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
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Art exhibition coming to Tokyo this month brings the cute, scary, and weird to ukiyo-e
Extra-cute Sea Animal crepes come to Japan’s cafe chain born from a sweet fashion brand
Starbucks Japan has a mesh bag so cute it’s a sell-out hit
New littering fine now being enforced in some of Tokyo’s most heavily touristed areas
And now, a crazy-looking way to stay cool this summer, from Japan’s crazy gadget company
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?
Japan’s adorable pudding chick becomes a transit card mascot
The Japan Burger Championship 2026 in Yokohama next month is the ultimate battle of the beef
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
Sushi Pizza surprises diners in one of the best food destinations in Japan
Pikachu cakes and other adorable Pokémon 30th anniversary food coming to Tokyo luxury hotel
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
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
Japanese manhole lid raises eyebrows with fertility god symbol that looks like… well, you know