What it is
The Kanamara Matsuri is the spring festival of Kanayama Shrine, a small shrine in the grounds of Wakamiya Hachimangū near Kawasaki Daishi temple. The shrine’s gods, Kanayamahiko and Kanayamahime, are a god and goddess of the forge.
The festival is said to go back several centuries, when local sex workers prayed here for protection from disease. Over time it became a festival for fertility, safe childbirth and marriage, and from the 1980s people came to pray against AIDS. Today it is known as a cheerful, crowded celebration that also raises awareness of HIV, and it draws many visitors from overseas.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Morning | Rites at the shrine: Shinto rites at Kanayama Shrine; stalls open in the grounds |
| Midday | Mikoshi procession: The three mikoshi are carried out of the shrine and along the approach towards Kawasaki Daishi temple, then back |
Which day should you go?
Festival Sunday, late morning
Arrive before noon to find a place near the shrine before the mikoshi set out.
What to look for
The three mikoshi
The Kanamara Boat Mikoshi with a black iron phallus; Elizabeth, a large pink one donated by a drag club in Asakusabashi; and the Kanamara Ōmikoshi, the oldest, made of wood.
The gods of the forge
Kanayama Shrine honours Kanayamahiko and Kanayamahime, a god and goddess of metalwork, and blacksmiths are among its worshippers.
Souvenirs
Stalls sell candles, sweets and carved radishes in the festival's shape.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | JR to Kawasaki or Shinagawa, then Keikyū lines to Kawasaki-Daishi | about 45–50 min |
| Yokohama | Keikyū Line to Keikyū Kawasaki, then Daishi Line to Kawasaki-Daishi | about 15–20 min |
On the day. The shrine is two minutes on foot from Kawasaki-Daishi Station, inside the grounds of Wakamiya Hachimangū.
Crowds. The grounds are packed by late morning. The procession route along the temple approach is easier for watching.
Where to stay
Day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama
Easy to visit in a morning; no need to stay nearby.
When to book. No booking needed; it is free to watch.
Book ahead
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Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Make a day of it
Kawasaki Daishi (Heiken-ji) 川崎大師平間寺
The great temple at the end of the shopping street, a few minutes' walk from the shrine, a major temple of the Shingon school.
Opening hours change by season. Check before you go.
Practical tips
- Crowds. It is one of the most crowded spring festivals around Tokyo. The shrine grounds are small; be patient.
- Respect the shrine. It is a real shrine festival with a sacred side. Security staff deal with lewd behaviour and harassment.
Glossary
Mikoshi神輿
A portable shrine. During the festival the kami rides inside while people carry it through the neighborhood.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Japan National Tourism Organization: Kanamara Matsuri, https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/362/
- Kawasaki City: Kanayama Shrine and the Kanamara Festival.
Last checked 2026-10-17.