Kanamara Festival, the pinnacle of Japanese strange festivals
An excellent opportunity to experience Japanese tradition and culture, that’s the ‘Kanamara Festival’. Held every spring in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, this festival, with a giant iron statue symbolizing the male organ as its main feature, may seem peculiar at first glance.
However, it carries a deep history and meaning. This article provides a detailed explanation of the origins of the Kanamara Festival, its modern significance, and how to access it from Narita Airport. Through the unique theme, lively atmosphere, and spirit of social contribution embodied in the Kanamara Festival, feel the depth of Japanese tradition and culture.”
What is the Kanamara Festival?
Japan, with its unique culture and traditions, attracts attention from all over the world. Among them, one particularly interesting festival is the “Kanamara Festival”. This festival, with its unique theme and deep historical background, is a great attraction for tourists both domestically and internationally.
The Kanamara Festival is held every spring at Kawasaki Daishi in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The main feature is a giant iron statue symbolizing the male organ. This festival, with its peculiar theme, may seem strange at first glance, but it carries a deep history and meaning.
The Origins of the Kanamara Festival
The origins of this festival date back to the Edo period. At that time, the area around Kawasaki Daishi was a post town, and many courtesans worked there.
The courtesans prayed to Kanamara-san (a god symbolizing the male organ) to avoid venereal diseases. This was the beginning of the Kanamara Festival, which has since developed into a festival that fulfills various wishes of people, such as prosperity of descendants, thriving business, and traffic safety.
In addition, it is said that the Kanamara Festival started as a festival to worship the god of ironwork, Inari God, if you trace its origins further back. The reason why the god of ironwork took the shape symbolizing the male organ is thought to be because both the act of forging iron and the male organ, which symbolizes the power to create life, are symbols of creation and production.
Access to the Kanamara Festival and Preparation for Participation
To participate in the Kanamara Festival from Narita Airport, first move to Keisei Ueno Station by the Keisei Skyliner. From there, transfer to the Yamanote Line to Shinagawa Station, and from Shinagawa Station, transfer to the Keikyu Line to Kawasaki Daishi Station. From Kawasaki Daishi Station, head to Kawasaki Daishi on foot.
The Kanamara Festival is generally held from 10 am to 4 pm, but it is recommended to arrive early to avoid congestion. Also, it would be good to bring a camera to enjoy the atmosphere of the festival. However, be careful when taking pictures to respect the privacy of other participants.
The Modern Significance and Popularity of the Kanamara Festival
The current Kanamara Festival is very popular with tourists both domestically and internationally due to its unique theme and fun atmosphere. The highlight of the festival is parading around the town with a giant iron male organ on a portable shrine.
Participants carry this portable shrine and pray for wishes such as prosperity of descendants, thriving business, and traffic safety.
In addition, various goods modeled after the male organ are sold at the festival. These goods not only liven up the atmosphere of the festival but also play a role in raising funds for promoting the prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, the Kanamara Festival can be said to be a part of social contribution, not just entertainment.
The Number of Visitors to the Kanamara Festival and Its Charm
The Kanamara Festival is an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese tradition and culture due to its unique theme and deep historical background.
Its peculiar theme may seem strange at first glance, but it carries the wishes and prayers of people and the spirit of social contribution. Why not feel the depth of Japanese tradition and culture through this festival?
Every year, tens of thousands of tourists visit this festival. This includes not only tourists from within Japan but also tourists from all over the world. The reason is that this festival, with its unique theme, fun atmosphere, and deep historical background, is an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese tradition and culture.
In conclusion, we have provided a detailed introduction to the charm and history of the Kanamara Festival, and how to participate in it. This festival, with its unique theme and deep historical background, is an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese tradition and culture.
Its peculiar theme may seem strange at first glance, but it carries the wishes and prayers of people and the spirit of social contribution. Why not feel the depth of Japanese tradition and culture through this festival?
