Hamamatsu Kite Festival

Also, this is one of the largest festivals in Japan, attracting approximately 2 million visitors each year.

It is said that this kite flying festival began more than 460 years ago when the Lord of Hikuma Castle, who ruled Hamamatsu and the surrounding area.

The climate in this area is suitable for kite flying because of the strong and wild winds known as the "Enshu Karakaze”.

The firstborn child is dressed in a festival costume and is the main person to fly the kite from within his father's arms.

Then, encouraged by the sound of the trumpet, many hundreds of people join in the kite battle.

The festival reaches its climax when the sounds of drums and flutes echo through the night sky.

[6] The neri is a parade that the lead person carries the neighborhood flag, followed by dozens of lantern bearers in each town.

At the house where the eldest son is born, their family offers cooking to everyone in order to appreciate their kite flying.

Participants are jostling and pushing around each other with festive excitement and they form a swirling frenzy.