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Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival

Kurimishinden-cho, Higashiomi, Shiga

Venue: Echi River Riverbed

May 31, 2026 (Sun)

The Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival in Shiga Prefecture boasts over 300 years of history and is designated as a nationally recognized intangible folk cultural property. The highlight is flying a 100-tatami-mat (approx. 13m square), 700kg giant kite with 150 rope pullers. Known as one of Japan's three great kite festivals, it attracts about 38,000 visitors annually. In 2026, a newly crafted kite—the first in 12 years—is planned for flight, making it a special year.

Awe-inspiring scale as a 100-tatami-mat giant kite takes flight

Access

15 min by shuttle bus from JR Notogawa Station

Hours

10:00–15:00

Admission

Free

Giant KiteTraditional EventCultural Property

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