Kinryu-no-Mai

The Kinryu-no-Mai(Golden Dragon Dance) is held at the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa every Spring. First the dragon is taken through the grounds of the Sensoji in a parade and then into the temple itself. People then throw money into a grate and touch the dragon for luck. After this the dragon is taken outside and there is a performance where the dragon twists and turns in front of the watching crowd.

The festival commemorates the discovery in 628 of the temple's gold Kannon, which is an image of the Goddess of Mercy, by two brothers who were fishing in the Sumida River.

Legend says the discovery caused golden dragons to fly up to heaven. The dance is performed to celebrate this and bring good fortune and prosperity.

You can see the pictures of the festival here.