The Ichinoseki-Hiraizumi Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026
Updated: 3 days 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 reconstruction efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake and has since grown into a beloved annual tradition, offering a breathtaking spectacle as hot air balloons compete in the skies above Ichinoseki.
Set against the backdrop of early autumn, the competition takes place in a region characterized by expansive wetlands, mountains and valleys, and gently rolling hills. The diverse terrain surrounding the competition site includes vast farmland, hills, and rugged mountain ranges which provides a challenging environment for the pilots.
With airspace reaching up to 8,000 feet (approximately 2,500 meters), the event puts the pilots' skills to the test.
This year's festival will feature a variety of activities at the event venues, including hot air balloon tethered ride experiences and hot air balloon workshops.
The Balloon Illusion night event at Iwaigawa Riverside is scheduled again this year. Colourful lights of the hot air balloons illuminate the river banks, creating a fun spectacle.
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 10th (Saturday) and 11th (Sunday), the National Mochi Festival will also be held around Udome. Competition participants: 30 balloons Official balloons: 5 balloons Total: 35 balloons
Details 2026
Competitive flights ・Oct 9th (Friday) 6:10~, 14:45~ ・Oct 10th (Sat) 6:10~, 14:45~ ・Oct 11th (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 9 (Friday):
🌟Hot Air Balloon Tethered Ride Experiences (advance reservation required) 🌟Hot Air Balloon Workshops Location: Ichinoseki Mizube Plaza
October 10 (Saturday):
🌟Hot Air Balloon Tethered Ride Experiences (advance reservation required) 🌟Hot Air Balloon Workshops 🌟Honda Booth and other exhibitor booths 🌟Inflatable play equipment 🌟Various hands-on experience areas Locations: Ichinoseki Hirose Udome Parking Lot / Ichinoseki Soccer & Rugby Field
October 11 (Sunday):
🌟Hot Air Balloon Tethered Ride Experiences (advance reservation required)
🌟Hot Air Balloon Workshops
🌟Honda Booth and other exhibitor booths
Location: Ichinoseki Hirose Udome Parking Lot
*To reserve for the Hot Air Balloon Tethered Ride Experience (Japanese website)
The festival itself is free to attend.
A fee is charged only for the hot air balloon tethered ride experience:
Junior high school students and older: ¥2,000
Elementary school students: ¥1,000
Preschool children: ¥500
Advance reservations are required for tethered balloon rides. Same-day registration is not available.
Ichinoseki Mizube Plaza (一関水辺プラザ）
Ichinonoseki Tourist Division (JP): 0191-21-8413
Footage taken ♡
Comments