🗺️ Bairin Great Kite History Museumしろね大凧と歴史の館

The traditional event "Shirane Great Kite Battle," which has a history of approximately 300 years since the Edo period, is held every June in the Shirane area of Niigata City. Giant kites are flown high on both sides of the Nakakuchi River, and after the lines become entangled, they fall into the river. The side that manages to cut the opponent's kite line first wins. The "Shirane Great Kite History Museum," located in the Minami Ward of Niigata City, is dedicated to preserving this kite culture. Inside the exhibition hall "Great Kite Plaza," which has a height and diameter of 15 meters, large kites used during the kite battles are displayed. The kites measure 7 meters in length and 5 meters in width, equivalent to about 24 tatami mats, showcasing an impressive scale. There is also an information area introducing the history of the Great Kite Battle, and a "3D Image Room" where three-dimensional images of the kite battles come to life, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of this traditional activity. Additionally, up to 500 kites representing the unique characteristics of various regions in Japan, as well as kites from over 30 countries around the world, are on display. Some of these kites are world-renowned collectibles that should not be missed. In the museum's "Kite Workshop," mini kite-making experiences are held daily. Participants can choose between making a Japanese kite or a Western kite, and those aged 3 and above can join the Western kite-making experience. The "Wind Tunnel Laboratory" features a wind speed of 4 meters per second blowing from behind, allowing the finished kites to be tested in flight. In the "Historical Exhibition Area," visitors can learn about the traditional local culture of Shirane through folk materials, three-dimensional models, and reconstructed farmhouses.

Exhibit kites used in the "Shirane Great Kite Battle," as well as various types of kites from both domestic and international origins. In the historical display area, visitors can learn about the history of the Shirane region through folk materials and reconstructed houses. The workshop offers an experience activity for making mini kites. The completed kites can be flown in the wind tunnel laboratory.