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Saga International Balloon Fiesta

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Saga International Balloon Fiesta

Be amazed by the stunning beauty of balloons floating in the sky! This is Asia's largest sky sports event, offering a truly breathtaking experience.

3.20 2

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Supervised by :  Saga International Balloon Fiesta Organization

The Saga International Balloon Fiesta is held on the riverbanks of the Kase River in the eastern part of Saga Prefecture and takes place over five days every autumn. With over 120 participating teams each year, renowned pilots and crews from around the world gather for this event. As the largest sky sports event in Asia, it draws more than 800,000 visitors.

The event features a variety of competitive and fun programs. From the Pacific Cup, where teams compete for the highest overall score over five days, to Balloon Fantasia, where giant character and animal-shaped balloons take to the sky, there is something for everyone. You can also attend the Balloon School, where experts explain the mechanics and unique features of hot air balloons in an easy-to-understand way.

One of the festival’s highlights is the nighttime event La Mongolfier Nocturne, where the entire riverbank is illuminated by the red glow of balloon burners. Set to upbeat music, the synchronized lighting of the balloons during the "Burners On" command creates a magical and unforgettable moment.

In addition to the balloon attractions, the event also offers local gourmet food, booths selling regional specialties, and live concerts.

However, keep in mind that the balloon events are subject to changes depending on the weather conditions on the day.

Highlights

  • A sky sports event held annually in autumn over the course of five days.
  • During the event, various competitive programs are held, attracting over 800,000 balloon enthusiasts.
  • The venue also features booths offering local gourmet food and regional specialties.
  • There are plenty of other attractions, such as concerts by musicians, ensuring fun beyond the balloons.

Photos

  • Colorful balloons floating in the clear blue sky.

    Colorful balloons floating in the clear blue sky.

  • Be sure to check out the cute designs, featuring popular characters and animal-shaped balloons!

    Be sure to check out the cute designs, featuring popular characters and animal-shaped balloons!

  • Balloons illuminated at night create a magical and enchanting scene.

    Balloons illuminated at night create a magical and enchanting scene.

  • Pilots and crews from around the world gather for this grand event.

    Pilots and crews from around the world gather for this grand event.

  • The event attracts over 800,000 visitors in total.

    The event attracts over 800,000 visitors in total.

  • At the riverside venue, there are also vendor booths offering a variety of goods.

    At the riverside venue, there are also vendor booths offering a variety of goods.

Reviews

2

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
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    I had long dreamed of seeing the world-famous Saga International Balloon Fiesta after watching it on a travel show. On this fall trip to Kyushu, I specifically arranged to take the distinctive “36+3” train there. Unfortunately, despite all the planning, the event was canceled just before it began because high river levels had affected the venue.

    Although disappointed, I still couldn’t give up and went to the site. It felt bittersweet to see the temporary Balloon Saga Station, which had been opened especially for the festival. On the vast, empty field, I occasionally saw a few skilled balloonists who had traveled from various countries and were itching to fly, launching a handful of hot air balloons when they had the chance. The scene felt both lonely and a little romantic.

    Perhaps this is what travel is really like. Having something left unfinished gives me a reason to visit Saga again. After leaving the venue, I headed into the city to visit the Saga Balloon Museum, where the many interactive exhibits allowed me to fulfill some of my longing for the sky. I hope that next time, I’ll truly be able to stand in the breeze and see the sky filled with colorful hot air balloons.

  • 陳忠誠
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    The Saga Balloon Festival is absolutely spectacular! Early in the morning, you can see tons of colorful hot air balloons rising into the sky. The atmosphere is super lively, and the photos turn out amazing! It's totally worth getting up early to see—definitely a must-visit!

Details

Name in Japanese
佐賀インターナショナルバルーンフェスタ
Postal Code
840-0864
Address
Kase Riverside, Kasemachiogino , Saga City, Saga
Telephone
0952-29-9000
Dates
Early November
Admission
Free
Business Hours
7:00am - 7:00pm (Schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions. Please check the official website for details.)
Access
About 8 minutes walk from JR Nagasaki Main Line’s “BALOON SAGA” Station.
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa