Large kites fly at Nakatajima by day, while decorated floats appear downtown at night. Staying downtown all day will not show you the kite-flying part of the festival.
Photo: sakuzayama · Public domain
Original date label: 2008-05-04. Original or supplied resized image; no additional editing.
Hamamatsu Festival dates
Usually May 3–5
Usual annual season · exact next dates not confirmed
Event dates and times use Japan Standard Time (JST). Usual annual dates are not a confirmed booking schedule for the next edition. Check the organizer’s notices for daily times, admission and weather-related changes.
Where to watch
Hamamatsu · 浜松
Nakatajima kite grounds and downtown float streets
中田島凧揚げ会場・市中心部
The map marks one reference point, not the entire route or every entrance. For village rites or moving processions, use the organizer’s venue map.
View reference location on Google Maps ↗Getting there by train or bus
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Hamamatsu Station. Check the edition’s shuttle or bus arrangements to Nakatajima; the evening floats use the city center.
History and traditions
An origin story connects kite flying to the celebration of a lord’s first son about 450 years ago. Local traditions also celebrate first-born children.
Nearby places to consider
These sights can help you plan the rest of your visit. Check each location’s opening hours and access separately; festival road closures may affect the journey.
Before you visit Hamamatsu Festival
When is Hamamatsu Festival?
Usually May 3–5. These are the usual seasonal dates, not a confirmed schedule for the next edition. Check the linked organizer for times and changes.
How do I get to Hamamatsu Festival by public transportation?
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Hamamatsu Station. Check the edition’s shuttle or bus arrangements to Nakatajima; the evening floats use the city center.
What should I plan before visiting Hamamatsu Festival?
Allow time to travel between the kite grounds and the downtown float area. Choose one if the transfer would leave too little time for the part you most want to see.
These planning suggestions are JapanLiveNow’s editorial advice. Admission and operating arrangements follow the organizer’s current program.
Official program and visitor information
- hamamatsu-daisuki.net — official festival or destination information ↗
- www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
- hamamatsu-daisuki.net — official festival or destination information ↗
- www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
This guide uses the shared festival source register reviewed on October 3, 2026. Official notices take priority over archive photos and previous editions.