Saga International Balloon Fiesta 2024, Japan

The Saga International Balloon Fiesta, an annual autumn extravaganza in Saga City, Saga Prefecture, stands out as a cherished balloon festival. Against the backdrop of the scenic Kase Riverside, just outside Saga City, approximately 100 balloons have been casting their spell over audiences since the festival's inception in 1978. As one of Asia's premier balloon festivals, it captivates over 800,000 visitors annually.

Program

Visitors can experience the thrill of the Saga International Balloon Fiesta with various engaging events. Everyone can join the exhilarating Balloon competition, where skilled pilots vie for precision landings twice daily. Another crowd favorite is Balloon Fantasia, boasting larger-than-life balloons depicting beloved characters and adorable animals. Weather permitting, attendees may even get the rare chance to explore the launch site and witness balloon inflation up close. For enthusiasts eager to dive deeper into hot air ballooning, the Hot Air Balloon School offers trial classes, providing hands-on experience with inflation techniques and interaction with pilots and crew.

Schedule

The balloon competition, a sky sport where pilots compete to see who can get closest to a target, is scheduled daily from 7 am to 9 am and from 3 pm to 5 pm during the Festival, from October 31st (Thursday) to November 4th (Monday). Please note that the schedule is tentative and may change depending on the competition type and weather conditions. Balloon Fantasia is planned from 9 am to 10 am each day, while Hot Air Balloon School will take place at 1 pm daily.

Venue Highlights

Festival guests can explore the fiesta grounds, divided into three distinct areas offering a variety of attractions. On the south side, the Launch Site or Competition Site hosts the festival's main event, featuring balloon competition flights and whimsically shaped balloon displays. At the Balloon Plaza, indulge in delectable treats from food and beverage vendors, enjoy special events, and peruse official merchandise. Head to the Rest Station on the north side for live musical performances and a food market.

Entrance & Parking

Entry to the Balloon Fiesta is free, welcoming guests of all ages. Arrive via various transportation options, including walking, cycling, driving, taking the train (JR), bus, or taxi. For those driving to the event, temporary parking lots near the Kase Riverside are available, though a 1000 yen fee applies for area maintenance. Parking space is limited, especially on weekends and holidays, so consider using public transportation to avoid congestion. Temporary train services and shuttle buses from designated parking areas ensure convenient access to the fiesta grounds.