About the festival
Hamamatsu Festival combines daytime kite flying by the coast with ornate goten-yatai floats downtown at night. They are two different venues, so plan the transfer.
Who is it for?
Families interested in kites and travelers who enjoy illuminated floats.
Photo: sakuzayama · Public domain
Original date: 2008-05-04. Original image or Commons thumbnail; no additional edits.
Dates and times
Usually 3–5 May
Usual season; next dates not confirmed. Times use JST. See the official programme for session times and changes.
Venue and parade route
Hamamatsu · 浜松
Kites fly at the Nakatajima field in Enshunada Seaside Park. Night floats use streets north of Hamamatsu Station, including Kajimachi-dori and Hirokoji-dori.
中田島凧揚げ会場・市中心部
The map pin marks a reference venue, rather than every entrance or the full parade route.
Getting there by train or bus
- Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Hamamatsu. Nighttime floats use the city center; use the official access map for the Nakatajima kite field.
What to see
- Coastal kite flying
- Decorated night floats
- Neighborhood celebrations
History and origins
A story traces the tradition to kite flying for a lord's first son's birth about 450 years ago. It remains linked to celebrating first children.
Planning your visit
Our editorial suggestions for planning your trip.
Choose whether to see kites, floats or both before planning transport; staying downtown misses the coastal kite flying.
Places to visit nearby
Hamamatsu Castle
浜松城
A reconstructed keep and park associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Visit on a separate daytime slot, allowing for slopes before the evening float events.
These stops and the suggested order are editorial recommendations. Check each venue's opening hours and festival-day road closures before travelling.
Hamamatsu Festival: common questions
When is Hamamatsu Festival?
Usually 3–5 May This is the usual season, rather than a confirmed timetable for the next edition. Times are Japan Standard Time (JST).
Where does Hamamatsu Festival take place?
Kites fly at the Nakatajima field in Enshunada Seaside Park. Night floats use streets north of Hamamatsu Station, including Kajimachi-dori and Hirokoji-dori.
How do I get to Hamamatsu Festival by public transport?
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Hamamatsu. Nighttime floats use the city center; use the official access map for the Nakatajima kite field.
Are the kites and night floats at one venue?
No. Kite flying is by the coast and float events are downtown. Allow transport time between them.
Official sources
- Festival and visitor guide 1 (hamamatsu-daisuki.net) ↗
- Festival and visitor guide 2 (www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp) ↗
Sources reviewed: .