Parks
Inside Onitsuka Tiger: Japan’s Iconic Sneaker Embracing Traditional Craftsmanship

Harajuku Clothing Stores
Tabletop Yakitori Grill!? 5 Must-Have Japanese Kitchen Appliances For Those Short On Time

Akihabara Electronics Stores
How Japan's Sushi Trains Are Coping with COVID: Sushiro's Latest Safety Measures and Services

Tokyo Station Sushi

Become a True Gundam Pilot - Stepping into the P.O.D. at a Tokyo Arcade! (Video)

Arcades

Japan and robots go together like a hotdog and mustard. One of the nation’s most famous robot exports is known worldwide simply as “Gundam.” What started out as an anime has become a huge franchise with its own games, movies, and even a life-sized statue in Tokyo’s Odaiba. What many people don’t know, however, is that there is a way to pilot your very own Gundam robot!

Learn the Art of Flower Arrangement at Ohara School of Ikebana

Harajuku Other Traditional Arts
Purikura: Change Yourself Up with Photo Booth Fun!

Arcades
[MOVIE] DRUM TAO’S MANGEKYO – a Kaleidoscope of Taiko Drums

Shinagawa Shows
[MOVIE] Achieve Your Cosplay Dreams at Cosplay Studio Crown!

Akihabara Culture Experience
Stringraphy at Studio EVE: A Striking and Unique Musical Experience

Shibuya Other Contemporary Arts
[MOVIE] A Japanese Drum Experience at TAIKO-LAB

Shibuya Other Sightseeing

Shinagawa Aquarium: All You Need to Know for a Fun Tokyo Trip (Recommendations & Photo Spots)

Shinagawa Other Sightseeing

On the grounds of the Shinagawa Ward Residents' Park in Tokyo lies the welcoming Shinagawa Aquarium. It’s particularly popular with families, as you can enjoy intimate dolphin and sea lion performances, feed seals and otters, and interact with the friendly fish. It’s close to Haneda Airport, making it easy to access from overseas or from other parts of Japan. Let's see what Shinagawa Aquarium has to offer!

Stay in Luxury Right by Tokyo - 4 All-Inclusive Hotel Plans in the Kanto Region!

Hakone / Odawara Hotels
Autumn Colors at Their Finest! 3 Select Hotels & Ryokan Near Tokyo With Stunning Fall Foliage Views

Hakone / Odawara Ryokan
Cool Down in the Hot Summer! 10 Refreshing Places to Visit in Kyoto in Summer

Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple Shrines
25 Kyoto Highlights: See, Eat, and Shop Your Way Through Kyoto!

Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple Other Sightseeing
10 Must-See Attractions Near Mount Fuji For Spring 2022

Mt. Fuji Rivers, Lakes & Canyons
Top 10 Foods You Can Buy in an Osaka Supermarket: Take Home Dishes Loved by Locals as a Souvenir!

Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Grocery Stores

Kyoto Momiji: 5 Stunning Places to See Fall Colors in Kyoto

Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple Parks

Autumn in Kyoto is a beautiful, vibrantly colored season thanks to the many hues of autumn foliage. Momiji is the word for the Japanese maple leaves colored red in the fall, and are a symbol for Japanese autumn. Kyoto momiji, in particular, are well known for their spectacular show, and crowds of people head to the city's many temples and shrines to catch the scenery at its best. Here we will introduce some of the best areas in Kyoto to catch the momiji, from the mainstream spots to lesser-known hidden gems.

7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson: An Insider’s Guide to Japan’s Three Giant Convenience Stores!

Asakusa
Kamakura Day Trip Ideas: Trainspotting and traveling along the quaint Enoden Railway!

Kamakura Other Townscapes
5 Reasons Why Japan Is Said To Be Beautiful

Akihabara
10 Reasons Why We Love 'Shitamachi', Tokyo’s Traditional Downtown Areas!

Asakusa Old Towns (Shitamachi)
Visiting a Japanese Shinto Shrine – Everything You Need to Know, Step by Step! (Video)

Ueno Shrines
Kumano Sanzan: Visit the Land of Gods on a Journey to Wakayama Prefecture

Kumano Kodo, Shingu, Shirahama Shrines

What is Robatayaki? Discover Japan's Ultimate Grilling Experience

Kushiro Other Japanese Food

Robatayaki is a Japanese cooking method where ingredients are grilled in front of restaurant guests. Translated directly as "fireside-cooking," robatayaki is said to have originated in Sendai City in the Tohoku region. Once it reached Kushiro City in eastern Hokkaido, a region rich in seafood, it spread throughout Japan. Here, we look at the long-established robatayaki restaurant, Robata, in Kushiro City to explore the history of robatayaki and how it is served.