Private multi-day tour · Multi-day from Tokyo
From Tokyo: 2-Day Shirone Kite Battle Customizable Tour
Two days for the Shirone Giant Kite Battle in Niigata, held in early June: huge kites fight across the Nakanokuchi River, plus the kite museum.
Private · your group only◆2 days◆Up to 6 guests◆Pickup included
Road-day snapshot
This is your private tour, so the route is flexible: tell us if you want to skip a stop, stay longer somewhere or add a place nearby.
The experience
A private journey, thoughtfully paced
For about 300 years, the people of Shirone in Niigata have fought kite battles across the Nakanokuchi River. Teams on each bank fly huge kites, some about 7 m by 5 m, and try to tangle their ropes with the other side. Then they pull until one rope breaks. The battle is loud, fast and very local. It takes place over several days in early June.
On Day 1 we pick you up at your hotel in central Tokyo and drive north to Niigata, about 3.5 hours. In the afternoon we visit the Shirone Kite Museum, which shows giant kites from Japan and the world and explains the battle. Entry is included. Then we walk to the river banks to watch the kite battle. Teams launch kites from both sides, and the crowd cheers when ropes cross. You stay overnight in Niigata city.
On Day 2 we return to the river in the morning to watch more of the battle and see the teams up close. After lunch we drive back to Tokyo, arriving at your hotel in the evening.
This tour runs only on the festival days.
Your guide explains the rules of the battle, how the kites are built from bamboo and washi paper, and how teams from each bank train all year. Food stalls line the banks during the festival, so you can try local snacks while you watch.
This is a private tour. Only your group. One group per van, for 1 to 6 people.
If the kite battle is cancelled on your date, you can take a full refund of your booking, guaranteed.
DAY 1 Tokyo pickup, Shirone Kite Museum, kite battle on the river banks, overnight in Niigata city.
DAY 2 Morning kite battle, lunch, drive back to your Tokyo hotel.
If weather stops the kite battle on your date, you can take a full refund of your booking, guaranteed.
Choose with confidence
Is this the right journey for your group?
Excellent fit if
- Giant kites battle across the Nakanokuchi River
- Watch teams pull until one kite rope breaks
- About 300 years of local kite fighting history
- Shirone Kite Museum with giant kites from around the world
- Two days at the festival to see more battles
Said plainly
The Shirone Giant Kite Battle is held over several days in early June. The exact dates are set each year, and this tour runs only on festival days. If the kite battle is closed or cancelled on your date, you can take a full refund of your booking, guaranteed. If you prefer, we can instead spend the two days on the Niigata sights, with the Shirone kite museum, the Northern Culture Museum and the Niigata port area. Strong wind or rain can stop the battle for some hours. If weather stops the kite battle on your date, you can take a full refund of your booking, guaranteed. Viewing is from the river banks, standing or on the grass.
Your day
Suggested itinerary
Times are approximate. Your driver-guide adjusts the order for traffic, weather, opening hours and the best light.
Giant kites battle across the Nakanokuchi River
Watch teams pull until one kite rope breaks
About 300 years of local kite fighting history
Shirone Kite Museum with giant kites from around the world
Two days at the festival to see more battles
What is covered
What you see is what you pay
Ours — included
- Private van and English-speaking driver-guide (also Hindi/Urdu)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Tokyo
- All parking, fuel and road tolls
- Shirone Kite Museum entry
Yours — paid on the day
- Hotel accommodation (you book your own hotel in Niigata city)
- Meals and drinks unless listed as included
- Gratuities, which are never expected in Japan
- Optional food from festival stalls
- Optional souvenir purchases
Good to know
Before you book
Languages
English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi
Pickup
Pickup and drop-off at your Tokyo hotel or accommodation (23 wards).
Group and vehicle
Private for up to 6 guests. Enter adults, children, infants and child seats separately at booking.
Dietary and mobility needs
Halal, vegetarian, allergy, walking or other practical requests go in your booking notes and are planned before the day.
Questions
Frequently asked
Can we change the route on the day?
Yes. It is a private tour in our own van, so your driver-guide can skip, extend or add stops where time allows.
Is the price per person?
No. The price is for your whole private group of up to 6 people, including the van, fuel, tolls, parking and your driver-guide.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for an automatic full refund to the original payment method. Within 24 hours, contact us directly so we can help. If a typhoon or official weather warning stops the trip, we offer a new date or a full refund. For a GetYourGuide booking, the terms shown on that booking apply.
Somewhere else in mind?
Any destination in Japan
If this route is not exactly what you need, tell us the destination, dates and group. We confirm the plan and the exact price before any payment is taken.
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From¥179,000
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