The Ichinoseki-Hiraizumi Hot Air Balloon Festival 2025
- 観光協会 一関市
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
The Hot Air Balloon Honda Grand Prix is one of the hottest hot air balloon competitions in Japan! Top pilots gather to take to the Tohoku sky.
The only major Hot Air Balloon Competition in Tohoku began as part of the East Japan Earthquake reconstruction efforts and has since grown into a beloved annual tradition, offering a breathtaking spectacle of hot air balloons competing in the skies of Tohoku. Set against the backdrop of the early autumn foliage, the competition takes place in a region characterized by sprawling wetlands to the north, mountains and valleys to the east, and rolling hills to the south.
The competition site is surrounded by diverse terrain, including expansive farmlands, gentle hills, and rugged mountain ranges. With an airspace reaching up to 8,000 feet (about 2,500 meters), this event tests pilots' true skills in a thrilling environment.
This year's festival will feature a variety of events at the venue, including hot air balloon tethered rides and balloon workshops. Additionally, On the 11th and 12th, the National Mochi Festival will also be held around Udome so you can enjoy a unique program combining "mochi tasting" and "balloons."
One of the highlights is the Balloon Illusion at Iwaigawa Riverside, where the colorful lights of the hot air balloons illuminate the river banks, creating a fun spectacle.
Participating Balloons (Tentative):
Competition Participants: 30 balloons
Official Balloons: 5 balloons
Total: 35 balloons
*Scheduled events are subject to change depending on the weather conditions (rainy weather/strong wind).
Details 2025
Competitive flights ・Oct 10th (Friday) 6:10~, 14:45~ ・Oct 11th (Sat) 6:10~, 14:45~ ・Oct12th (Sun) 6:10~
Competition start/end 一関水辺プラザ (Ichinoseki Mizube Plaza)
Whether or not competitive flights will take place will be announced on the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ichinoseki.hiraizumi.balloonfestival) on the day of the event.
🎈Event schedule🎈
October 10 (Friday):
Hot Air Balloon Tethered Ride Experiences (reservation required)
Hot Air Balloon Workshops Location: Ichinoseki Mizube Plaza
October 11 (Saturday):
Hot Air Balloon Tethered Ride Experiences (reservation required)
Hot Air Balloon Workshops
Honda Booth and Other Exhibitor Booths
Inflatable Play Equipment Location: Ichinoseki Hirose Udome Parking Lot
October 12 (Sunday):
Hot Air Balloon Tethered Ride Experiences (reservation required)
Hot Air Balloon Workshops
Honda Booth and Other Exhibitor BoothsLocation: Ichinoseki Hirose Udome Parking Lot *To reserve for the Hot Air Balloon Tethered Ride Experience (Japanese website)
Ichinoseki Mizube Plaza (一関水辺プラザ）
Ichinonoseki Tourist Division (JP): 0191-21-8413
Footage taken ♡
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