The Hamamatsu Festival (浜松まつり), held annually from May 3rd to May 5th in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most dynamic and colorful celebrations. Timed to coincide with Children’s Day on May 5th, the festival is deeply rooted in tradition, originally commemorating the birth of children. Today, it has evolved into a major city-wide event drawing crowds from across Japan and abroad.

The festival has two signature attractions. The first is a parade featuring elaborate floats—miniature temples adorned with musicians performing traditional Japanese music. These processions weave through Hamamatsu’s streets, providing a vibrant auditory and visual display that highlights the region’s cultural richness.

The event’s other major highlight is the kite-flying competition. During this unique spectacle, teams from each neighborhood in Hamamatsu gather to fly enormous kites, each distinctively decorated and boasting an impressive size. These teams engage in friendly rivalry, aiming to keep their kites aloft while attempting to bring down those of competitors. The competitive spirit, combined with the sights and sounds of these giant kites soaring above Hamamatsu, creates an exhilarating atmosphere.

Much of the festival action centers around Hamamatsu Station and the nearby Nakatajima Sand Dunes, known as one of Japan’s famed kite-flying locations. Easily accessible from Tokyo or Nagoya via the Tokaido Shinkansen, Hamamatsu draws travelers looking to witness this extraordinary event up close. Food stalls, cultural performances, and the city’s friendly, festive ambiance further enhance the experience, making the Hamamatsu Festival a must-see for anyone visiting Shizuoka during Golden Week.