How hot air balloons work: Who invented them and how much do they cost?
This time,
Outdoor activities that are also featured in popular TV dramas
Hot Air Balloon Experience
Featured on
!
Who invented the hot air balloon and how does it work?
,
Cost of the experience
We will explain about:
Kanto ・ Kyushu ・ Tohoku ・ Tokai ・ Hokkaido For each area, It's cheaper than you might think Recommended hot air balloon experience plans Also introduced .
From adults to children,
If you've ever wanted to fly like a character in a fictional work, this is a must-see
That's right!
On your next day off, why not try taking a leisurely stroll through the air in a hot air balloon?
table of contents
- 1 Who invented the hot air balloon? How does it fly?
- 2 Famous hot air balloon competitions and events
- 3 How much does a hot air balloon experience cost?
- 4 Hot air balloon experience Recommended plan: Kanto
- 5 Hot air balloon experience Recommended plan: Kyushu
- 6 Hot air balloon experience Recommended plan: Tohoku
- 7 Hot Air Balloon Experience Recommended Plan: Tokai
- 8 Hot air balloon experience Recommended plan: Hokkaido
- 9 Let's fly in the sky with a hot air balloon experience!
- 10 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
Who invented the hot air balloon? How does it fly?
The hot air balloon was born
Japan
1783 (Tenmei 3) in the late Edo period
.
He was a paper manufacturer in France at the time.
Developed by the Montgolfier Brothers
It was done.
The brothers noticed how the heat from a fire in the fireplace fanned the laundry.
I realized that heated gas/smoke is lighter than air.
.
The brothers came up with a system for flying by collecting warm air
And so, we carried out several experiments.
Finally, on November 21, 1783,
The first manned flight in human history
I did it!
At the same time, experiments with gas balloons were also being conducted in France, but it was the Montgolfier brothers' hot air balloon that achieved the first manned flight.
By the way,
The first successful manned flight in Japan was
Early Meiji Period
.
In the Imperial Japanese Army at that time,
Japan's first successful manned flight for military purposes
It is said that he did so.
Famous hot air balloon competitions and events
In the following Famous hot air balloon competitions and events About I will!
Saga International Balloon Fiesta
"
Saga International Balloon Fiesta
"teeth,
It started in 1980 (Showa 55),
Asia's largest and longest running hot air balloon event
!
The venue is
Saga
・Flows through Saga City
The riverbank of the Kase River
is.
During the period,
"Balloon competition" using hot air balloons
will be held.
You can enjoy the extraordinary scenery of colorful hot air balloons floating in the sky.
Yo!
A row of hot air balloons in the shape of animals and characters.
Organizing events for kids
It has been done.
The Saga International Balloon Fiesta will be held
Usually from late October to early November
!
In addition to watching the competition,
You can also participate in a balloon class for beginners to get hands-on with balloons and learn how they work.
is.
If you want to learn about hot air balloons, the first place to start is the Saga International Balloon Festival. Why not experience the charm of a hot air balloon up close? Is that so?
Hot Air Balloon Honda Grand Prix
Started in 1993 (Heisei 5)
Hot Air Balloon Honda Grand Prix
"
Held throughout Japan throughout the year
A general term for a race consisting of 4 to 5 races
is.
A winner will be decided for each race, and then an overall team champion will be decided for the year.
I will.
The Saga Balloon Festival mentioned above is also one of the events in the Honda Hot Air Balloon Grand Prix.
Besides,
Nagano
・
Iwate
・
Tochigi
The race will be held at.
The race will be part of a programme of local hot air balloon events.
What happens at the race?
Multiple competitions called "tasks"
!
Tasks vary, including moving to a location decided by the pilot before the flight (pilot declared goal) or moving to a location decided by the competition organizers (judge declared goal).
The race will be held at
Usually from May to December
!
If you want to watch the games on-site, you can attend a hot air balloon event at the games venue.
Like the Saga International Balloon Fiesta, At each venue Aside from the races, there are plenty of other hot air balloon programs to enjoy That's right!
How much does a hot air balloon experience cost?
Requires extensive facilities and equipment
Hot Air Balloon
.
The price for the experience is surprisingly reasonable
is
Yo!
In the following, A hot air balloon experience that can be booked through Activity Japan Listed in price order .
The price is for a light plan with mooring and low altitude flight.
From 2,500 yen
!
I'm planning to spend my holiday a little differently than usual, so I'll start by
Why not invite a group of family or friends to join you?
mosquito?
Hot air balloon experience Recommended plan: Kanto
Kanto So, Tochigi Southern and Saitama Northern Watarase River Area Hot air balloon experience held It has been done.
The experience includes:
A plan with mooring that even beginners can participate in with confidence
from,
Free flight up to 1,000m above the ground
We have a wide range of products.
Hot air balloon assembly and explanation
If the plan includes a workshop element,
Perfect for parents and children to participate in
is.
Private plan Then you can enjoy a romantic walk in the sky. It can also be used as a place for couples to make a date or propose marriage. Yo!
The experience time is
At least 2 to 3 hours
.
Early morning plan
Then you can enjoy it quickly on a holiday morning!
Participation possible from age 0
that's why,
Perfect for small children to try sky sports for the first time
is.
Hot air balloon experience around the Watarase River in Kanto
Check the following link for
!
Depending on the plan,
Pick-up and drop-off
or,
Snacks and drinks provided during the experience
You can take advantage of great perks, etc.
Pets allowed! English support available! This is a hot air balloon experience that can be enjoyed by everyone, from children to adults, foreigners, people who are afraid of heights, wheelchair and medical buggy users, and even pets. We will help you with the assembly, and prepare many photogenic scenes. Listening to an explanation of the mechanism and history of the hot air balloon before riding will make the experience even more exciting. From October to April
SALE! [Tochigi・Watarase] Spectacular flight! Hot air balloon free flight experience
This plan does not support English.
Accessible in 90 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area! Located on the border of Tochigi, Ibaraki, Gunma, and Saitama prefectures, this area is home to the Watarase Reservoir, which was registered under the Ramsar Convention in 2012. It is one of the top aerial sports meccas in Japan, and you can fly in a hot air balloon all year round. It boasts a vast area and offers spectacular scenery that you would never imagine is in Japan.
Here is the appeal of the hot air balloon flight experience at PUKAPUKA! ◆We will explain the history and mechanism of hot air balloons, and you will experience assembling, launching, and retrieving them after landing! Hot air balloons are the first vehicles to fly in the sky! Our staff will carefully explain the little-known history and mechanism of hot air balloons! It is something you rarely see in your everyday life.
The event will also take place during the Watarase Balloon Race (12/13~12/15)! Why not take a look at the spectacular view of over 30 hot air balloons flying from the sky? (Drones are not permitted during the event to prevent collisions with the balloons). Current athletes competing in the 2024 Hot Air Balloon World Championships will guide you to a world of maximum altitudes of 1000m with a full-scale free flight experience. Many
A special flight where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Kanto Plain from an altitude of 1000m. Why not make the time you spend with your family, friends, and loved ones special? Since it is a completely private space, you can relax and enjoy without worrying about those around you. It is also a perfect setting for a proposal! The romantic moment of pledging your love in the sky will be an unforgettable memory.
Hot air balloon experience Recommended plan: Kyushu
Kyushu
・
Kumamoto
of
Aso City
So,
Simple tethered hot air balloon experience
Can participate in
.
Height: 40m
It floats up to
Panoramic views of Mount Aso and surrounding areas
can!
If you ask the pilot,
Experience operating the burner
can
Yo.
The experience takes about 5 minutes
.
Held just as the sun rises
Because,
The best thing about this place is that it's perfect for a quick morning meal when you're traveling.
is!
Plan
Experience is available from age 0
.
Why not enjoy an early morning aerial stroll with your children?
504 [Kumamoto/Aso] Enjoy the spectacular morning view! (Early morning) Hot air balloon experience
Tour code: A2-KM01-000504 The hot air balloon, tethered by a rope, rises to a height of about 40m. Looking down at the magnificent view lit by the morning sun is refreshing! If you want to try lighting the burner, ask the pilot for help! Feel the explosive sound of the burner lighting up and the impact on your skin.
Hot air balloon experience Recommended plan: Tohoku
Tohoku Region
So,
Yamagata
Nanyo City,
Miyagi
・
Matsushima Town
You can participate in a hot air balloon experience.
The above spot is
both
One of the best view spots in Tohoku
!
In Nanyo City, the surrounding area
Yonezawa Basin
or
sea of clouds
In Matsushima Town,
Matsushima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan
You can enjoy it from above.
The plan is
Moored and 15-20m high
It's not that expensive.
Therefore,
Even those who are experiencing a hot air balloon for the first time can feel at ease.
.
The actual experience takes about 5 minutes
So it won't put a strain on your travel schedule!
In Nanyo City You can experience the whole process from hot air balloon standby to boarding and packing up. Full participation plan " There are also Learn about the structure of hot air balloons through professional lectures You can also do this.
In the following
Recommended hot air balloon experience plan Tohoku version
Currently posted
!
If you are going with small children,
Experience available from 0 years old & free rental of baby carriers and step stools for children
Choose a plan that allows you to do so.
Enjoy a quick and extraordinary experience on your trip to Tohoku!
Matsushima is one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, and is full of spectacular views! This activity allows you to enjoy the spectacular views from a hot air balloon. The hot air balloon is secured to the four sides by ropes and rises to a height of about 20m. ★The highlight is the Matsushima Light Road. After sunrise, the sun shines on the surface of the sea, creating a road of light. Enjoy the spectacular view of the islands of Matsushima bathed in the morning sun before breakfast.
If you can see the sea of clouds from a hot air balloon in the early morning, it will be a lucky day! A hot air balloon is a ride that everyone wants to ride at least once in their life. Experience the excitement, fun, and extraordinary time in the sky with your family and friends on board and enjoy the scenery in Yamagata! Plan description A hot air balloon flight experience over Mount Jubunichi in Nanyo City, where you can see the whole Okitama Basin. On a clear day, you can see the countryside including Yonezawa city.
[Iwate / Geto Plateau] Hot air balloons can be enjoyed by everyone from children to the elderly!
It is said that balloons were the first vehicles that humans used to fly in the sky. The scenery changes as you rise, which is impressive! Why not take your time and enjoy the view from the sky? ~Schedule~①After 5:00 We will contact customers by phone to let you know if the event will be held. Please be prepared to answer the phone on the day. Customers staying at the campsite will be able to watch the monitor in front of the reception desk.
Hot Air Balloon Experience Recommended Plan: Tokai
Tokai region
The only place you can experience hot air ballooning is at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
Shizuoka
・
Gotemba area
!
Experience assembling, launching, flying, disassembling and packing up a hot air balloon
can,
Full-scale free flight plan
is popular
We are collecting.
The flight is carried out by
Majestic Mount Fuji to the north
Hope,
Farmland as far as the eye can see
The countryside spreads
.
Experience flying freely, untethered, through tranquil scenery
You will be escorted by an experienced pilot, so anyone can enjoy hot air balloon flights, regardless of their experience!
Experience time: 2-3 hours
About.
The experience is suitable for ages 6 and up.
Therefore, children of elementary school age and above can participate.
Depending on the plan,
Shuttle service to the nearest station
You can also use it!
Why not take a day trip from the Tokyo area with your family or friends on the weekend and enjoy a little adventure at a great price?
[Shizuoka/Fuji Gotemba] An exhilarating walk in the sky! Hot air balloon free flight experience
This plan does not support English.
Only 90 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area! Enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in an area that spans Gotemba City and Oyama Town in Shizuoka Prefecture. After your flight, you can also enjoy sightseeing around Gotemba. We also offer private charter courses. Smile Balloon offers a wide range of services, from the basic to the advanced level.
Hot air balloon experience Recommended plan: Hokkaido
A vast area with numerous view and nature spots
Hokkaido
.
You can experience hot air ballooning in Hokkaido.
Sapporo
Day trip possible from
Furano
& Widely known as a World Natural Heritage Site
Shiretoko
There are two places!
What you can experience is
You can enjoy Hokkaido's great outdoors while taking a stroll in the sky
Free Flight Plan
.
Depending on the season,
The silver-stained earth
or,
Dynamic drift ice
You can see it from above.
Also Summer time only in, Niseko A mooring experience where you can enjoy the magnificent nature of is also being held.
Adjust your travel season and schedule to
Enjoy the large-scale scenery unique to Hokkaido from a hot air balloon
!
Snowshoeing
etc.
Combined plan with other activities
Then,
Experience the natural beauty of Hokkaido from both the sky and the earth
Yes you can.
Experience time: 20-30 minutes About. Participants from age 5 is!
Free shuttle plan
This means that even first-time visitors to Hokkaido can easily access the area without getting lost.
If you are planning to visit Sapporo, Furano, Shiretoko, or Niseko, be sure to try out a hot air balloon ride!
[Hokkaido, Furano] Hot air balloon free flight (20 minute course/30 minute course)
Take a stroll through the air, letting the wind take you overlooking the silvery snow, the Tokachi mountain range, and the Furano Basin. As you look down on the vast snowy fields and the miniature-like townscape, you will feel as if you are part of the great outdoors of Furano.
■Free flight of hot air balloons only available in winter Unlike "tethered" balloons secured by ropes, you can experience a "free flight of hot air balloons" that fly at the mercy of the wind in the northern skies. Hot air balloons have no engines or other power sources, and take off only with the buoyancy of the air heated by the burners. When the burners are not in use, you can experience a silent world, a mysterious walk in the soundless sky.
[Hokkaido, Shiretoko] Hot air balloon flight / Snowshoe hiking at Kaminoko Pond 1-day tour
In the morning, you will take a hot air balloon free flight, strolling in the air over the silvery white world, viewing the drift ice from the sky, and in the afternoon, you will go to Kaminoko Pond on snowshoes. The hot air balloon free flight is an aerial stroll of about 30 minutes. You can enjoy the great outdoors from the same perspective as the birds. You will be able to touch the hot air balloon and experience various things while the mechanism and principles of the hot air balloon are explained.
[Hokkaido, Niseko] Hot air balloon tethering experience (held twice a day)
Hokkaido - Activities in Niseko. Hot air ballooning is held twice a day, in the early morning and evening. It is held at the place with the highest rate of tethered hot air ballooning experiences in Hokkaido. The Niseko balloon, where you can experience the great outdoors, rises to about 30m above the ground, and from there you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Niseko mountain range area. Air enters and the large envelope inflates bigger and bigger, and the balloon stands up.
Let's fly in the sky with a hot air balloon experience!
This time Hot Air Balloon Experience Featured on I did it!
Kanto In various parts of Japan, including Tethered hot air balloons and free flights You can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the air. !
Using this special feature as a reference, why not try a hot air balloon ride on your next day off and enjoy the extraordinary experience of floating through the sky?
*The content of this article is current as of January 2025.
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