Sagami Odako Matsuri
The Sagami Giant Kite Festival is held in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture during golden week. It is usually held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 5th and 6th. O-Dako loosely translates as large kite. There are many kite festivals held throughout Japan but this is one of the more spectacular ones.
You will be able to see five or six kites measuring up to and over 14 metres squared and weighing almost a ton take flight by the banks of the Sagami river. Its quite an amazing sight and it takes many men to control them. The kites are all handmade in the traditional style using bamboo for the framework and some pretty sturdy japanese paper as material. At the end of the festival the largest of the kites is set afire.
This festival has been held since 1830 and while there are many such festivals around Japan this one is famous for the sheer size of the kites.
How to get there
From Yokohama Station, take the Sotetsu Line to Ebina Station and then change to the JR Sagami Line to Sobudaishita Station. It should take less than 60 minutes including transfer. From Sobudaishita you can either take the shuttle bus or walk for about 20 minutes. Just follow the crowd.
Train timetables.
Koi Nobori
Koi Nobori
Preparing a giant kite at the Sagami Giant Kite Festival
Preparing a giant kite at the Sagami Giant Kite Festival
Preparing a giant kite at the Sagami Giant Kite Festival
Preparing a giant kite at the Sagami Giant Kite Festival
The kite takes off at the Sagami Odako Matsuri
The kite takes off at the Sagami Odako Matsuri
Giant Kite in the air at the Sagami Odako Matsuri
Giant Kite in the air at the Sagami Odako Matsuri
Giant Kite in the air at the Sagami Odako Matsuri
Giant Kite in the air at the Sagami Odako Matsuri
Giant Kite coming down at the Sagami Odako Matsuri
Giant Kite coming down at the Sagami Odako Matsuri
Giant Kite coming down at the Sagami Odako Matsuri
Giant Kite on the ground at the Sagami Odako Matsuri
Giant Kite on the ground at the Sagami Odako Matsuri
koi nobori
koi nobori
Playing the Taiko
Taiko Drummer
Repairing the giant kite at Sagami Odako Matsuri
Repairing the giant kite at Sagami Odako Matsuri
Repairing the giant kite at Sagami Odako Matsuri
Repairing the giant kite at Sagami Odako Matsuri
Smaller kite at Sagami Kite Festival
Sagami Odako Matsuri Banners
Taking a leak in the Sagami River
Repairing the giant kite at Sagami Odako Matsuri
Dogs at the festival
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