Better known as the Penis Festival, this annual highlight at Kawasaki's Wakamiya Hachimangu is all about praying for and celebrating fertility, strong marriages and protection against sexually transmitted diseases, hence the profusion of phalluses. The main festivities are typically held on the first Sunday of every April, but a few events are scheduled to take place on Saturday April 5, as well as on the following weekend. Here are a few highlights to look forward to.
April 5 (Sat), 2pm-3.30pm: Daikon carving event, in which radishes are made to look like penises.
April 5 (Sat), 5pm-6pm: Yoimiya Festival, a small festival typically held the evening before the main event.
April 6 (Sun), 10am-10.15am: Sacred Fire Ceremony.
April 6 (Sun), 10.15am-10.45am: Main Ceremony.
April 6 (Sun), 11.30am-2pm: Mikoshi Togyo Parade, during which a giant mikoshi (portable shrine) containing a variety of phalluses is paraded through the streets.
April 12-13, 10am-5pm: Flea market and food stalls. Visitors can also enjoy (in)appropriately shaped candy, vegetables and decorations while helping raise money for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. There will also be a photo spot to take pictures with the mikoshi.