2010-04-04 Kanamara Festival

In April I went to the most insane festival. It was a festival that started decades ago when prostitutes used to go once a year to pray to be free from syphilis. Over the years the festival has changed to be more about aids awareness and people also pray for fertility.

We headed out to Kawasaki in the morning to check out pre-festival activities. It was insanely packed. We watched the going ons for a while and then heard an announcement that anyone who would like to be dressed in a kimono could be. So we rushed off and get all dressed up - and all for free too!

We then headed into the streets to watch the parade of floats which were... Penises!

Yes that is correct. One float is a steel phallus, one is a wooden phallus and the other is a pink (fiberglass) phallus. It was insane insanity. They were selling penis and vagina shaped lollipops, sake cups and pourers, head scarves, and all manner of strange things. We had so many photos taken of us all dressed up in kimonos and it was like being a mini celebrity. Joined the parade for a while and took way too many photos to count.

We even managed to get in a sightseeing of a temple to add a little culture to the experience.

After about 6hr of festivaling we were tired out, called it a day and headed home. It was pretty much the best festival I have ever attended and I recommend it to anyone who will be in Japan in April next year.

Check out the pics on:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=218688&id=565510866&l=cee49df460