UNIQUE LOCAL FESTIVALS

Within Japan, a land of festivals, Shizuoka prefecture stands out for offering some of the most colorful, unique and exciting festivals. The visitor to this prefecture will have ample opportunities to enjoy and participate in festivals as they are held year-round. Shizuoka's friendly people welcome all to share their enthusiasm for their traditional festivals and invite you to join in the fun!




Hamamatsu Kite Festival -- From May 3 to May 5, Hamamatsu city hosts one of Japan's liveliest festivals. This colorful festival, which was reported in "National Geographic" magazine, is said to date from the 16th century. To celebrate the birth of his first son, a nobleman flew a large kite with the name of the newborn heir emblazoned on it.
Today, huge kites (each measures two to three meters in width) representing the various towns within the city, are brought by revelers to the beach at Nakatajima Dunes. 50 young men who are skilled at handling the kites, parade to the beach with their kites to prepare for the battle. Against the backdrop of ocean and dunes, and the roar of enthusiastic townspeople and visitors, the kites fight to cut the rope of their opponents' kite which they hope to bring down in a tangle. If you should miss the chance to participate in the festival itself, well, don't miss a chance to visit the Hamamatsu Festival Pavilion. Here the magnificent kites of the 39 towns that make up Hamamatsu city are preserved. Lights and sounds effects of the festival are realistically reproduced in the pavilion to make you feel you are experiencing the excitement as you view the kite exhibits. Also on exhibit at the pavilion are festivals jackets, ornate floats, and all the paraphernalia of this unforgettable festival. Buses from Hamamatsu Station leave every 15 minutes.


Gotenyatai--The excitement of the Kite festival during the day is carried over into the night as revelers parade chanting and shouting as they pull ornate floats through city streets. The night is without end as these floats, splendid in relief and detail, are borne to the strains of music from traditional instruments such as flutes, drums and shamisen. But don't worry; even in all the excitement and enthusiasm the revelers are well-behaved and disciplined. You will want to join in the revelry that goes on through the night as you will not want to miss a minute of the exciting Hamamatsu festival!


Matsukawa River Tub Races --Held in Ito city every year since 1956 during the month of July, this fun summer tourist attraction had been held on the Matsukawa River, which flows through the center of the city. Contestants, young and old, ride in large tubs 1 meter in diameter and 30 centimeters deep using large ladles as oars. You can apply to compete in this race, which is just one kilometer long, through the inn where you are staying. If you win -- you'll be awarded the official trophy!

Shiritsumi Festival -- This amusing festival, in which tourist and residents of Ito participate, is held November 10 from 6-9pm. Held after a ceremony at the Otonashi Shrine, the festival, which will entertain you, is known as the "Hip Bumping Match." Amidst laughter and cheers two participants stand on the small ring back to back and bump their hips to push the other person out of the ring. May the best bumper win!
To participate call Ito Kanko Kyokai (0557) 37-6105 until November 9.

Tezutsuhanabi -- This festival, held in the city of Arai during the month of July is an exciting fireworks festival. The festival is meant to express the fear and admiration for fire -- thus these unusual cylinder-type fireworks are set off while being held in a person's arms! It's an exciting festival, intoxicating participants and onlookers alike as the fireworks, which are set off at the Suwa Shrine, break the darkness of the night sky with their pillars of flame. Though traditionally a shrine festival and the rituals are still preserved, it has become pretty wild (though still perfectly safe) as it is now considered a way for modern day festival-goers to work off their pent-up energy.


Also, Ozutsu, a 5-meter long fireworks that shoot up 20-meters in the sky with a resounding "Boom!" are displayed. Traditional music is played on conch shells and drums as the high-spirited people of Arai, a town that has flourished since feudal times, participate enthusiastically.

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