Kinryu-no-Mai (Golden Dragon Dance) 金龍の舞

Sensoji Temple's official name is Kinryuzan Sensoji, in honor of Mt. Kinryuzan. Kinryu-no-Mai, the Golden Dragon Dance, is, in turn, named after this mountain.

Kinryu-no-Mai was created in 1958 to celebrate the reconstruction of Kannondo, Sensoji's main hall. The dance is based on a story about the bodhisattva of mercy, Kannon, to whom Sensoji is dedicated. Legend has it that she appeared as a golden dragon descending from the sky. Overnight, she created a grove of a thousand pines, symbolizing a rich harvest.

The sight of an 18-meter-long, 88-kilogram golden dragon dancing to festive music is something you're unlikely to ever forget.