Sanja Matsuri (Sanja Festival) 三社祭

According to legend, brothers Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari were fishing in the Miyatogawa River (now known as the Sumidagawa River) when they pulled up a statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. A wealthy landlord named Hajinomatsuchi enshrined the statue in his home, laying the foundation for Sensoji Temple. Later, a shrine was erected for the souls of the three men. That shrine is Asakusa Shrine, which still stands next to Sensoji Temple.

Since the Edo period (1603-1867), the Sanja Matsuri festival has been held to honor the three men. (The term "sanja" means "three people.") It's a lively and wildly popular local event. Join in for yourself to experience the spirit of Tokyo's shitamachi (traditional old town area).