Today’s Japan Photo: Sanja Festival 三社祭
Couldn’t think of what to share for Today’s Japan photo, so I was randomly browsing flickr and came across this lovely photo of some folks carrying a mikoshi during the Sanja Festival [三社祭] in Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo, Japan.
This photo was taken by flickr user enggul, and he achieved this wonderful effect by zooming his lense while taking the shot.
A little more information on Sanja Festival [三社祭]:
Sanja Matsuri (三社祭) 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 Sensō-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.
