Like many other cultures, Japan's year is marked by festivals, or matsuri (祭). The o-mikoshi is a type of festival organized at the end of summer, traditionally to give thanks to the gods for the harvests.

This type of festival is organized by local religious communities in a large number of cities and villages. It is essentially a parade, or rather a religious procession, during which a gilded shrine is carried by a group of people through the streets. The act is called o mikoshi wo katsugu (御神輿を担ぐ), which means "to carry the mikoshi". And since the mikoshi is not particularly light, it's quite a tiring activity. Moreover, it's not done in silence—participants let out rhythmic shouts (for example, wasshoi!—wasshoi!—wasshoi!...) to pace the procession. The mikoshi is led by temple representatives, and those carrying it are simply neighborhood residents or people who work in the surrounding area. Naturally, the o-mikoshi is a good excuse to share a drink and reunite with friends.

The o-mikoshi is truly an atmosphere, an experience worth savoring!