Sanja Matsuri

Asakusa 浅草, Taito-ku 台東区

Milie, Aki and Wes invited us and some other families to take part in the Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa. It was really fun. If it hadn’t been for Milie putting together a small party to celebrate the festival I don’t think we ever would’ve had a chance to go to see this indeed very lively and festive event.

You can really see the community spirit alive during matsuri time. The kids and I didn’t get a chance to see the huge mikoshi or go to Sensoji since it was so crowded in that area and too difficult with a stroller. But we did get to see some of the other mikoshi being carried throughout the community. It was an all day event with so many mikoshi being carried around the streets as each community in Asakusa has their own. There are even smaller mikoshi for children – one that very young children can pull, and a slightly bigger one older children can carry.
After a bit of pressure from Aki and Milie, Yuki took part in carrying both the community mikoshi and the large mikoshi.

He was hesitant at first but he said it grew a bit addicting after getting the rush of the excitement and energy while carrying it. And before you knew it he was just going back on his own to carry it again. The belief is that if you take part in carrying the mikoshi you will have good luck for the year. So after this festival and all the mikoshi carrying Yuki did, I think he has brought us all good luck for the year! Next year Keiji and I can give it a try too!

Thanks again to Milie, Aki and Wes!!