Ah, Kanamara Matsuri, the one day of the year when Japan lets its freak flag fly in the most unapologetically phallic way possible. If you’re looking for a festival where the vibes are equal parts reverent, raunchy, and ridiculously fun, mark your calendar for the first Sunday of April. This year, it’s happening on April 6, 2025, in Kawasaki and, trust me, you’ve never seen anything like it.
Roots of the Kanamara Matsuri
Let’s start with a little history. The roots of Kanamara Matsuri stretch back to the Edo period (1603–1868), when Kawasaki was a booming town with a… let’s say “lively” red-light district. Local sex workers would visit the Kanayama Shrine to pray for protection against sexually transmitted infections, fertility blessings, and smooth pregnancies.
Over time, the shrine became a beacon for all things related to safe sex and reproduction. Fast-forward to the modern era, and this solemn tradition has evolved into an over-the-top celebration of human anatomy, life and love, and has also claimed the title of one of Asia’s weirdest festivals.
What to expect
So, what’s the deal with all the… you know? Well, the main attraction of Kanamara Matsuri is, undoubtedly, the parade of phallic symbols in all shapes, sizes and colours. The pièce de résistance? The legendary pink, two-metre-tall steel phallus known as the “Elizabeth Mikoshi”. This glorious work of art is carried through the streets by enthusiastic festival-goers, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, who’ve embraced the event as a celebration of inclusion and diversity.
But don’t think it’s all just for laughs. At its core, Kanamara Matsuri is about more than just shock value. The festival raises awareness for sexual health, safe practices, and HIV prevention. Proceeds from the event go toward related charities, so every bite of phallic-shaped candy you buy is helping a good cause.
Speaking of candy – oh boy, the food! Forget your standard takoyaki and yakisoba; this festival takes themed snacks to a whole new level. You’ll find lollipops, chocolates, and steamed buns shaped like, well, you get the idea. It’s equal parts hilarious and delicious.
If you’re not shy, you can join the crowds in donning costumes or accessories that lean into the, let’s say, theme. Expect to see everything from bawdy hats to lovingly hand-knitted genital scarves (yes, that’s a thing.) It’s all in good fun, and everyone, from giddy tourists to straight-faced locals, is here to celebrate with an open mind and a hearty laugh.
What’s in store for Kanamara Matsuri 2025?
New for 2025, there’s talk of adding interactive workshops on traditional fertility rituals and even a virtual reality tour of the shrine for those who can’t make it in person. Whether you’re snapping selfies with oversized sculptures or dancing along to live taiko drumming, there’s something for everyone at Kanamara Matsuri.
So, if you’re ready to leave your inhibitions at the door and dive headfirst into one of Japan’s quirkiest and most unexpectedly meaningful festivals, Kawasaki awaits. Bring your sense of humor, an appetite for novelty snacks, and maybe a camera with a strong zoom lens. Because let’s face it, this is one festival you’ll be bragging about for years.
