Written by Greg Lane
Known affectionately as “Sanja sama” by locals, Asakusa Shrine is a modest shrine within the grounds of Sensoji Temple in Asakusa.
Despite its plainness and modest size, as the nickname suggests, it’s the host to the Sanja Matsuri—officially one of Tokyo’s big four festivals. Unoficially, it’s the biggest of them all.
The shrine is not as old as the neighboring temple, dating from the Kamakura Period approximately 800 years ago.
Suggested Activity
Sumo Morning Practice Tour at Stable in Tokyo
Try this insider’s experience at a sumo wrestler morning practice session. Enjoy exclusive access to a sumo stable, watching as these massive athletes put themselves through their daily training regimen and go head-to-head.
Although it might seem incongrous for a Shinto shrine to be in the grounds of a Buddhist temple, it’s quite normal for them to be located either next to or within the grounds of temples in Japan.
浅草神社
2-26-1, Asakusa, Taitō-ku Tokyo
- 0.7 km from Asakusa Station Ginza Line (G19)Asakusa Line (A18)Tobu Skytree Line (TS1)
- 0.9 km from Tawaramachi Station Ginza Line (G18)
- 1.0 km from Honjo-azumabashi Station Asakusa Line (A19)
