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Hamamatsu Festival

Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka

Venue: Nakatajima Sand Dunes (kite flying) / Downtown (float procession)

May 3 – May 5, 2026

The Hamamatsu Festival, held May 3-5 annually, is one of Japan's most famous Tango no Sekku celebrations with over 200 years of history. At Nakatajima Sand Dunes, about 170 neighborhoods fly giant kites bearing the names of firstborn children. The kite battles, where teams try to cut opponents' strings, are thrilling to watch. Evenings feature magnificent palace floats (goten yatai) parading through downtown Hamamatsu.

Giant kite battles with firstborn children's names written on the kites

Access

15 min by Entetsu Bus from JR Hamamatsu Station to Nakatajima (kite flying venue)

Hours

Kite flying 10:00–15:00, float procession 18:30–21:00 (May 4-5)

Admission

Free

Kite BattleTraditional EventPalace Floats

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