It’s that time of year again! Spring is in the air, the cherry blossoms are blooming, and everyone’s feeling a little bit randy. What better way to celebrate life than with the Kanamara Matsuri, better known as the Penis Festival, to be held on April 6th from 11am to 6pm.
The phallic festivities take place around Kanayama Shrine, located in a place called Wakamiyahachimanguu in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. While it might seem like one of those zany new ‘Cool Japan’ things, this bizarre festival has actually been held since the Edo period in honor of Kanamara, the god of…blacksmithing?
Kanamara originally seems to have been a patron of the smiths, but at some point along the way moved over into sex-related work and became busy answering prayers for prosperity in business, fertility, easy childbirth, marriage, protection from venereal disease, and harmony between husband and wife. In recent times the festival has also become a popular event for AIDS-prevention awareness.
The highlight of the event is the portable shrine, or mikoshi, procession. There are three main shrines paraded around town on peoples’ shoulders as onlookers chant excitedly.
▼ First up is the Kanamara Boat Mikoshi, with its huge iron rod.
▼ Next comes the Elizabeth Mikoshi, the luridly pink and proud shaft.
▼ And last but not least is the ancient Kanamara Big Mikoshi, which doesn’t quite measure up to the others and looks like a tree trunk with an oddly shaped protrusion. But remember, it’s not how big it is…
▼ As well as feasting your eyes on more peen than you can probably handle, you can also get your hands and lips on some edible phalluses.
▼ Even the vegetables are penis-shaped today.
▼ It’s all good, clean fun.
▼ Blast off!
▼ Probably the only day of the year it’s acceptable to stand around in public with your wang in your hand.
Let us know if you’re lucky enough to be attending this year! Weird photo opportunities don’t get much better than this.
Source: MyNavi News
Photos: RocketNews24
Giant penises roam the streets of Japan – it’s the Kanamara phallus festival!
The phalluses are in full bloom at this year’s Kanamara Festival【Photos】
We Visit the 2013 Kanamara Festival and Bring You a Slideshow as Long as… You Know
Japanese Penis Festival 2019: Everything you need to know for this year’s Kanamara Matsuri
Japanese Penis Festival shrine distances itself from penis mascot
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Bear meat noodles?!? Tokyo restaurant adds a new kind of niku soba to its menu【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Visiting Japan’s Gyarados Pokémon park in the city with a special connection to Magikarp【Photos】
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
Does a poopy butthole translate to lottery-winning riches in Japan? The results are in!
Minecraft User Decides to Make Kinkakuji, Eventually Creates the Entire City of Kyoto
Colorized photos of old-timey Philippines bring the past to life
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
How to find a lost cat: Unique method from Japan proves to be surprisingly effective
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Kanamara Penis Festival draws huge crowds from around Japan【Photos】
All hail the mighty phallus — Experience penis worship at unique shrine in South Japan
Konsei Matsuri: The giant penis riding festival in Iwate
Aichi fertility festival surprises everyone with gigantic membership
Leave a Reply