Sanja Matsuri

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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 by	Tokyo
Type	Religious
Significance	Honors Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari and Hajino Nakatomo, the three founders of Sensō-ji
Begins	Friday
Ends	Sunday
Date	third Friday in May, third Saturday in May, third Sunday in May
2023 date	May 19, 2023
2024 date	May 17, 2024[1]
2025 date	May 16, 2025
2026 date	May 15, 2026
Frequency	annual

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]