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Asakusa Sanja Matsuri (May 20-22, 2022): Inside One of Tokyo's Greatest Festivals

Asakusa Japanese Festivals (Matsuri)

Sanja Matsuri is a 3-day festival held in late May that attracts over 1.8 million visitors. Held in Tokyo's Asakusa neighborhood, the activities center around popular tourist attractions Asakusa Shrine and Sensō-ji Temple. The entire town whips into a festive fervor during this time as representatives parade about 100 mikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets and show them off to spectators. The sheer scale and energy of the event have captivated the hearts and minds of many people. Many visitors make special arrangements to visit again and again to take part each year. But what exactly is the Sanja Matsuri, and what are some of its must-see sights and activities? We asked a few long-term foreign residents in the area for their recommendations. Main image photo credit: Asakusa Shrine

6 Budget-Friendly Tokyo Hotels for Cherry Blossom Season (2022)

Ueno Hotels
Springtime Exclusive! Top 7 Scenic Views of Cherry Blossoms With Trains Near Tokyo

Ryogoku / TOKYO SKYTREE(R) Landscapes
Celebrate Hinamatsuri, Japan's Doll Festival, with Delicious and Auspicious Take-Out Meals!

Chiba Suburbs Spring
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort Guide: Cheap Lift+Accommodation Plans, Recommended Courses, Access, and More! (2021-2022 Season)

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas Skiing & Snowboarding
Enjoy Bungy Jumping in Autumn: Dive into a Breathtaking Landscape Only Available in the Fall!

Ibaraki Suburbs Autumn
Top 32 Things to Do in Tokyo: Recommended Bucket List Experiences & More!

Tokyo Station

Moominvalley Park: Everything You Need to Know About Japan's Dreamy Theme Park (2022 Edition)

Saitama Suburbs Theme Parks

Moominvalley Park opened in March 2019 by Miyazawa Lake in Hanno, Saitama. A Japan-first, the park allows visitors to dive into the world of Moomin, and is always bustling with families, couples, and friends enjoying the jovial atmosphere and fun attractions. For this article, the LIVE JAPAN editorial team visited Moominvalley Park to discover what you can do, see, eat, and buy, along with how to get there!

Awesome Gift Ideas! 5 Handy Japanese Kitchen Gadgets From BicCamera

Ikebukuro Electronics Stores
Inside Onitsuka Tiger: Japan’s Iconic Sneaker Embracing Traditional Craftsmanship

Harajuku Clothing Stores
Tabletop Yakitori Grill!? 5 Must-Have Japanese Kitchen Appliances For Those Short On Time

Akihabara Electronics Stores
How Japan's Sushi Trains Are Coping with COVID: Sushiro's Latest Safety Measures and Services

Tokyo Station Sushi
Top 5 Halloween-Themed Afternoon Tea in Tokyo: Enjoy Mummy and Ghost Shaped Sweets at Luxury Hotels!

Shibuya Other Cafes and Sweets
Escape the Concrete Jungle! 5 Stunning Beaches on the Outskirts of Tokyo Perfect for Summer

Kanagawa Suburbs Beaches

Learn the Art of Flower Arrangement at Ohara School of Ikebana

Harajuku Other Traditional Arts

Ikebana, flower arrangement, is one of Japan’s most treasured art forms, a time-honored tradition that continues to be relevant even in today’s modern society. Beautifully arranged flowers and plants have permeated Japanese culture in a way that is seldom found in others. The Ohara School of Ikebana has played a major part in keeping the tradition alive, through its many schools in Japan, as well as its 59 chapters abroad, with over 300,000 members worldwide. The beauty of the Ohara School is not only in its floral arrangements, but its ability to share the culture of ikebana with the world. I visited the Ohara Center of Tokyo to try an ikebana class to learn more about this traditional art form.

[MOVIE] DRUM TAO’S MANGEKYO – a Kaleidoscope of Taiko Drums

Shinagawa Shows
[MOVIE] Achieve Your Cosplay Dreams at Cosplay Studio Crown!

Akihabara Culture Experience
Stringraphy at Studio EVE: A Striking and Unique Musical Experience

Shibuya Other Contemporary Arts
[MOVIE] A Japanese Drum Experience at TAIKO-LAB

Shibuya Other Sightseeing
[MOVIE] Navigating Virtual Airspace with Skyart JAPAN

Shinagawa Adventure Activities

10 Must-See Attractions Near Mount Fuji For Spring 2022

Mt. Fuji Rivers, Lakes & Canyons

At long last, spring has arrived! And what better way to enjoy it than visiting some new and exciting attractions near Mount Fuji? From the brilliant moss phlox fields, to the brand-new Peter Rabbit English Garden, to the popular Fuji-Q Highland theme park, fun awaits you this Spring 2022!

Shinagawa Aquarium: All You Need to Know for a Fun Tokyo Trip (Recommendations & Photo Spots)

Shinagawa Other Sightseeing
Stay in Luxury Right by Tokyo - 4 All-Inclusive Hotel Plans in the Kanto Region!

Hakone / Odawara Hotels
Autumn Colors at Their Finest! 3 Select Hotels & Ryokan Near Tokyo With Stunning Fall Foliage Views

Hakone / Odawara Ryokan
10 Ryokan And Hotels In Asakusa Where You Can Enjoy A Japanese Atmosphere

Asakusa Hotels
Sweet Delights: Tokyo’s Top 5 All-You-Can-Eat Dessert Buffets

Shinjuku Other Cafes and Sweets
Solo Traveling: Enjoying a Tasty Night Out in Tokyo!

Shinjuku Other Japanese Food

7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson: An Insider’s Guide to Japan’s Three Giant Convenience Stores!

Asakusa

From busy downtown areas to sleepy rural villages, convenience stores are a common sight in Japan, open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. The three big names of Japanese convenience stores are 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson, dominating the city centers. You won’t only find snacks, boxed lunches, and freshly brewed coffee but also alcoholic drinks, everyday items, and a lot more in these stores. During the night, they even act as a drop-in spot for the police and services like mail reception, ATMs, multifunctional printers, and free-to-use toilets make convenience stores indispensable for Japanese daily life. But what is the difference between the difference convenience stores? We’re taking a thorough look at Japan’s “Big Three” and their different services, brands, and more.

Kamakura Day Trip Ideas: Trainspotting and traveling along the quaint Enoden Railway!

Kamakura Other Townscapes
5 Reasons Why Japan Is Said To Be Beautiful

Akihabara
10 Reasons Why We Love 'Shitamachi', Tokyo’s Traditional Downtown Areas!

Asakusa Old Towns (Shitamachi)
Visiting a Japanese Shinto Shrine – Everything You Need to Know, Step by Step! (Video)

Ueno Shrines
Henn na Hotel Tokyo Ginza: Staying at Japan's Quirky Robot Hotel! (Video)

Tsukiji Hotels
5 Popular Hotels Near Shinagawa Station: Easy Access to Downtown Tokyo!

Shinagawa Hotels

Narita Airport 2021: Updated Guide on Arrival and Departure Procedures in Japan

Narita

Narita International Airport boasts the largest number of international flights in Japan. Also known as Japan’s doorstep, it welcomes many foreign visitors from around the world. Since the spread of Covid-19, the airport has been quick to enhance and increase its sanitation measures. While Japan is now effectively closed to visitors, in preparation for Japan reopening its borders, it has made strong efforts to become a space where foreign guests can feel at ease. Here we will introduce the required tests as well as the arrival and departure procedures at Narita Airport as of July 2021.