Kanayama Shrine

Name: Kanayama Shrine
Address: 2-13-16 Daishiekimae, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa-ken, Kawasaki, Kantō region, Japan
Telephone: 044-222-3206

Written by Greg Lane

Also known as Kanamara-sama, this shrine is the site of the Kanamara Festival—Japan’s (and the world’s?) most famous penis festival.

Go through this torii and to the left | Photo by Gregory Lane

The tiny shrine is actually housed within the larger Wakamiya Hachimangu shrine. To find Kanayama Shrine, head to the left of the main Wakamiya Hachimangu prayer hall. The giant phalluses poking out of the ground and the iron anvils (?) will tell you that you’re in the right place.

Just an anvil with a penis attached | Photo by Gregory Lane

Although we agree that penis statues are hilarious, this is a place of worship, so please behave respectfully around the giant penises.

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Try this insider’s experience at a sumo wrestler morning practice session. Enjoy exclusive access to a sumo stable, watching as these massive athletes put themselves through their daily training regimen and go head-to-head.

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Phallus at Kanayama Shrine — Darth | Photo by Gregory Lane

When the annual festival is happening, given the close confines and the tiny area taken up by the shrine, the shrine itself is very difficult to access. If you’re in the area, we also recommend checking out Kawasaki Daishi, which is a 10 minute walk away.