Observe the expertise behind this high-flying art at a studio operating since 1847
3 hour private experience
Location: Sanjo City
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Solo participants are welcome but will be charged the 2-person rate
Meet the Master
What you’ll do
Visit the studio of one of Niigata's last remaining "ika" kite craftsmen, in operation since 1847. Observe the work and production of a traditional Japanese kite. Learn more about how these kites are used in competition. Under the instruction of the 6th-generation master, paint your own ika kite to take home.
Who can attend
Children must be 10+
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (09:00 - 12:00)
Session 2 (14:00 - 17:00)
What else you should know
When booking, you can choose between painting a large kite or a small kite during the experience.
While the large kite is more suitable for flight, it is difficult to carry and might not fit into a suitcase.
Meanwhile, the small kite is more suited for display than actual flight.
Access
20 minutes by car from Tsubame-Sanjo Station
Taking to the Skies
High in the skies above, tossed about by fierce wind yet tethered by twine string and a team of unyielding hands, the images of fantastic warriors and fearsome creatures swoop back and forth - the curled, snarling mouth of a dragon, the blood-red kabuto helmet of a samurai, and the fiercely expressive face of a kabuki actor. A colorful craft with origins extending far back to the Edo Period, Sanjo ika (squid) kites soar aerodynamic through the sky, made of durable washi paper, flexible bamboo bows, and affixed in its hexagonal shape using glue and thread. Once the ika kite takes to air, it's ready for battle. Kite-flying competitions, held as far back as 1649 in Sanjo, feature teams competing to cut and capture the kites of their opponents, a nearly 400-year-old tradition that's supported primarily by just a single, remaining kite studio. At the studio, which has proudly operated for 6 generations and over 170 years, join the kite craftsman in learning more about the rich history of ika kites. Then, encounter the artistry of decorating these masterpieces firsthand, utilizing an array of vibrant ink to first bring the work to life - and then, to the skies.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.