It's So BIG: Japan's Kanamara Festival

Over the weekend Charles, Shiori and I went to the Kanamara Festival in Kawasaki, which was, quite frankly, insane. If you didn’t know, this popular local event is also known as the penis festival.

As you can imagine from the name, schlongs everywhere. Big, small, pink, black, white – and ones you can put in your mouth. You won’t believe how long the line was for the penis shaped candy.

I’ve never seen so many otherwise decent looking people, guys and girls included, so enthusiastically demonstrate their uh, oral skills in public. And some people actually buy them for their kids.

Speaking of kids, did I mention that this whole thing is held in a kindergarten? I’ll skip the social commentary except to say that the people of Japan need to get a grip, because the pan-fried herb sausages at the stall near the entrance were RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME.

Spot the creeper.

Anyway, what I’m getting at is, if you’re ever in Tokyo in early April, and would like a unique, surreal experience (or just really like penises), this festival should be at the top of your list. But be prepared: the crowds are huge, the lines long, and you might feel a bit guilty for coming.

Just kidding! You won’t regret it – it’s really fun. Just be careful not to blow everything on obscenely shaped stuff. I’ll stop making bad puns now.

For more pictures and details, check out Jessica’s awesome article over at the Notes of Nomads blog.

WOW

“If the weather forecast is rain like this year’s was, don’t wear your favorite pair of shoes. The grounds can get really muddy and you don’t want to get all dirty. (Or do you?)”