In many parts of the world, spring symbolizes nature awakening, coming to life, and a time of renewal. As such, fertility is often associated with springtime. In the city of Kawasaki, Japan, they hold an annual spring festival related to this. However, rather than being symbolic, they prefer to be more direct about what they are celebrating, that being, the penis.

Perhaps some backstory of the history of this festival is needed. The festival is based on a Japanese legend about a demon that fell in love with a woman and hid inside of her vagina! It then went on to bite off the penis of both of her husbands on their wedding nights. To get rid of it, the woman begged a blacksmith to construct an iron penis, resulting in the demon breaking its teeth on the iron penis when inserted. Yikes! This story gives the Grimm fairytales a run for their money.

The evening ceremonial events take place on the first Saturday in April, and the main festival events take place on the first Sunday of April. The shrine and general area here eventually became a place of worship for prostitutes who prayed to not get diseases. The festival in recent years has also become an event where LGBT members can feel welcome. Although there weren’t that many, I did see some kids here, too. It also represents the fascinating dichotomy of Japanese society: that being the quiet, stoic, and conservative way they present themselves mixed with some rather “wild” aspects of their culture. The phrase “business in the front, party in the back” comes to mind.

When my co-workers and I arrived, the streets nearby the parade area were already filling up. Even though we managed to find a spot on a street corner for better viewing, eventually other people just decided to stand in front of us, and we found it inconsiderate and irritating. Across the street from us was a small plaza area that sold all kinds of phallic-shaped snacks.

While waiting amongst the crowds of people, some of whom were adorned with penis hats and holding penis-shaped candies, we couldn’t tell exactly where the parade would go. Eventually, we saw the first “shrine” being moved down a street away from where we were. So, we eventually decided it would be smart to follow some of the people that were going toward the alleys behind us.

It was confusing trying to figure out where the parade path was. We finally managed to catch up to where we thought it would pass by, and sure enough, it did.

It was rather difficult trying to capture photos while on the go, especially trying to dodge other people’s arms, heads, and cameras. The parade itself was actually quite short, with just a few shrines being carried around.

Finally, the main phallus was floated by. At times, the people carrying it seemed to have lost their balance as the penis swayed and almost tipped over. I couldn’t tell if it was an accident or on purpose.

Naturally, there was quite a mixed and colorful bunch of people partaking in the parade.

Last, but definitely not least, was the steel phallus shrine. I think this is supposed to represent the heroic blacksmith’s iron phallus from the legend.

After walking halfway back, we decided to turn around and try to follow the parade towards the ending point, which was the nearby park, not far from the Kanayama Shrine. It was here that the parade volunteers parked their penises (shrines). While doing so, they seemed to be doing some kind of festive chant and “dance” (I don’t really know how to describe what they were doing with the shrines). See for yourself.

Like with any festival, there were plenty of candies, trinkets, and other souvenirs to buy.

Overall, it was an interesting time, for sure. I just wish there was more to the actual parade. I’m glad that I was able to experience this unique cultural event. I wonder how many other festivals I will get to see.