Kanayama Shrine

Kanayama Jinja is a Shinto shrine located within Wakamiya Hachimangu in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Kanayamahiko and Kanayamahime, deities associated with metalworking, blacksmithing, and healing. Due to a linguistic connection between the shrine’s name and the word for phallus in Japanese, Kanayama Jinja also became associated with fertility, safe childbirth, and protection from sexually transmitted diseases.

The shrine is best known for hosting the annual Kanamara Matsuri, or "Festival of the Steel Phallus," held on the first Sunday of April. The festival, which originated from Edo-period sex workers praying for protection against diseases, has since evolved into a globally recognized event celebrating fertility, health, and sexual well-being. The festival features large phallic-shaped mikoshi (portable shrines), traditional performances, and themed offerings. In addition to the Kanamara Matsuri, the shrine also hosts the Fuigo Matsuri on November 1st, a festival dedicated to blacksmiths and metalworkers.

Historically, Kanayama Jinja was located near the present-day Kawasaki Daishi Station but was relocated to its current site within Wakamiya Hachimangu during the late Meiji period due to railway construction. The shrine’s unique modern architecture, designed to resemble blacksmithing tools, reflects its deep connection to metalworking traditions.

Today, Kanayama Jinja continues to attract worshippers seeking blessings for fertility, marital harmony, childbirth, and health, particularly those involved in the medical field, blacksmithing, and even the adult entertainment industry. The shrine remains a symbol of both ancient Shinto traditions and modern cultural significance.