Traditional Kites and Taiko Drumming!
January weekends can feel empty once the holidays end. While everyone's waiting for plum blossoms that won't show up for weeks, there's actually something fun is happening on January 11.
The Kōta Kite-Flying Festival (こうた凧揚げまつり) runs from 9:30 to 15:00 in an open reclaimed field about an hour from Nagoya. You'll see large traditional kites with bold calligraphy going up all day, families flying smaller kites, and enough space that nobody's crashing into each other.
Local elementary and junior high school kids do taiko drumming performances throughout the day, which adds some punch to what's otherwise a pretty chill event. It's one of those nice surprises — you come for the kites but the drumming gives the whole thing more energy than you'd expect from a January afternoon.
Schedule
The festival kicks off at 9:00 with registration for anyone bringing their own small or medium-sized kites. Food trucks also open then, so early birds can grab coffee and breakfast.
The opening ceremony starts at 10:00, followed by the first taiko performances at 10:20. That's also when the large group kites start going up. By 10:30, everyone with smaller kites can join in, so the sky fills up pretty quickly.
The main large kite flying session runs from 11:30, giving you the best photo opportunities of the day. Things wrap up with a closing ceremony at 14:30, though food trucks stay open until 13:00 if you want an early lunch before the crowds hit.
Getting There
Getting there is straightforward. Take the JR Tōkaidō Line to Kōta Station (about 50 minutes from Nagoya), then catch the free shuttle bus to the field. Food trucks and stalls handle lunch — so expect the usual festival food plus some warmer winter options.
Free admission.
Bundle up — it's windy by design!
The Details
The Kōta Kite-Flying Festival
Date: Sun, Jan.11
Time: 9:30–15:00
Venue:
Hishichi Field, Kōta Town
Access
By Train & Shuttle Bus
(Recommended)
Take the JR Tōkaidō Line from Nagoya Station to Kōta Station
Travel time: approximately 50 minutes (local or rapid)
On the day of the event, free shuttle buses run from JR Kōda Station (幸田駅) - West Exit
The shuttle takes visitors directly to the festival site.
Kōta Town Hall is about a 7-minute walk north of Kōda Station, but using the shuttle bus is easiest.
By Car
From Nagoya, take the Tōmei Expressway and exit at Okazaki Interchange.
From the interchange:
- Drive south for approximately 25 minutes
- Follow Route 26 → Route 248 → Route 483
- When Route 483 curves west, turn left
- Continue about 100 meters to reach Kōta Town Hall (near the shuttle stop area)
Parking near the venue may be limited.
Public transport and the shuttle bus are recommended where possible.
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