Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival

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.