Kanamara Penis Festival 2026
The city of Kawasaki hosts the Kanamara Matsuri, a traditional Shinto fertility festival, annually at the Kanayama Shrine on the first Sunday of April.
Known as the Festival of the Steel Phallus, the event originated during the Edo period as a way for local sex workers to pray for protection against sexually transmitted diseases and for business prosperity.
The shrine is dedicated to Kanayama Hikonokami and Kanayama Himenokami, the deities of blacksmithing and metalwork who are also venerated for their role in protecting sexual health and ensuring safe childbirth.
Legend states that the festival commemorates the forging of a steel phallus used to defeat a demon that had hidden inside a young woman to harm her suitors.
The main highlight of the celebration is a boisterous parade featuring three portable shrines, known as mikoshi, which house large phallic statues made of wood, black iron, and pink materials.
The pink Elizabeth Mikoshi was famously donated by a local drag club and has become a symbol of the event’s inclusive atmosphere, which now attracts a wide range of international visitors and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Attendees can explore numerous street stalls offering themed merchandise such as hand-carved radishes, colorful candles, and the festival’s signature lollipops shaped like reproductive organs.
Organizers note that while the event has a playful and modern reputation, it maintains its sacred roots as a religious ceremony and serves as a significant fundraiser for HIV research and prevention.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early at the shrine grounds near Kawasaki Daishi Station to navigate the large crowds and participate in the various ceremonies scheduled throughout the day.
The procession typically moves from the shrine toward Daishi Park, offering onlookers a chance to witness traditional Shinto rituals combined with a unique display of local craftsmanship and community spirit.
Event Details
| calendar_month DATE | Apr 05 2026 |
|---|---|
| schedule TIME | 11:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| payments Cost | FREE |
| info Website | Official Website |
| location_on Location | Kanayama Shrine |
|---|---|
| map Area | Kanagawa Kawasaki |
| category CATEGORY | Festivals Shrines |
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