Japan’s No.1 Kite-Flying Experience
日本一の凧あげ体験
【Program Overview & Purpose】
About 400 years ago, during the Edo period, kite flying became popular throughout Japan as a symbol of good luck. In the Odagawa River area (formerly the Ikazaki area), where wind conditions are weak, repeated research was carried out and the weight of the kites were reduced so that they could fly well. As a result, the kites of Uchiko Town came to be known as “the easiest kites to fly in Japan.” The tradition has been passed down continuously from the Edo period to the present day. The annual kite festival held on May 5, known as the Ikazaki Kite Battle festival, has been designed an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Ehime prefecture. The kites are made using bamboo strips handcrafted entirely by skilled kite makers from natural Iyo bamboo grown in Uchiko Town – a rare and highly valued material also used for high-quality bamboo crafts. The kite paper used is Ozu Washi, a traditional craft designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, produced at a washi paper mill based in Uchiko Town. Through this program, participants can learn about traditional Japanese industries such as washi papermaking and bamboo craftsmanship, and experience a traditional toy created from these crafts. This hands-on experience allows participants to gain insight into daily life during the Edo period. By learning about the importance of passing down intangible folk cultural properties and traditional crafts through the kite-flying culture of Uchiko Town, participants are encouraged to develop an interest in the history and culture of their own community, fostering a sense of civic pride.
【Program Flow】
◎Kite-Making Experience -Kite assembly – Painting and decoration
◎Kite-Flying Experience -Visit to the Ikazaki Kite Museum
(Guided tour: Explanation of kites collected from overseas and across Japan, the history of kites, the Ikazaki Kite Battle festival, and Ikazaki kites. Participants will learn about traditional culture and history preserved in various regions.)
※The kite can be taken home as a souvenir.
・Time required for the programme : Upon consultation (adjustable from 1.5 to 3 hours)
・Time of year: Year-round
・Minimum number of participants: 1
・Maximum number of participants: 20
・Price: ¥2,000-¥3,000
About 400 years ago, during the Edo period, kite flying became popular throughout Japan as a symbol of good luck. In the Odagawa River area (formerly the Ikazaki area), where wind conditions are weak, repeated research was carried out and the weight of the kites were reduced so that they could fly well. As a result, the kites of Uchiko Town came to be known as “the easiest kites to fly in Japan.” The tradition has been passed down continuously from the Edo period to the present day. The annual kite festival held on May 5, known as the Ikazaki Kite Battle festival, has been designed an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Ehime prefecture. The kites are made using bamboo strips handcrafted entirely by skilled kite makers from natural Iyo bamboo grown in Uchiko Town – a rare and highly valued material also used for high-quality bamboo crafts. The kite paper used is Ozu Washi, a traditional craft designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, produced at a washi paper mill based in Uchiko Town. Through this program, participants can learn about traditional Japanese industries such as washi papermaking and bamboo craftsmanship, and experience a traditional toy created from these crafts. This hands-on experience allows participants to gain insight into daily life during the Edo period. By learning about the importance of passing down intangible folk cultural properties and traditional crafts through the kite-flying culture of Uchiko Town, participants are encouraged to develop an interest in the history and culture of their own community, fostering a sense of civic pride.
【Program Flow】
◎Kite-Making Experience -Kite assembly – Painting and decoration
◎Kite-Flying Experience -Visit to the Ikazaki Kite Museum
(Guided tour: Explanation of kites collected from overseas and across Japan, the history of kites, the Ikazaki Kite Battle festival, and Ikazaki kites. Participants will learn about traditional culture and history preserved in various regions.)
※The kite can be taken home as a souvenir.
・Time required for the programme : Upon consultation (adjustable from 1.5 to 3 hours)
・Time of year: Year-round
・Minimum number of participants: 1
・Maximum number of participants: 20
・Price: ¥2,000-¥3,000
Recommendations
This program offers a historical experience of kite flying as it was enjoyed in the Edo period, when it became so popular that it was even banned. Through exposure to local production and traditional industries, it is expected to enhance civic pride.
- Regions
- Southern Ehime
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
| Address | 愛媛県喜多郡内子町五十崎甲1437 |
|---|---|
| Telephone Number | 0893-44-5200 |
| Website | Website |
| Contact Information | The Ikazaki Kite Museum |
| Contact Person | Kohei OOSUMI |
| Email Address | takohaku@town.uchiko.ehime.jp |
