KANAMARA MATSURI PENIS FESTIVAL
You won't get shafted with this One
April - Kawasaki JAPAN
"Kanamara Matsuri on 2009” by Takanori under CC BY-ND 2.0.
INFORMATION
The Most Phallic Festival in the World
Part Road Trip
HIGHLIGHTS - genitalian lollipops
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Tokyo 3N to Tokyo 3N (+2 in Narita)
via Nikko 2N -
Matsushima 2N -
Hiraizumi 2N -
Akita 2N -
Lake Tazawa 1N -
Nyuto Onsen 1N and
Hirosaki 3N = 21N
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Onsen
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Ryokan
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Sakura
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Haname
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Sumo Museum
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Cosplay
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Imperial Palace
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Godzilla Rock
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Capsule Hotel
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Samurai Village
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Lake Tazawa
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Robot Restaurant
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Edamame Ice Cream
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Soy Sauce Ice Cream
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Meet Akita Dogs
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Sake Brewery Tour
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UNESCO listed Nikko
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UNESCO listed Hiraizumi
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Elizabeth the big pink Penis
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1 of the 3 most scenic spots in Japan
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Fancy Dress Go-Karting on City Streets
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All travel information including hotels etc is at the bottom of this page
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1 Narita - 1N
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Get a 14 day Japan Rail Pass and don't activate it until you leave Tokyo for Nikko. That should mean you return to Tokyo from Hirosaki on the 14th day. That trip alone is worth half of the cost. You have to get the Japan Rail Pass outside of Japan before you go there. This JR East Flex pass covers the areas you are going to, check with your agent which pass will suit you best.
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You probably won't be in Hirosaki for the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, but you might be lucky. If so make sure you book your accommodation well ahead. You could always stick around for a while and make sure you are there for it. It is acclaimed as the best one in Japan.
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Spend the first and last nights of the trip in the pleasant town of Narita. It's out by the airport and it just makes things a lot easier. Just catch the 10 minute train to Keisei-Narita Station and your hotel is a short walk from there. Head down Omote-Sando Road for night life and restaurants. It's only a 2 minute walk from the hotel. Narita is a good introduction to Japan, especially when you're tired from your flight and trying to take it all in.
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2 - 4 Tokyo - 3N
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In the morning go back to the Keisei-Narita Station and go to the Keisei-Yawata Station. From here it's a 4 minute walk to Moto-Yawata Station where you will take the Shinjuku line to Jimbocho Station. From here it's a 2 minute walk to the Sakura Hotel Jimbocho. This will be your station to connect to the network on your first stay in Tokyo.
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The Tokyo subway system is very convenient and easy to use. You can just type where you are and where you want to go into google maps and it will give you all the information you need including walking distances. Also you can download the app, this guide will explain it all. A subway map can be handy to work out where you actually are and make sense of it all. It's not as complicated as it looks. You will also get a lot of help at train stations when booking tickets and getting on trains.
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Tokyo is a great place and you could easily spend a lot longer here. The food is incredible. The locals couldn't be anymore helpful or sweeter, from the moment you get off the plane until you get back on it. Stay in two different areas of Tokyo on the way in and the way out. Tokyo has many different areas catering to all sorts of different tastes.
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Go to the Penis Festival when you first arrive in Tokyo to give yourself maximum Cherry Blossom viewing time up north. With some luck you'll have them with you all the way up. See details below. The festival is easily reached from here on the day and will take about an hour to get there. You will want to be early as they stop letting people in when it gets too crowded. You could probably do it on your second day in Tokyo as you will be too late on day one and it will give you a day to get over it.
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The hotel is only a 10 minute walk from the Imperial Palace so you might want to have a look here on your first day in Tokyo. Another trip nearby is by boat down the Sumida river to the futuristic Odaiba shopping district. Take the train to Asakusa Station and you will find the Tokyo Cruise Asakusa Pier nearby. Also close to the station is the famous Nakamise-dori Street which specialises in souvenirs, snacks and sweets. You can catch the train back into the city at the local station.
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For a real laugh you can dress up like a super hero and drive a go-kart around Tokyo. Get your licence requirements sorted out before you leave home.
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Head up to the top of Tokyo Tower to get a better perspective on things. It looks a lot like that other well known tower in Paris. For a night out head down to Ginza.
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Jimbocho is located between two universities and is the second hand book capital of Tokyo. Here a a few cafes, restaurants and bars. Curry restaurants are famous here. This list has sake, beer and anything else you may want. The Tokyo Dome is just 10 minutes away. Baseball is the most popular sport in Japan and going to a game can be a lot of fun. Check the schedule to see if there is a game on. ​​​
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Sakura - Cherry Blossom
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Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden - Tokyo
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Go to Tokyo Tours 2
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Although Japan can be expensive there are also value for money options as well. Ramen soup being a good example. You'll be travelling on Bullet Trains (Shinkansen) and will fall in love with the Bento Boxes for sale at the Railway Stations. This is one item you don't want to be frugal with. Try to get out and about and see as much of this fascinating city as you can.
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5 - 6 Nikko - 2N
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Time to activate your Japan Rail Pass and head on up to UNESCO listed Nikko. This is a very scenic area full of mountains, temples, waterfalls, lakes, steam train, river rafting, hot springs and Edo Wonderland where you can transport yourself back in time. Stay in Kashobou Fukumatsu a Japanese Ryokan by the river at Kinugawa Onsen. It is next to the Tobu-Kinugawa line and the closest station is Kinugawaonsen Station 750m south. These transport options are available once you get there. It could be worth your while getting a Niko Pass.
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The SL Taiju a nostalgic steam train runs between your station and Shimo-Imaichi Station in Nikko. It usually runs on weekends and national holidays. One of the stops is at Tobu World Square which has 102 of the world's most famous buildings shrunk to a ratio of 1/25. There are a lot of onsen (hot-springs) around these parts and nothing beats soaking away your cares in a scenic outdoor pool out in the middle of mother nature.
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Japanese food is wonderful and each region has it's own specialties. If you're lucky you should be here around the right time for night hanami.
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Shinkyo Bridge in Nikko
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a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
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Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
7 - 8 Matsushima - 2N
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Take the train up the coast to Matsushima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. It has been the subject of many poems. It has a bay full of islands that left one poet speechless.
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Boat cruises are very popular and a sunset cruise would be the way to go. The bay full of islands is one of the top 3 scenic spots in Japan!! Weekends are best avoided as they get very crowded. There are walks on the off shore islands which are perfect for a picnic and taking in the views. You can walk over the bridge to Fuukura Island and explore the walking trails there. Have morning or afternoon tea at the teahouse. There is a 1,000 year old temple which is regarded as a national treasure. Cat lovers and crazy cat ladies won't want to miss Tashirojima (Cat Island) where the cats outnumber the people.
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The station you want to get off at is Matsushima Kaigan Station which is a 10 minute walk from the guesthouse. Seafood is a big thing here and it is considered of the highest quality. Unfortunately the famous oysters won't be around until October. But you can still head down to the fish market and get some of the freshest produce cooked up for you. Other local specialties to try. If you want an authentic experience this restaurant will deliver.
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9 - 10 Hiraizumi - 2N
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Take the train north to Hiraizumi and get out at Hiraizumi Station which is 500m from your ryokan. The Hiraizumi "Run Run" Loop Bus links all of the attractions in central Hiraizumi with the train station.
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In the 1100's UNESCO listed Hiraizumi rivaled the nation's capital Kyoto. In 1189 it was razed by the man who would become the first shogun. It never recovered but it still retains the remnants of that elegant city surrounded by scenic beauty. It has many impressive temples, gardens and ponds. There are two stunning gorges with very similar names which you can see gondola style. Don't forget to try the flying dumplings. Experience the local culture from 10 centuries ago at Esachi-Fujiwara Heritage Park which was originally built as a set to film a long running television series.
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Next to the Chuson-ji Temple you'll find the Brewers a cafe where you can get beer, sake and coffee as well as something to eat. Here are some other restaurants around town.
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11 - 12 akita - 2N
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Take the train to Akita the land of Sake. So it's probably a good place to visit a sake brewery. And the night life should get a bit more exciting, it's not too far from your hotel door. The area around Kawabata Dori is also known as "eat street" or the Kitchen of Akita and at night time it is a rabbit warren of restaurants and bars. Try the traditional Hot Pot, Kiritanpo (rice on a stick) and other specialties. Do a handmade Udon noodle factory tour. Something else this area is famous for.
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Go for a scenic hike in the mountains. Check out the sunset by Godzilla Rock. And rent a car for a few days. You'll need it for at least 3 days to drive to Hirosaki and you might want to add a day here in Akita and perhaps one in Hirosaki.
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Just near the hotel is Senshu Park where you will find a castle, a tea house, 3 shrines, a museum, an art gallery and it is in the Top 100 places to view Cherry Blossoms.
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Katana Samurai Sword
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13 Lake Tazawa - 1N
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Hop in the car and start your very scenic drive through the mountains. On the way to the lake stop in at the Kakunodate Samurai Village. At it's peak there were 240 Samurai residences and a castle here. Their descendants are still here. It is a fascinating look back at history and there are still many treasures here. Dress up like a samurai and learn some new / old skills. It is also famous for it's cherry blossom viewing spots so hopefully they've arrived. For lunch there are a number of restaurants near the village. You could also visit the Ando Soy Sauce & Miso Brewery for a tour, tasting and museum visit. How about some soy sauce candies or soy sauce ice cream! Miso is another one of the specialties around here.
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It's only another half hour drive to Lake Tazawa and your accommodation where you can enjoy an outdoors soak.
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Rent a bicycle, or drive around the lake. The boat tours don't start until April 26th so you might miss out on that one.
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14 Nyuto Onsen - 1N
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Time for the soak of soaks. Off to the Hot Spring Village of Nyuto Onsen. This area is famous and you have a choice of 7 Inns to stay at. You can buy a pass and soak at all of them. Many are also open air baths allowing you to commune with nature while you alleviate your ailments. What a wonderful thing.
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Famous Akita breed known for their loyalty
15 - 17 Hirosaki - 3N
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If you haven't heard the story about Hachiko the loyal dog who waited for over 9 years every day for his master to return from work at the train station you soon will. A Gate at Shibuya Station is named after him, he has a statue there and there is even a line named after him. Hachiko was born in Odate where the famous Akita breed comes from and that's where you're going next. You will get to meet the dogs and pick up some souvenirs here at several places that celebrate the breed. You can also visit the Akita museum and even go to Hachiko's birthplace. Enjoy some local specialities for lunch. Another attraction in this area is the Odate-Kosaka Rail Bike.
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Continue up to the historic town of Hirosaki. After a few quiet nights you'll be ready to hit the many bars around town. Your accommodation will be right in amongst the restaurant and bar area. Drop the car off when you feel like it.
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Some of the items and dishes the area is known for include. Hirosaki is the top producer of apples in Japan so you won't be surprised to see a lot of shops selling apple pie. Not unusually for Japan it's a great place to eat and drink.
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The town is famous for it's castle which is in a big park and is the centre for the famous Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival which is acclaimed as the best in Japan. It goes from the last week of April to the first week of May. Grab a row boat and go for a paddle. The night time illumination is truly spectacular. This is a traditional town with very friendly, laid back locals. They will make you will feel very welcome in this very authentic Japanese town.
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Image by shortycolossus from Pixabay
Shinkansen - Bullet Train
18 - 20 (+ 21) Tokyo - 3N (+ Narita - 1N)
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Head back to the world's busiest train station - Shinjuku. It's an exciting area to stay in and if you can squeeze a few extra days in don't hesitate. Stay next to Golden Gai in the famous entertainment area of Kabuchiko. Both great places to go bar hopping. Don't miss the Robot Restaurant while you're here. It's quite the experience. Or a night in Piss Alley. Tokyo has numerous other night time playgrounds which are all easily accessible on the subway.
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There's plenty to see and do during the daytime as well. Super Mario dress up go- karting around the streets of Tokyo - Sunday is Cosplay day, join in or just watch the fun - take a day trip to Mount Fuji - you're a bit early for the Sumo wrestling in May but you can still visit the Kokugikan Sumo Museum, which is nearby the Japanese Sword Museum - for some unique souvenirs and presents head over to Kappabashi where you can buy all of your favourite Japanese food in plastic form - Shinjuku itself is an amazing shopping area and the perfect place to find those last minute gifts.
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Finish up with one last night in Narita before you fly out.
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Go to Tokyo Tours 1
KANAMARA MATSURI​
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1st Sunday in April in spring - Sakura or Cherry Blossom time 🌸
LENGTH -
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9am - 5pm
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It is a fertility festival that started in it's present form in 1970. It suddenly became popular after some you tube exposure and today 50,00 people attend. A good many of them are foreigners.
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The gods of blacksmithing and sex live at the shrine and in olden days working girls would pray here to protect themselves from STD's.
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Proceeds go towards AIDS and HIV research.
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The story goes that a nasty demon once fell in love with a young girl and hid in her vagina. He bit off the penises of her first two husbands. She then went to a blacksmith and had a steel penis made to break the demons teeth. It must have done the job as the penis now resides in the shrine.
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WHERE -
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At the Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki 20 km south of Tokyo. Take the train.
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ABOUT -
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A fun day drinking beer among the cherry blossoms and genitalia​
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HOTELS -
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Narita - Stay at or near the Welco Narita *** - excellent location 2 minute walk to the train station and 2 minute walk to Omote Sando road where you will find all of the eating and drinking places you'll need. It has a restaurant and bar, 24 hour desk, currency exchange and billiards.
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Tokyo - Stay at or near the Sakura Hotel Jimbocho ** - great location a 2 minute walk from the Jimbocho Subway station. 24 hour desk, concierge, very friendly (I still get e-mails 16 years later!), 24 hour cafe, coin laundrette and dryers, bar, breakfast included, restaurant.
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Tokyo - If you want a little more luxury try the Hotel Villa Fontaine Tokyo- Jimbocho *** - close to the station, cafes and restaurants, 24 hour desk, coin laundrette, vending machines.
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Nikko (Kinugawa Onsen) - Stay in a traditional ryokan inn Fukumatsu Kashobou Ryokan *** - great location only 10 minutes drive to Edo World, river views, indoor and outdoor public hot spring baths, restaurants and convenience store nearby
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Matsushima - stay at or near the Uchi Matsushima Guesthouse * - excellent location near the JR Matsushima Kaigan train station and everything else. Friendly and helpful host, bar, free transfer to their hot spring 5 minutes away
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Hiraizumi - stay in the ryokan Minpaku Hiraizumi * - 500m from the train station, very kind hosts who are prepared to give you a ride to the tourist attractions, good Asian breakfast included, garden and terrace, hot tub
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Akita - Stay at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Akita *** - parking garage for JPY 500 per day, good location near the night life area and just over a kilometer from the train station. Convenience store next door, shops and restaurants nearby, massages, Japanese style pub, restaurant, vending machines
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For a slightly cheaper nearby option try the Albert Hotel Akita** - private parking needs reservation and costs JPY 770 per day, restaurant, souvenir shop, drink vending machines
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Lake Tazawa - stay at the Tazawako Lake Resort & Onsen *** - Free Parking, outdoor hot-spring bath, sauna, Japanese and Western style beds, restaurant
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Nyuto Onsen - here are the seven from the closest to the furthest out, take your pick
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Hirosaki - stay at or near the Kobori Ryokan *** - free parking, great location near many bars and restaurants as well as tourist attractions, spacious public baths, massage, Japanese and Western Beds
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Tokyo - Stay at the Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo **** - in an excellent location next to Golden Gai in Kabukicho and 8 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station, surrounded by shops, restaurants and bars, 24 hour convenience store, coin operated laundrette, 4 minute walk to Shinjuku-Sanchome Subway Station, cafe / restaurant with chocolate fountain and all you can drink wine, 24 hour desk, bar
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Narita - Same hotel as the one on arrival
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VISA -
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INCLUDES -
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Pink Penis Procession, Phallic Food, Beer, Penis T-shirts,
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Penis and vulva lollipops, Phallic souvenirs, Penis and Vagina facemasks,
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Men in drag, Festival food like fried noodles, savoury pancakes, octopus balls and chocolate dipped bananas and faux semen,
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Saki, Penis carving,
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Enormous genitals, Photo opportunities with the big three (the stars of the parade 1 steel, 1 wood & 1 plastic named Elizabeth),
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HIGHLIGHT -
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Elizabeth (The Big Pink Plastic Penis)
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FLIGHTS -
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Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) - has direct flights to 113 destinations in 41 countries, covering everywhere except South America. They should be able to link up with North America or Europe. Your first and last nights will be spent out near the airport. In the morning you can catch the train into Tokyo. Don't validate your Japan Rail Pass until you leave Tokyo for Nikko.​
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Once you've bought your airline tickets get some travel insurance to cover yourself
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Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
BRING -
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Your sense of humour and a camera
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SAFETY -
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Usual precautions in a large crowd
PARTY FACTOR -
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Lots of drunk people in penis hats sucking on penis lollipops taking selfies with .... you guessed it
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TIPS -
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Best to arrive at the festival before 9am as it gets very crowded and they start refusing entry by about 11 am
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Get a 14 day Japan Rail Pass before you go
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Download Maps.me and Google maps offline with the relevant maps before you go.
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Always pick up a bento box before you get on a train. Spend a little more than you want to. You won't regret it.
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Take warm clothes
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Information for this page was sourced from the following websites -