(Yakuza members display their full-body tattoos while
carrying a mikoshi)Sanja Matsuri (三社祭, literally "Three Shrine
Festival"), or Sanja Festival, is one of the three great Shinto festivals in
Tokyo, along with the Kanda Matsuri and Sannō Matsuri. It is considered one of
the wildest and largest. The festival is held in honor of Hinokuma Hamanari,
Hinokuma Takenari and Hajino Nakatomo, the three men who established and founded
Senso-ji. Sanja Matsuri is held on the third weekend of every May at Asakusa
Shrine. Its prominent parades revolve around three mikoshi (three portable
shrines referenced in the festival's name), as well as traditional music and
dancing. Over the course of three days, the festival attracts 1.5 to 2 million
locals and tourists every year.