| Attraction type | History & culture |
Please enter your desired name (up to 6 characters) in the comments section when making your reservation.
The lanterns are scheduled to be displayed for one month, from April 1st (Wed) to April 30th (Thu), but this may change depending on weather conditions and other circumstances.
Cancellations after reservation purchase will incur a 100% cancellation fee, and no refunds will be given.
Please note that once you cancel your order, you will not be able to repurchase it.
The lanterns are scheduled to be displayed for one month, from April 1st (Wed) to April 30th (Thu), 2026. *This may change depending on weather conditions and other circumstances.
The Kanamara Matsuri, or 'Festival of the Steel Phallus,' originates from ancient traditions at Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki, Japan. Historically, it was celebrated by prostitutes who prayed for protection from sexually transmitted diseases. Today, its purpose has expanded to include prayers for fertility, harmonious marriages, business prosperity, and protection from various diseases. It is also known for its lighthearted celebration of sexuality and metalworking.
The Kanamara Matsuri is distinctive for its explicit and celebratory display of phallic symbols, featured in parades, decorations, and various merchandise. It is held annually in Kawasaki, drawing a significant international crowd, with about 80% of its estimated 40,000 attendees being foreigners. The festival promotes sexual health, fertility, and marital bliss in a lively and open manner, making it a culturally unique event in Japan.
Yes, the Kanamara Matsuri is scheduled to be held in Kawasaki in 2026. While the specific date for 2026 will be officially announced closer to the event, it historically falls on the first Sunday of April. The festival activities are centered around Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and typically involve a vibrant parade and various shrine events.
Kanayama Shrine, the site of the Kanamara Matsuri, is dedicated to Kanayamahiko no Kami and Kanayamahime no Kami. These deities are associated with metallurgy and blacksmithing. Due to their connection with the crafting of metal tools and fertility in ancient folklore, they are worshipped for wishes related to safe childbirth, fertility, harmonious relationships, and protection from sexually transmitted diseases.
The nearest station to Kanayama Shrine for those attending the Kanamara Matsuri is Kawasaki-Daishi Station. This station is located on the Keikyu Daishi Line. From Kawasaki-Daishi Station, Kanayama Shrine is just a short walk away, typically around 5 to 10 minutes, making it easily accessible via public transportation for festival-goers.
The main procession and festivities of the Kanamara Matsuri typically take place throughout the day on the designated festival Sunday in April. While specific schedules can vary slightly year to year, the event usually starts in the morning, around 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM, with the parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) and continues into the afternoon, generally concluding by late afternoon, around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM.
For the Kanamara Matsuri 2026 lantern sponsorship, the custom-named lanterns will be prominently displayed at Kanayama Shrine for approximately one month. This display period includes the official festival day in April, ensuring that the lanterns are visible to both domestic and international visitors throughout the festival season. They are strategically placed by the shrine's torii gate for high visibility.
Sponsors for the Kanamara Matsuri 2026 lanterns can choose to have their desired name or company name inscribed on the lantern, with a maximum limit of 6 characters. The lantern will also feature 'Kanamara Matsuri 2026' as a commemorative detail. After the display period ends, those who sponsored a lantern can request to have their personalized lantern mailed to them via cash-on-delivery, allowing them to keep it as a special memento of their participation.