The Dance of the Golden Dragon in the SensoJi Temple in Tokyo is an experience of a lifetime.
It is hosted every year in October and coincidentally I was there in 2023 to witness the glorious tradition.
The dance is also called Sensoji’s Kinryu no Mai festival where eight people control the shimmering dragon to gracefully move it through the air.
The Dragon in turn appears to be chasing a lotus-shaped golden ball called a Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, according to the Japanese folklore.
This ritual was started to commemorate the building of the SensoJi Temple in 645 AD.
Local shopkeepers said that this dance is also held on March 18 every year with fixed timings 11:30 am, 2:00 pm, and 3:30 pm.
There was also a group of Geisha performing a traditional type of Japanese music called Hayashi, to which the dragon rhythmically dances.
It was a mere coincidence that I was at the SensoJi temple in Tokyo to attend Google’s moderator meeting resulting in a lifetime experience witnessing this amazing Dragon Dance.
The golden dragon dance in Tokyo was a treat to the eyes and a melody to the ears.
How To Reach
How to Travel from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Downtown by Limo Bus
Entrance Fees
Unlike other larger temples in Japan, this one is free to access.
Accessibility
The SensoJi temple premises are accessible for a wheelchair-bound person, though there was no ramp to reach inside the main temple.
Where to Stay
I stayed in the Hotel Shibuya En.
Other Attractions in Tokyo