Watch the skies come alive at the Kasukabe Giant Kite Festival. This is a celebration of the artistry of kites, along with local food and plenty of community spirit. What happens? The Kasukabe Giant Kite Festival, held every year on May 3 and 5, is a beloved tradition where local residents and kite enthusiasts gather to witness giant kites take to the sky. Organized by the Showa Giant Kite Cultural Preservation Society, it takes three months of hard work to craft these massive, stunning kites. On these two days, you can watch the large kites soar, participate in the Kasukabe Original Kite Flying Competition, and enjoy local food from a variety of stalls. Fun fact: Crayon Shin-chan creator Yoshito Usui lived in Kasukabe City. Many locations and landmarks featured in the Shin-chan series are inspired by the city. Schedule 2025 On May 3 and 5, small kite flying will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., while the large kites soar between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Food stalls will be open all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so you can grab a bite before or after the kites take flight. On May 5, there will be a competition from 9 to 11 a.m. where participants can fly their own handmade kites. A commemorative event will also be held on the day to mark Kasukabe City’s 20th anniversary of municipal incorporation. If both days are canceled due to rain, the event will be rescheduled to May 6. How to get there From Shinjuku Station, take the Yamanote Line to Nishi-Nippori Station, then transfer to the Chiyoda Line headed for Ayase. Get off at Kitasenju Station, then transfer to the Tobu Skytree Line and get off at Kasukabe Station (about 1 hour total). From Kasukabe Station, take the Asahi Bus from the East Exit bound for Sekiyado Central Terminal or Sekiyado Hayama Industrial Park. The bus ride takes about 35 minutes, with a stop at the Odako Park Entrance bus stop. Alternatively, take a local bus from Tobu Dobutsu Koen Station (Tobu Skytree Line) for a 30-minute ride.