Tokyobling's Blog

Asakusa Sagimai Parade – Sensoji Temple

Posted in Japanese Traditions, People, Places by tokyobling on July 20, 2013

I still haven’t shared 1% of the photos I took of the twice (or thrice actually) annual Sagimai dance ritual in Asakusa’s Sensoji temple earlier this year. As part of one of their three performances during the day (naturally I saw all three of them) they perform a procession as they retire back to the temple that is their base during the day. In this procession they are guided by local participants that acts other roles of the mythical reenactment. Someday I would love to see them perform or train in their home shrine, the famous Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, one of my favorite shrines in the world.

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8 comments

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  1. Cath Gyprock said, on July 20, 2013 at 4:43 am

    Amazing photos yet again! You mention that this dance happens 2-3 times a year. Do you know when it will take place again as I would love to see it!

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    • tokyobling said, on July 20, 2013 at 6:47 am

      Thank you Cath! I think the next time is some Saturday in November! Have a look at the temple homepage and you might be able to catch it. I’d recommend showing up early to get a good spot. There’s only one front row and if you’re in the back you’ll not see much!

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  2. Mustang.Koji said, on July 20, 2013 at 7:53 am

    Even though I’ve lived in Japan a total of six years, you are showing stuff I would have never seen…nor even heard about. Thanks! And another colorful pictorial. I liked the first B&W the most. Everything flows.

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    • tokyobling said, on July 21, 2013 at 1:34 am

      Thank you for the kind words! I think this tradition was very obscure, even back in the old days. I am glad that it has been brought back to life!

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  3. yoshizen said, on July 20, 2013 at 8:03 am

    Peoples in another culture, another persuasion, it might be seen
    just a wired pagan ritual (in deed, it’s nothing but it is 😀 ) —– and it is happening
    in the one of the most advanced technological, democratic country.
    It’s mean, scientific rationalism or global human commonsense still has a room to
    accommodate such pagan idea. —– no wonder, Japan remains in enigma.

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    • tokyobling said, on July 21, 2013 at 1:35 am

      I think the secret to how Japan can survive through these political and technological changes is these these tradition! (^-^)

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  4. amadl said, on July 20, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    BeautifuL pictures, as aLways! And, Yasaka Shrine is my favorite shrine, too 😀

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