Kites are a big deal in Japan, and nowhere is this more apparent than just outside the city of Niigata. The Shirone River runs through the area and is the site of the largest Kite Battles in Japan. The tradition dates back to the mid Edo Period and as the story goes, the townspeople on one side of the river were flying a kite that crashed on the opposite side, damaging some property there.
So the folks on the other side hoisted their own kite and crashed it onto the instigator’s land. Thus began what has turned into an all weekend annual affair involving thousands of townspeople on both sides. Sometimes more than 300 kites are sent up. A kite is put aloft from each side with the intent of colliding and entangling each other’s ropes. At that point, one of the largest tug-o-wars ensues with hundreds of townspeople of all ages on both sides pulling vigorously on the ropes with the goal of breaking the other’s rope. Its an incredible festival involving parades, contests, food, music and of course nonstop kite flying.
You can relive all of this at the Shirone Kite Museum. The museum is a very well done facility with hundreds, if not thousands of kites on display. There are kites of ever shape and size up to 16′ x 20′. There is a hands on crafts room where you can create your own kite, then test it out in a small wind tunnel within the museum. In addition to featuring kites, the museum has a nice historical display detailing the entire area. Click here to watch our full length video about this amazing museum.