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Asakusa Samba Carnival
（Source：Wikimedia Commons）
Asakusa Samba Carnival is held annually on the last Saturday of August in Asakusa, Taito-ku in Tokyo. The carnival started in 1981, and it has grown into the largest samba competition in Japan. It has become a major event of Asakusa and draws over 500,000 spectators. More than 5,000 performers gather from all over Japan at this event. The dancers in lavish costumes parade down Umamichi-dori street through Kaminarimon-dori street while being judged for competition.
- Address
- Umamichi-dori through Kaminarimon-dori in Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo
- Contact No.
- +81-3-3847-0038
- Access
- Short walk from Asakusa Station on Tobu Line, Tokyo Metro Line and Toei Subway Line
- Official Website
- http://www.asakusa-samba.org/
- Time Required
- Half-day
- Admission fee
- Free
- Schedule
- The last Saturday of August every year (hours: 13:00-18:00)
※ Some information is displayed in Japanese and machine-translated English, which may not be accurate.
For the latest information, please check the official website for each spot.
（Source：Wikimedia Commons）
Authentic Samba Modeled After the Original Carnival in Rio
The Samba dancing that you witness at the Asakusa Samba Carnival is modeled after the original Rio Carnival, making it very authentic. Over 5,000 participants compete in lavish costumes and dance energetically for the grand prize.
（Source：Wikimedia Commons）
Serious Competition in leagues!
The competition is divided into four leagues. The four leagues are Communication League that is composed of local brass band teams, Theme Samba League which consists of corporate teams, S1 League and S2 league. In the prestigious S1 league, you will see a more authentic parade with extravagant floats and Brazilian made costumes.
（Source：Wikimedia Commons）
Best spot for Photos
The parade begins in front of Nitenmon Gate of Sensoji temple on Umamichi-dori street and makes its way onto Kaminarimon-dori street toward Kokusai-dori street. You can see the parade anywhere along these streets, but the intersection of Umamichi-dori and Kaminarimon-dori is known as the best place to take photos.
（Source：PIXTA）