Tattooed men, some members of criminal gangs called Yakuza, help as Mikoshi are carried around the streets of Asakusa during the Sanja matsuri. Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. Sunday May 15th 2016 The Sanja matsuri is one of the biggest festivals in Japan. Taking place over the 3 days of the second weekend of May (May 13th to 15th) it features many mikoshi, or portable shrines, that are carried around by local groups to bring blessings and prosperity to their neighbourhoods