Written by Rebecca Milner
The Hamamatsu Festival celebrates the birth of children and falls over the annual holiday Children’s Day (May 5).
What happens?
There are two distinct parts to the festival. The first is a procession of floats that resemble small temples, each carrying musicians. The second part of the festival is a huge kite flying festival with each neighborhood competing with their own giant kite.
Schedule
There will be a lot of performances, workshops, and events happening at both venues throughout the day but these are the highlights.
Suggested Activity
Make Maki-e Urushi Lacquer Art in Kyoto
Learn the art of maki-e, one of Japan's traditional decoration methods applied to lacquerware. This workshop — taught in English — is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about Japanese art and make their own special souvenirs.
- May 3 to 5: The kite-flying festival will take place from around 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the 3rd and 4th, but will start a little later at 12 p.m. on the 5th.
- May 3 to 5: The float procession takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first day and from 6 p.m. the other days.
How to get there
These activities take place at two different venues. The procession happens right next to Hamamatsu Station while the kite flying takes place at a park in Nakatajima near the sea. Shuttle buses will operate between the two venues.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
May 3–May 5, 2025
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10:00am – 3:00pm
浜松まつり
Free
Official site
⚠️ Link in Japanese
- 65 m from Hamamatsu Station Tōkaido Shinkansen
