Hounen Matsuri, 豊年祭 (Penis Festival) March 14, 2008

Every year on March 15 a huge two and a half meter wooden phallus is carried the short distance between two shrines attracting visitors from all over Japan and international media attention. The festival is fun with a lot of sake drinking, however the background of the festival is rather more serious. A shrine is a place of worship. It houses divine spirits and preserves the memory and practice of many aspects of Japanese culture. This file is intended to introduce some of the history, mythology, rituals, and customs of Tagata Jinja.

Official Website: http://www.yamasa.org/japan/english/destinations/aichi/tagata_jinja.html