What to Expect at a Hor Air Balloon Experience Event

Almost every month in Japan, you can find a Hot Air Balloon Experience Events. In my own prefecture of Saitama, a public park has one every month. They are also common at flower festivals and other big events as a key attraction. You may be wondering what to expect at such an event.

The key thing to know is that at these types of events, the balloon is tethered. The balloon usually goes about 20 to 30 meters into the sky. And, including boarding and exiting, the flight lasts about ten minutes. That is why these events are so cheap at about 2000 yen per person, and sometimes there is no charge for young children.

In the Kanto plain they are all run in a very similar way; first come, first served. For regular events, such as a park-operated monthly hot air balloon ride, you normally have to book a spot in advance online. At a festival, often you just have to queue up on the day. They usually limit the number of participants to the first 100 people in both incidences. So. if you want the experience; make sure you arrive early to avoid disappointment.