On May 3rd, I joined the crowd at Nakatajima Beach. Over 170 groups were there, each with their own kite. These kites carried wishes for good health and growth. When the signal came, the kite battle began! Kites soared, strings pulled tight, and everyone tried to win. It was like a dance in the sky. I watched in awe as the kites twisted and turned, competing for the highest spot. The energy was electric!
As the sun went down, the streets of Hamamatsu glowed warmly. I was part of the Hamamatsu Festival, a special event that happens every year. Let me share what I saw and felt during this exciting celebration.
As night fell, the festival transformed. Huge floats, called goten yatai, moved through the city. These floats looked like palaces, covered in lanterns and beautiful designs. Skilled artisans had worked hard to create them. People played traditional instruments on top of the floats, and others cheered as they pulled them along. The air buzzed with excitement. It felt like stepping back in time to a grand era of prosperity and community pride.
The Hamamatsu Festival has been around for more than 440 years. Legend says it started when Lord Iio Buzen no Kami’s son was born. To celebrate, kites were flown, and the tradition stuck. Over time, the festival grew, adding kite battles, processions, and cultural performances. Now, it’s one of Japan’s biggest and most loved festivals, drawing over a million visitors each year.
Inside the Hamamatsu Matsuri Pavilion
Before leaving, I visited the Hamamatsu Matsuri Pavilion. Here are some cool things I found:
HD Room: A video showed festival highlights in high definition.
Hamamatsu Shusse-Daiko: Drums played here, echoing an ancient battle.
Kite String Workshop: I learned about strong kite strings made from tough hemp.
Large Kite Exhibition Room: It felt like being in the middle of a kite battle! Read more about Hamamatsu Matsuri Pavilion here Hamamatsu Matsuri pavilion (inhamamatsuinformationdesk.blogspot.com)
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The Hamamatsu Festival left me with memories of tradition, community, and shared joy. Whether it’s the kites or the majestic floats, this event is a magical journey through time and culture. If you’re ever in Hamamatsu in early May, don’t miss it!
The Hamamatsu Festival is a fun event that happens every year from May 3rd to 5th. It's well-known for its big kite flying contest and beautiful night parades. But, what's also really exciting are the food stalls! These stalls are full of delicious snacks that everyone loves. People walking around the festival can smell tasty Yakisoba (fried noodles), Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), Yaki-ika (grilled squid), and sweet chocolate bananas. Eating these yummy foods makes the festival even more enjoyable and gives everyone a taste of Hamamatsu's special dishes while they join in the fun.
Event Details:
Kite Battle: 10:00-15:00 at Nakatajima Beach
Turning of the Goten Yatai Floats: 18:30-21:00 in the city center
Check our website for more info about Hamamatsu Festival Hamamatsu Festival | iN HAMAMATSU.COM
Location: Nakatajima-cho, Chūō-ku, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka
Price: Free admission
Note: Event organizers may change the date and time; please check the official website.
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