Many Japanese and tourists alike visit Sensōji Temple every year, but the Kinryu no Mai (golden dragon dance) is a special performance to enjoy if you can make it there on March 18.
What happens?
The dance involves around eight men holding up a thrashing golden dragon puppet and takes place three times during the day: 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Joined by a parade of geisha and local kindergarten children, the dragon ‘dances’ down Nakamise Shopping Street to the delight of the crowd. And yes, there will be a crowd. We recommend arriving early to get a good spot.
Why March 18?
On March 18 in the year 628, two fisherman brothers casually fished a Buddhist statue out of the Sumida River. The village chief used this statue, which turned out to be one of the Bodhisattva Kannon, to found Sensōji Temple. Why the dragon? Because Kannon took the form of a golden dragon when descending from Heaven.
Want even more backstory and secret tips about the event? Check out our feature article on it here.
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- 0.6 km from Asakusa Station Ginza Line (G19)Asakusa Line (A18)Tobu Skytree Line (TS1)
- 0.8 km from Tawaramachi Station Ginza Line (G18)
- 1.0 km from Honjo-azumabashi Station Asakusa Line (A19)
