A photography outing at Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple took an unexpected turn. It led to a captivating hunt for the elegant, traditional kimono. What began as a trip to witness the famed Sanja Matsuri’s Daigyoretsu parade evolved into an impromptu and rewarding photo session. I captured the beauty of Japanese tradition against the backdrop of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Originally, the plan was to photograph the spectacular Daigyoretsu, a grand procession that kicks off the annual Sanja Festival. This parade features priests, city officials, geisha, and musicians in elaborate Edo-period costumes. It was scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. However, upon arrival, a revised schedule revealed the parade wouldn’t commence until 6 p.m., a wait that was not feasible. This led to a quick decision to explore the temple grounds and focus on a different, yet equally captivating subject. Many visitors wore beautiful kimonos and yukatas, especially common during the summer festival season. They became my target.
The sight of people in kimonos is not uncommon on the streets of Asakusa and within the temple precincts. But it was my first foray into intentionally photographing them in such a setting. The experience sparked a new appreciation for the intricate details of this traditional garment. What was once a passing interest has now blossomed into a desire to learn more about its various components.
Many people are familiar with the basic elements like the sode (sleeves), eri (collar), and the decorative obi (sash) that holds it all together. But there is a deeper world of terminology to discover. This impromptu photoshoot prompted a closer look, revealing the subtle artistry in each element. I discovered the thin fabric strips called koshihimo used to tie the kimono before the obi is wrapped, to the small pouch within the sleeve known as the tamoto.
The decision to focus on candid shots rather than posed portraits presented its own set of challenges. The constant movement of the crowds at Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, made it a dynamic and difficult environment to shoot. Capturing subjects required patience, especially when trying to frame a subject against one of the temple’s iconic backdrops, such as the Hozomon Gate with its massive red lantern.
People would often change direction or pause for conversations, turning a perfect shot into a missed opportunity. Despite these challenges, the experience was rewarding and has ignited a passion for this style of street photography. The vibrant colors and graceful silhouettes of the kimonos against the historic temple architecture created a magical atmosphere.
The prospect of more festivals and opportunities to capture these beautiful moments is exciting. While the Sanja Festival may not have gone as planned, the unexpected pivot to a “kimono hunt” at Sensoji Temple proved to be an adventure in its own right.
Rohan has photographed Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5. The project will take more than one lifetime to complete.
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