The Hamamatsu Festival, held every year over Golden Week (3–5 May), is famous for its giant kite battles, in which more than a hundred neighbourhood teams fly enormous kites — some several metres across, each painted with their district’s emblem — above the Nakatajima sand dunes, deliberately crossing lines to cut rivals from the sky amid trumpet fanfares and chanting. The tradition began as a celebration of firstborn children and continues today, with evenings bringing a second spectacle as ornately carved palace-like floats parade through the city streets.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Hamamatsu (Nakatajima dunes), Shizuoka |
| Hours | 3–5 May annually; kites daytime, floats evening |
| Admission | Free to view |
| Time needed | Half day to full day |
| Best time | 3–5 May, Golden Week |
What to See
- Giant kite battles, teams cutting rivals' lines above the dunes.
- Over a hundred neighbourhood kites painted with district emblems.
- Trumpet fanfares and chanting teams on the sand.
- Ornate palace-float parades through the city at night.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Hamamatsu Music City sights in town.
- Pair with Hamamatsu Unagi for the local specialty.
- Read our Shizuoka overview .
Getting There
- By train + shuttle: JR to Hamamatsu Station, then festival shuttle buses to the dunes.
- By car: expect heavy congestion and use designated festival parking.
Tips
The festival falls in Golden Week, Japan’s busiest holiday, so book accommodation months ahead and expect crowds on trains and roads. The kite battles run by day at the dunes and the float parades by night in the city centre, so plan for both halves — and bring sun protection, as the dunes offer little shade.
