Experiencing the Sanja Matsuri

Onda Osamu is the sixth-generation head of Ōshimaya Onda, a local company that makes traditional paper lanterns. May is the busiest time of the year for the company, as orders flood in for new lanterns for the festival.

Onda with his wife Satomi and their children, pictured with the Komagata “mikoshi” on the morning of May 19.

The sound of festival music echoes through the streets of Asakusa throughout the weekend.

The Komagata “mikoshi” makes its way to Asakusa Shrine.

At several points, the procession’s route takes it across one of the area’s main roads, which remain open to traffic throughout the festival.

Carrying the “mikoshi” down the Orange Road shopping street.

A mother looks on as her children help to carry the children’s “mikoshi.”

The “mikoshi” makes its way down the crowded Nakamise.

Visitors and locals mingle in one of the many small restaurants that line the streets around Sensōji.

The “mikoshi” gather behind Sensōji.

A “mikoshi” glints in the afternoon sunlight.

Onda leads a round of ceremonial clapping as the bearers lift the “mikoshi” to carry it back home.

In front of the main prayer hall at Sensōji.

The Nakamise is more crowded than ever during the festival.

Passing through the famous Kaminarimon.

In the background, the new Tokyo Skytree.

The “mikoshi” starts off on its circuit of the Komagata neighborhood.

The “mikoshi” finishes its tour of the neighborhood as evening falls, bringing Saturday’s festivities to a close.

The “miya dashi” ceremony takes place early on Sunday morning, as the three colossal “mikoshi” belonging to Asakusa Shrine begin their tours of the 44 Asakusa neighborhoods.

May 20, 6:00 AM. As many as 3,000 people wait for a chance to carry the three main “mikoshi.”

The third “mikoshi” (San no Miya) will tour the 16 southern neighborhoods. Onda climbs up onto the “mikoshi” to clear a path as the procession gets underway.

Excitement builds as the San no Miya approaches Komagata.

Pandemonium ensues as people compete for a place under the “mikoshi.”

Onda keeps the crowds under control.

Onda leads the ceremonial clapping as the San no Miya “mikoshi” begins its tour of the Komagata neighborhood.

Close to the handover point. Onda waits to perform the formalities.

One last round of ceremonial clapping to send the “mikoshi” on its way.

Tired shrine-bearers stretch out on the street to sleep.

Relative peace returns to Komagata after the San no Miya moves on to the next neighborhood and the locals parade their “mikoshi” through the neighborhood.

Onda carries the “mikoshi” alongside his wife and father-in-law.

Darkness falls, and the Sanja Matsuri comes to an end for another year.

Smiles all round as the day’s events draw to a close.

Onda and his team.

The Komagata festival committee.