(Photo courtesy of Bios no Oka)
In Japan, New Year holidays are the time to go all classic. And that goes for recreation, too.
From Dec. 31-Jan. 4, you can fly kites, spin tops and more at Bios no Oka, or Bios on the Hill.
Celebrate the new year by flying a kite in the park’s Ashibiuna field or try spinning a top just like depicted in “Oshogatsu (New Year),” a famous Japanese song.
Considered an “engimono (bringer of good luck),” flying kites is also a traditional event held at various locations in February, April, May, and the Obon period, according to the Kokugakuin University.
Okinawa has its own unique kites called “kaabuyaa,” meaning “bat” in Okinawan dialect or “mattakuu.”
“Kaabuyaa” refers to a diamond-shaped type, which has a simple structure with two sticks crossed. “Mattaku” refers to square-shaped kites, which commonly have a framework put together in a checkered pattern, according to Ryukyu Bunka Archive, a website dedicated to Okinawa’s traditional culture.
It’s the “Kaabuyaa” type that you can fly at Bios. You can either rent one for free or make one for 1,000 yen.
To make a “Kaabuyaa” kite, you will need to bend one of the sticks to draw a curve, which may take some time. However, “kaabuyaa” is simple enough for kids to make.
Let’s go fly a kite at Bios and kick-start 2026!
(Photo courtesy of Bios no Oka)
Japanese traditional toys – Kendama and Daruma Otoshi (Photo courtesy of Bios no Oka)
New Year Events at Bios on no Oka
Oshogatsu Takoage-kai (New Year Kite Flying)
Takozukuri Taiken (kite making workshop)
Natsukashii Omocha Asobi (play with nostalgic toys)
Date: Dec. 31 – Jan. 4
Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Ashibiuna (26.421614, 127.798084)
* Kites and toys are available for free rental.
* Kite-making workshop costs 1,000 yen for materials. It will take about 40 minutes to make one.
Website: https://www.bios-hill.co.jp/en/
• Admission to Bios on the Hill is 2,200 yen for adults, 1,100 yen for ages between 4 and elementary school age.
AloJapan.com