Get ready for a busy end to February in Hamamatsu! This weekend (Feb 28th & Mar 1st) brings special seasonal food fairs, hands-on workshops at the park, and fun for parents too. Don't miss the Strawberry Auto Race event or the various library story times!
See our top picks
Nordic Walking Around Dream Plaza
Eles-Pal Dream Plaza
Free organized outdoor exercise session Sunday morning.
Shogi Challenge
Hamamatsu Kodomo-kan
Learn Japanese chess from pros indoors on Saturday afternoon.
English Story Time
Hamamatsu Municipal Maisaka Library
A cozy Saturday morning story session for young readers.
· February 28
9FREE : The Auto Race Track transforms into a strawberry paradise! They’ll have special strawberry sweets and foods available. It's a free entry event perfect for a family snack run.It's a rare weekend-only food festival happening right in the city center.
: A short, 20-minute tour focused on cotton plants happening twice today. This is a great science tie-in before or after checking out the main museum exhibits.It's a special, short tour running only this weekend, perfect for keeping younger kids engaged.
FREE : Bring the family to learn or play Japanese chess (Shogi) with professionals! It’s open to all skill levels, so beginners are welcome to jump in.A fantastic indoor opportunity to learn a traditional Japanese game, suitable for different ages.
: Get ahead for Hinamatsuri by making beautiful *nerikiri* (traditional Japanese sweets). This is a great, hands-on cultural workshop happening in Hamakita.It’s a specific holiday craft workshop happening right before the holiday season kicks off.
: Spend a few hours making a traditional rubber band gun at the beautiful Hamanako Garden Park. Since park entry is free, this is a budget-friendly outdoor activity.Hands-on crafting combined with a visit to the lovely, free-entry garden park.
ENGLISH STORY TIMEFREE : A February English Story Time session hosted at the Maisaka Library. Great for families looking to keep up language skills over the weekend.A good opportunity for toddlers/young kids to engage with English in a library setting.
FREE : A LaQ Master is visiting LaLaport Iwata to host a free building and play session. You might even get to take home what you build!Free, hands-on building event with a recognized expert in a major shopping center.
FREE : A two-day winter festival setup inside the mall featuring classic festival games like jumbo dice. Kids get one free attempt, making it a great quick stop.It's entirely indoors, free to join the games, and happening across both weekend days.
: Decorate a small compact mirror with beautiful crepe fabric (*chirimen*) for the upcoming Doll's Festival. This workshop is held at a historic inn.A fun, themed craft that ties into Japanese seasonal culture, held at a historic site.
· March 1
4DOLLS' FESTIVAL (HINAMATSURI) DAY : Celebrate Hinamatsuri around Kashiwaya with doll displays, origami, and caricature corners. Elementary kids and younger might get a free treat!A concentrated celebration of the Hinamatsuri holiday happening only on Sunday.
FUJINOMIYA TROUT FISHING TOURNAMENT : A competitive but family-friendly fishing tournament in Fuji City where you compete on the weight of your catch. Elementary kids fish free!A unique, active competition happening Sunday morning outside of Hamamatsu proper.
RAINBOW TROUT FESTIVAL (NIJIMASU MATSURI)FREE : Happening right alongside the fishing tournament, this festival sells local rainbow trout products and features a fish release event. Great for lunch!A fun, free Sunday morning pairing with the adjacent fishing tournament.
DOGASHIMA SUNSET ILLUMINATION LIGHTING CEREMONYFREE : Witness the official lighting ceremony for the long-running Dogashima illumination display. They mention novelties and candy presents for kids!It's the kickoff event for a long-running evening light display, promising a special atmosphere.
Also On· anytime this weekend
2: Kids run their own shops and play games using dedicated currency at this creative experience center. Elementary students can be managers or customers.A highly interactive event where kids manage commerce, though note it is in Shizuoka City, not Hamamatsu proper.
FREE : Join this organized Nordic walking session starting near Dream Plaza, including a short lesson. It's a great, active way to start Sunday morning.Free, organized exercise event happening this Sunday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Hamamatsu this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-Mar 01) you can enjoy the free Strawberry Auto Race event, the Nordic Walking session on Sunday morning, and several free story times at local libraries like the English Story Time on Saturday.
Are there any family-friendly food events happening?
Yes! Don't miss the Strawberry Auto Race at the Hamamatsu Auto Race Track on Saturday for strawberry treats. Also, the Oimo Fest (Sweet Potato Festival) and the Shizuoka Oden Festival are running through Sunday at Granship Plaza (though these are technically outside Hamamatsu City).
What can we do on Sunday if we want an active start?
Start Sunday morning with the free Nordic Walking session near Eles-Pal Dream Plaza at 10:00 AM, or head slightly outside the city to Fuji City for the Trout Fishing Tournament and Rainbow Trout Festival.
