Places worthy of note
＜A table of annual events＞
Setsubun
Date: February 3 Venue: Asakusa Temple, etc.
In Asakusa where there are many temples and shrines, there are setsubun events (the last day of winter according to the od calendar) everywhere. At the bean-throwing ceremony in Asakusa temple, participants throw beans while saying "Senshu-Banzai, Fuku ha uchi" instead of saying "Oni ha soto" because local people believe that there is no ogre in front of Kannon.
Fukushu no mai
Date: February 3 or 4 Venue: Asakusa Temple
"Fukushu no mai (dance)" performed at the Setsubun in Asakusa temple, is a revival version of Kyogen by one of the popular Asakusa theaters before their performance. This dance is dedicated to praise blessing of Kannon by the Seven Deities of Good Fortune.
Hari Kuyou
Date: Beginning of February Venue: Awashimadou, Asakusa Temple
With appreciation and prayer or needles, local people held a memorial service for old needles and broken needles by piercing them into tofu and konnyaku.
Asakusa Kannon Jigenkai, Golden dragon dance
Date: March 18 Venue: Asakusa Temple
"Golden dragon dance" has started in 1958 as a memory of rebuilding the main sanctuary of Asakusa Temple which was burnt by war damage. While "the golden dragon" (18 meter in total length and about 88 kg in weight) is protecting "Rengedama", it dances bravely and gorgeously.
Busseikai (Flower festival)
Date: April 8 Venue: Asakusa Temple, Asakusa Bukkyokai
This is an event to celebrate the birth of Buddha. A Buddhist memorial service is held in the main sanctuary by placing "a drawing of birth of Buddha", and Kids from Asakusa temple Kindergarten who are leading a white elephant visit and pray before the statue of the birth of Buddha. Prayers can enjoy sweet tea for free.
Shirasagi no mai
Date: 2nd Sunday of April Venue: Precincts of Asakusa Temple
This event has started as a memory of "Tokyo 100-Year Festival" in 1968. The dance is a revival version of "Shirasagi no mai (dance)" appearing on the Kanza Ceremony in "Asakusa Temple Engi". The shirasagi dancing gorgeously is beautiful.
Sansha Festival
Date: Saturday and Sunday close to May 17, 18 Venue: Asakusa Temple, etc
This is an annual festival of Asakusa Shrine, and three portable shrines owned by Asakusa Shrine and 44 portable shrines owned by the town parade the Asakusa neighborhood. The way Edokko (local people born and raised in Tokyo downtown) carry portable shrines is "what the Japanese festival is!" Three portable shrines entering into the Asakusa Shrine on the last day is solemn and impressive.
46000 days/Hozuki (lantern plant) Market
Date: July 9, 10 Venue: Precincts of Asakusa Temple
It has been said that visiting the temple on this day can give prayers the same blessing as praying for 46000 days. There are more than 100 stores selling hozuki (lantern plants) in the precincts. Seasonal charm you can feel summer has come.
Sumida River Fireworks Display
Date: Last Saturday of July Venue: Sumida River
More than 20000 fireworks are set off from the riverside area of Sumida River. The fireworks contest that fireworks experts compete their skills is a must-see.
Asakusa Samba Carnival
Date: Last Saturday of August Venue: Umamichi Street to Kaminari Gate Street
This is the biggest samba carnival in Japan. Dancers compete their skills and beauty in the cheerful and energetic samba parade. Floats and cloth with ideas are must-see.
Asakusa Kikka Exhibition
Date: Middle of October to Middle of November Venue: Precincts of Asakusa Tempe
Many gorgeous chrysanthemums are exhibited on the approach to Asakusa Temple for 1 month from the middle of October to the middle of November.
Kiku Kuyou/Goldern dragon mai
Date: October 18 Venue: Asakusa Temple
The event of kiku kuyou and golden dragon dance are performed on October 18 during the Asakusa Kikka Exhibition
Shirasagi no mai
Date: November 3 Venue: Asakusa Temple
This event has started as a memory of "Tokyo 100-Year Festival" in 1968. The dance is a revival version of "Shirasagi no mai (dance)" appearing on the Kanza Ceremony in "Asakusa Temple Engi". The shirasagi dancing gorgeously is beautiful.
Tori no ichi
Date: Day of the Rooster in November Venue: Chokoku Temple, Sagi Shrine
The most famous Tori no ichi (market) are the ones in Chokoku Temple and Sagi Shrine. There are many shops selling "bamboo rakes with luck" because ancient people believe that rakes "sweep and rake in fortune".
Sai no ichi (Battledore market)
Date: December 17, 18, 19 Venue: Asakusa Temple
This event as based on "Sai no ichi (market)" which was popular in Edo Era. It has been said that the origin of this event started with the custom of sending battledores to houses having a newborn girl in the end of Edo Era and the increase of shops selling battledores as good luck charm in the New Year. There are number of street stalls selling battledores in the precincts.
